Bucs sign two linebackers

The Bucs signed linebackers Teddy Lehman and Matt McCoy, according to team news releases.

Lehman, a second-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2004, has 165 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 41 games, including 16 starts, in four seasons.

McCoy, a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005, has 85 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles in 30 games, including 10 starts, in three seasons with the Eagles and New Orleans Saints.

Comments

[Michael]

I like these moves. I think that the depth will allow the defense to be even better. Not only will they be able to fill in if there are any injuries, but they could give Derrick a few plays off to keep him fresher.

[aaron]

i think the lb's taken last year, quincy black and adam heyward along with ryan nece are a solid group of back ups. this move was unnecessary.

[Dan]

Stupid moves, we have great depth at linebacker, we got trotter last season and barely used him, we have more important needs then the linebacking core.

[John S]

You probably have to look at these moves at LB & QB as a prelude to a trade or two. Nece and Simms would seem to be the most likely to be moved.

[Nick]

Unfortunately all the talk about having all of this cap room for the offseason was a smoke screen. At this point we need more help than the draft can give us unless we trade future draft picks which I am very worried about. ALL OF THE QUALITY FREE AGENTS ARE GONE!! Kevin Carter was a huge presence in the middle regardless of his sack total. So why did we clear cap room by releasing him AND Spires??? Now not only do we need wide receivers and running backs we also need a run stopper up the middle which Kevin Carter provided! I wonder if the Glasers are getting cheap on us AND RAISING PRICES???? Maybe Jon and Bruce's hands are tied??? This stinks for next year.

[JC]

I agree, these moves were unecessary. Even if trading Nece was in the cards, one or more of these guys is bound to be cut before the season starts. If you are going to sign a bunch of players to compete in camp, why not defensive linemen? One of their self-professed areas of need? I'm not really sure why they haven't resigned Carter yet, given the lack of bodies on the DL.

[Vince]

Stephen, could it be that Gruden/Allen (armed with recent contract extensions) are making a long-term play. I agree with not overpaying in FA, but it looks like the Bucs are actually trying very hard to get young. Maybe the plan is to get young at all cost, even a setback year, to build the team through younger,less expensive players. Build through the draft, instead of FA, and only acquire free agents that are inexpensive, young and looking for their opportunity (Griese being the exception).

If this is the case, it will probably not sit well with fans (who want instant success), but it is probably not a bad plan. In fact, it was the Dungy plan.

[DR]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[BucsFan28]

Why is everyone complaining about who we are signing,as we all know we have plenty of cap room and i'm sure these LB's we're signing are coming pretty cheap,there is nothing wrong with depth.Im sure gruden/Allen know we're we help just as much as we do so just be patient,we one Division Championship last year with what we have and so far that roster is looking the same with some added experiance from FA so it's not like we're taking any steps backwards,just show a little faith.

[Kurt]

Some of you people, especially DR are numb-nuts. These are clearly signings for special teams and the early camps. These guys cost nothing, especially when they get cut. This happens every year, and all the stupid people complain about it. Did you not see a flurry of no-names and excessive QB's last year too? Were they all on the team when the season starter? Duh!!!

[John P]

Gotta agree with Kurt on this. These guys are warm bodies with a dash of hope that they might display some of the talent that made them high draft choices. Nothing to bet on - but the Bucs didn't really spend much for a look, either.

[DR]

The Bucs are cheap skates who are hoping that a no namer makes it big with them. It's obviously possible but do you really think they are good talent evaluators? They haven't done anything in the past that says they know talent when they see it. They're just wasting money until they prove otherwise.
The Bucs should have spent big money on bringing in Bill Cowher. I'd be more optimistic with a good coach on the sidelines.

Dr ia a moron

[Vince]

DR, if you are nothing else, you are consistent. Consistently hate Gruden (because he is not Dungy).

Gruden/Allen are good talent evaluators. How do you explain the Super Bowl FA signings or this past season's offensive line. Do you remember everyone saying Sears was a mistake, should have signed Kalil?

As for being "cheapskates," have you been paying attention for last few years? Your guy McKay put the Bucs in salary cap hell that they are just now coming out of. If you had your way, we would go right back. Silly.

[DR]

There we go again with the salary cap hell, even after Gruden signed a bunch of free agents before the super bowl season. Dungy was looking forward to being able to help the offense out before that season but was back stabbed by the Glazers.
Dungy isn't the greatest coach, he mishandled Dunn and Alstott, but to put Gruden on a pedastal like you guys do is ridiculous. His record as a Bucs coach is terrible. Last year in a weak division was nothing to be proud of. 8 out of 9 wins against losing teams doesn't make anybody a good coach. Consider him lucky. If he can put the Bucs in the playoffs this year, he'll finally earn a little respect. But his past doesn't predict that.

[RD]

DR is a man lover.