Big Gaines

Gaines Adams is officially a Buc.

Adams, the team's first round pick, just strolled into the Celebration Hotel alongside his agent, Fletcher Smith, just after signing his contract. And what a contract it is. We've learned Adams signed a six-year deal worth $46-million, $18.56-million of it guaranteed. Those numbers represent a 14.4 percent increase over the value of last year's No. 4 pick, the Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

It was feared Adams' negotiations would extend into Friday, when the first training camp practice is scheduled to be held. But Adams held true to his word and reported to Celebration before even most of his teammates.

He became the highest-drafted player to sign thus far from the 2007 draft class. Others, such as Cleveland's Joe Thomas, the No. 3 pick, might have protracted negotiations that extend well into camp. Smith said he and Adams were happy to finalize the deal if the Bucs were willing to offer what Smith projected Adams' market value to be.

His presence in camp is key. The Bucs want to experiment with several different lineups and looks with their defensive front seven, and Adams is liekly to be a major part of those efforts.

He, like the rest of us, doesn't know precisely what the team's plans for him.

"I'm not worried about that," he said. "I'm just coming in and working hard and doing whatever Coach (Jon) Gruden wants me to do."

He's just ready to play.

"I'm very excited," he said. "It's a dream come true."

(Times photo - Brendan Fitterer. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Andy]

Eric Curry meet Gaines Adams

[Darren]

Fantastic! Our Bucs are going to Rock!!!

[Patrick]

You have to give credit where it's due. Bruce Allen gets these guys in camp every time each year. Great job, Bruce!

[Joe]

Didn't the Times just report a possible holdout for Adams? Nice job to get our top pick in camp.

Lee Roy Selmon or Keith McCants, that is the question.

[Mike]

I love this guy i think hes guna be great the next Simeon but a smaller ego

[Bill]

Hello Gaines; bye, bye, Simeon.

[Larry]

Hey I know alot of people will be upset by the release of Rice in favor of Adams. As a long, long time bucs fan,it is sad but true. If you were a doctor or a carpenter or a fishing Capt. at 33 you would be a kid. But in the NFL 33 means you are an old man. Here's to Simeon and a big thanks for all his work and devotion to the Bucs and their fans,but injuries take their toll. So here is to Gaines Adams, welcome to Tampa Bay,hope you live up to your reputation and hype. I think you will. We will be watching. Hopefully you have the great run Simeon had. don't let us down.After all we are Bucs fans and we have been through alot.