From the Tampa Tribune. The Bucs did resign the man known for three false start penalties in one drive last year. But that written, he's a solid blocker and leader. On the matter of leaders, former Raiders DB Charles Woodson is to meet with the organization. See below.
Bucs Say Walker Is Right On Line
By ROY CUMMINGS rcummings@tampatrib.com
TAMPA - After spending more than a week searching for upgrades, the Bucs have decided to stand pat at one of the most important positions on the field.
Less than 24 hours after they lost a bidding war for free-agent Tom Ashworth, the Bucs decided Friday to once again entrust right tackle Kenyatta Walker with protecting quarterback Chris Simms' blind side.
The signing of Walker comes just two days after the University of Florida product made what is believed to be his only free-agent visit. That was to Atlanta, where he met with Falcons general manager Rich McKay, the man who as Bucs GM traded up to get him 14th overall in the 2001 draft.
In the eyes of many, including several inside the Bucs camp, Walker never has justified the decision to draft him so high. He has, however, consistently outperformed all the players who have been brought in to challenge him, starting 77 of a possible 85 games since entering the NFL.
"Kenyatta started every game last year and helped us make the playoffs," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said in a statement released by the team. "We made great strides on offense last season and it was our goal to keep everyone on board so that we could continue that improvement."
AND....
Bucs Will Meet With Woodson
By ROY CUMMINGS rcummings@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 24, 2006
TAMPA - The Bucs don't appear to be in need of a starting-caliber cornerback, but one of that ilk apparently is headed their way.
The agent for four-time Pro Bowl corner Charles Woodson confirmed that Woodson arrived in Tampa late Thursday for a meeting with the Bucs today.
Woodson, 29, had his best years while playing under Bucs coach Jon Gruden in Oakland, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. Since 2002, however, Woodson has struggled to stay healthy and play up to the level of some enormous contracts.
Woodson made $10.5 million after being named the Raiders' franchise player for the second consecutive year last season, but for the fourth consecutive year he failed to turn in a complete season, missing the final 10 games because of a broken leg.
The Bucs appear set at corner, with starters Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly and backup Juran Bolden, who recently was re-signed to a multiyear contract. They are, however, in need of an experienced free safety, so the Bucs may plan to ask Woodson to consider a move there.
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