Dunn coming home to Tampa

A week after his visit with the Bucs, one-time Tampa Bay draft pick Warrick Dunn has signed a two-year, $6-million deal with the club.

Dunn, 33, was released by the Falcons on March 2 after the team signed free agent back Michael Turner. Returning to Tampa was the best scenario for Dunn, his agent said.

"It feels like based on all the information we have, it's the best fit for Warrick," agent Jim Steiner said. "I think after talking to both Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden, that was clear."

Dunn did not make any other free agent visits, but Steiner said that was the player's choice.

"He could have, but we declined," Steiner said.

Dunn was a first-round pick of the Bucs in 1997 and played five seasons in Tampa Bay, accumulating 4,200 yards -- third-most in franchise history. He'll get a chance to add to that total in 2008 when he will attempt to pass Mike Alstott, who retired in January with 5,088 career yards, second most in franchise history.

The addition of Dunn reduces the importance of selecting a running back early in the draft as he joins Earnest Graham and Michael Bennett in a very experienced backfield. That should allow the Bucs to concentrate on adding receiver help, if they so choose, early in the draft.

This also likely spells the end of Michael Pittman's run in Tampa Bay, after the veteran elected to become a free agent after last season. Pittman remains unsigned.

Comments

Great! He'll be an excellent receiver out of the backfield and change of pace back to E. Graham. Also will push Michael Bennett. Upgrade from M. Pittman IMHO. Dunn's got a lot of legs left. Go Bucs!

[ohiobucfan]

Dunn version 2.0 should be good for the bucs, he can help train two young solid backs on and off the field

[Dwayne]

not a bad pickup. im just wondering if there really gonna put him on the field with Bennett being kind of upset of his playing time last year, i wonde rhow this will work out, and i wonder what number hes gonna wear.

[Justin M]

Can this deal be voided easily without cap implications?

Earnest Graham will have to get a new contract now that Dunn, a backup at the age of 33, just got one like this.

I like Dunn. He can be a good third down RB, but I dont see him as an enormous upgrade in that department. Graham proved to be a great receiver last year. A RB addition through the draft would be cheaper and younger.

[JJ]

Dunn is much better suited for Gruden's style of offense, which makes it an even bigger shame he left in the first place. Graham is going to get his payday. All of this cap-money the Bucs supposedly have (and have yet to spend) is going to have to go somewhere. Re-signing Graham, Ruud, Buchannon, and others will happen eventually.

[JS]

I like Bennett and Graham as much as anybody, but everybody seems to forget the fact that Graham only got playing time because of injuries. You HAVE to have quality depth, because guys are going to get hurt. Dunn definitely fits the bill, and Bruce is known as a great contract guy, so I doubt there is much risk built in.

[John P]

Welcome home, Warrick!

[G.K.]

Glad he is back. To bad the "A" Train isn't around to be his partner again.

[Jay]

Oh hell yes! Welcome back Warrick!

[matt]

Hell ya we may win another superbowl

[Eric]

MAtt: Don't buy your superbowl tickets yet. This team has a long way to go before they are there.

[Rube]

Great pick up for Tampa. He will be to us what Kevin Faulk is to the Pats. Great person too, will be great in the locker room. Always missed him when he left, left the season the Bucs won it all.

just what we need a 33year old back that averaged 3yards a carry.anyone rember charley garner, tim brown and all the other washed up players that the bucks tried that did not work out.

[cory]

Good pickup, but too much money. Backup makes more money than starter?

[John P]

I'm pretty sure he'll contribute enough to be worth the salary. There's a leadership factor to go along with the ability - don't forget that. He's not as fast, but his 33 year old body hasn't been beaten down nearly as badly as most RB's at his age. He's a platoon player, and he'll fit right in.

[Ray]

I just wanted to say, I wish the best for Micheal Pittman wherever he ends up. Thanks for all your help.

[Jay]

One question for Stephen - will Tanard Jackson give up the #28 so Dunn can have it back? If so, he just went up a notch in the respect column.

[lance]

will dunn continue to be selfish in his return stint? or will he complain like before. we did fine without him. we should have made an attempt to get turner. show graham the respect he deserves, make him no. 1 and pay him as such. show pittman the door. dunn may not have been a good teammate, but at least his charitable work showed class. pittman only showed his a--.

[Jay]

Lance, is there another Warrick Dunn you're thinking of? Is the #28 on his chest backwards, and his face is really angular? Is he only susceptible to red kryptonite rays instead of green? Because I don't remember any of what you're talking about.

[Dave Cutler]

Welcome home, Warrick Dunn! Proud to say that Dunn was my original favorite Buccaneer (though Alstott took over since Dunn left) and once again, he'll be my favorite.

GIT-R-DUNN BUCS!!!!

[Darren]

Welcome home Warrick!

[aaron]

good pick up but we need to still draft a running back in this years draft. Yvenson Bernard from OSU runs, blocks and catches the ball. perfect it for grudens system. could be had in later rounds (6,7) due to poor 40 time at the combine. had minor knee surgery after college season ended and was still recovering.

Welcome Home Warrick Dunn.

One of my favorite players, up there with Alstott & Brooks.

WD-40 will retire as Bucs.

[Single Black Moms in Tampa]

all right ... dats some great news boy!
i can not wait til thanksgiving!!!

[The Guy on the Couch]

what happens on thanksgiving?

[DR]

I love Tony Romo, but that doesn't make me gay.

[Single Black Moms in Tampa]

Guy on the Couch: thanxgivin is when Warrick be handin out those keys to a new house ...
I gots to gets mines!

[The Guy on the Couch]

Word!