The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made their first big splash in free agency as the team has signed linebacker Bruce Carter.
According to the Bucs, it’s a four-year deal. It’s reportedly worth $20.5 million.
Carter will likely step into the middle linebacker role but has vast experience playing in all three linebacker positions. He could also potentially start at strongside linebacker but the most glaring fit is for him to play in the middle.
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He’s considered very good against the run, has good speed and can play well in pass coverage, something that the Bucs have been missing from their linebacking corps in recent years.
The signing of Carter all but confirms that Mason Foster won’t be back with the team.
Last season, Carter had five interceptions for the Dallas Cowboys and made 68 tackles. His five picks led the team and were the most by a linebacker in 2014.
In 49 career games, Carter has made 242 tackles and three sacks.
Carter has familiarity playing in a 4-3 defence as former Bucs assistants Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli employed the same defensive scheme in Dallas.
Carter was the 40th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft out of North Carolina.