Bucs sign Petitgout

   The Bucs could have a new left tackle next season.

   Tampa Bay signed Giants free agent Luke Petitgout Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not released, but it is believed to be a 3-year, $15.5-million contract. The deal includes a $3-million signing bonus.

    Petitgout, who will be 31 in June, started nine games last season before suffering a fractured fibula which forced him to miss the rest of the year.

      But there may be other concerns about Petitgout, who visited the Washington Redskins Monday. Citing NFL sources, the Washington Post reported that Petitgout has back problems.

   That should be a warning signal to Bucs fans, who remember former 49ers tackle Derrick Deese, another veteran offensive lineman with a history of back problems that eventually was forced to retire.

   At 6-foot-6, 308-pounds, Petitgout could move inside and play guard. But the Bucs plans would likely be to play him at left tackle since Anthony Davis struggles against NFL pass rushers. Davis is considering moving to left guard.

   Another offensive lineman coveted by the Bucs, 49ers center Jeremy Newberry, has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

   Falcons fullback Justin Griffith, one of the first free agents to visit the Bucs, visited Green Bay Tuesday.

            

Comments

The signing of Petitgout reminds me of when the Bucs signed Todd Steussie. They were both drafted with the 19th pick overall by their respective teams and signed by the Bucs in their early 30's. We know how poorly Steussie performed with the Bucs; I wonder how Petitgout will perform as a starting LT...

The Bucs should have been smart and signed Derrick Dockery or Eric Steinbach.

[Tim Capin]

I am confused it has been stated that the Bucs do not want to loose Buerning, so why spend the money to get a 31 year old player who was thinking of retiring anyway instead of resiging Buerning? This reminds me of a few years ago when the Bucs spent a lot of money on older players and does anyone remember the results, if not they were bad. So can someone explain with cap money they do not get younger players that can help for a few years?

Smart move, Steussie was brought in as a RT not LT and was clearly on the downside of his career. Derrick Deese was 34 when he was brought in and definitely had little gas in the tank left. Petitgout passed a physical with the Bucs- the same physical that John Lynch failed- keep that in mind. Derrick Dockery and Eric Steinbach commanded way too much money for a non pro-bowl reputation. To get paid like a pro bowler means you make the pro bowl to prove you deserve it. Dockery is overrated and Steinbach is only 'good' because he's versatile.

Petitgout just helped augment this offensive line.

Smart move, Steussie was brought in as a RT not LT and was clearly on the downside of his career. Derrick Deese was 34 when he was brought in and definitely had little gas in the tank left. Petitgout passed a physical with the Bucs- the same physical that John Lynch failed- keep that in mind. Derrick Dockery and Eric Steinbach commanded way too much money for a non pro-bowl reputation. To get paid like a pro bowler means you make the pro bowl to prove you deserve it. Dockery is overrated and Steinbach is only 'good' because he's versatile.

Petitgout just helped augment this offensive line.