Barber signs deal

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Ronde Barber signed his contract extension. Finally.

The Bucs All Pro cornerback ended weeks of speculation Wednesday by signing a five-year, $24-million deal.

The new pact, which is expected to guaranteee Barber at least $12-million in the first two years, means he likely will finish his career in Tampa Bay.

"This team has always put me in a position to succeed and I think I've done a lot to help this team win,'' Barber said.

"These days, there aren't a lot of guys who get to play their whole career for one team, and to do so here would be an honor for me. They made it clearn that they appreciate me, and I'm glad we could get a deal done today.''

Barber, 31, has started 103 straight games for the Bucs, the longest streak among active NFL cornerbacks.

"We believe Ronde's future is as bright as his past,'' general manager Bruce Allen said. "Any time you can re-sign a team captain and perennial All Pro player, it is a great day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.''

Allen will turn his attention to striking deals with other players whose contracts expire after the season, including Chris Simms, Dewayne White and Josh Bidwell.