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As it turns out, Bucs veteran corner Ronde Barber won't go the way of Warren Sapp or John Lynch. Instead, this mainstay of the Tampa 2 defense will remain in red and pewter for the next few years, thanks to a five-year extension that could be worth as much as $24 million.
Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com broke the news of the contract, and he reports that the deal is nearly done. Under the terms, Barber will receive $6 million in bonus money over the first two years.
While the deal is a good one for a 31-year-old defensive back who has made the turn and is headed toward the homestretch of his career, the bonus numbers don't reflect the current market for free-agent cornerbacks.
Brian Williams, for example, got $10 million in bonuses with the Jaguars this year. Anthony Henry received $11 million in bonus money from the Cowboys. Fred Smoot snagged $10.8 million from the Vikings.
So why not play out the current contract and hit the free agent in March? Sure, Barber would then be assuming the injury risk for 2006. But the guy has been a model of durability, appearing in all 16 games in every season since 1998.
Our guess? Barber truly wanted to retire in Tampa, and he was willing to accept a deal that would help the team sign and/or keep enough other talent to allow the franchise to continue to be competitive.
Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com broke the news of the contract, and he reports that the deal is nearly done. Under the terms, Barber will receive $6 million in bonus money over the first two years.
While the deal is a good one for a 31-year-old defensive back who has made the turn and is headed toward the homestretch of his career, the bonus numbers don't reflect the current market for free-agent cornerbacks.
Brian Williams, for example, got $10 million in bonuses with the Jaguars this year. Anthony Henry received $11 million in bonus money from the Cowboys. Fred Smoot snagged $10.8 million from the Vikings.
So why not play out the current contract and hit the free agent in March? Sure, Barber would then be assuming the injury risk for 2006. But the guy has been a model of durability, appearing in all 16 games in every season since 1998.
Our guess? Barber truly wanted to retire in Tampa, and he was willing to accept a deal that would help the team sign and/or keep enough other talent to allow the franchise to continue to be competitive.