The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made just their second non-Buccaneer free agent signing today as they agreed to terms on a two-year deal with former Buffalo Bills cornerback Ashton Youboty. Besides having a funny name, Youboty is a former third round pick from the 2006 draft and has appeared in 43 games in his NFL career, all for the Bills.
Youboty is most likely an insurance sign for the Buccaneers, who are preparing for life without Aqib Talib in the event that the league levies and punishment on the embattled Talib in light of his legal allegations. The Buccaneers secondary is also dealing with hamstring injuries to both Talib, and Myron Lewis.
Youboty was selected out of the Ohio State University in 2006, and has recorded 52 tackles and just 1 interception in his five year career. However, the Buccaneers believe he is the type of player that fits their mold and that he can perform in the Tampa Bay defensive scheme. He will be competing with Lewis, Elbert Mack, and Anthony Gaitor for a spot on the opening day roster.
Raheem Morris spoke positively of the signing, suggesting they had scouted Youboty themselves prior to the '06 draft.
"We always talk about long-term thinking, you never know what's going to happen. You never know how it's going to happen. To get a guy in here who liked in the draft and have an opportunity to sign is something we want to do."
The deal comes with little risk, as a source told the St. Petersburg Times that there is no guaranteed money in the contract and it will carry zero cap implications.