Rice passes physical with Andrews

Defensive end Simeon Rice, released by the Bucs for failing a physical, said he passed a battery of exams administered by renowned orthopedist Dr. James  Andrews in Pensacola last weekend and has been cleared to play this season.

"With flying colors," Rice said by telephone Tuesday.

Rice said in addition to a physical exam, Andrews performed X-rays and an MRI on his surgically repaired left shoulder.

"It was all 100 percent," Rice said. "Dr. Andrews said, 'What kind of physical did you take down there?' I told him they just checked for my mobility in the shoulder and said I failed. He said, 'They didn't even test you for any kind of structure in the shoulder?'"

Rice said he was asked by Bucs general manager Bruce Allen to take a pay cut of $2.5-million from his $7.25-million salary. When Rice refused, he was released.

Rice was in New York and scheduled to dine with members of the Giants' front office Tuesday evening. He is expected to undergo a physical Wednesday.

"I can do everything. I'm clear," Rice said.

However, Rice said he does not intend to rush his decision. He also has received interest from the Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans.

Bucs to sign Cornell Green

The Bucs are expected to sign Denver Broncos tackle Cornell Green today if he passes a physical. Green, 30, was part of the Bucs Super Bowl team and also played with the team in 2003. He was released by the Broncos Tuesday as teams reached the NFL mandated 75 man roster limit. To make room for Green the Bucs are expected to make a transaction involving Torrin Tucker, who has missed most of training camp with an arthritic knee. Tucker will likely be placed on injured reserve or reach an injury settlement with the team.

-- Rick Stroud

Hovan's back

Defensive tackle Chris Hovan returned to practice Wednesday and said he intends to play Saturday night against the Dolphins. Hovan had been sidelined all this week with a cut that became infected. The ailment required a visit to the hospital on Monday and treatment with antibiotics, but all is well now.

"It was a minor infection and we just didn't want it to lead to a major infection," he said.

Elsewhere, linebacker Shelton Quarles (ankle) was back Wednesday, but running back Michael Pittman (Achilles) was out again with his on-and-off soreness.

Allen injures thumb

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Starting safety Will Allen, left, has a thumb injury that forced him to miss the morning workout Thursday. He is being fitted with a splint and expected to return Friday.

Injuries are nothing new to Allen, who missed three games last season due to torn ligaments in his thumb. He is expected to replace Dexter Jackson at free safety.

The Bucs rested veterans Kenyatta Walker, Brian Kelly and Greg Spires.

Running back Derek Watson complained of soreness in his neck following a collision with linebacker Jamie Winborn Thursday morning. Tests on Watson's neck checked out okay but he is uncertain when he will return to practice.

Photo: US Presswire; click to enlarge.

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.

Bucs Camp: Day 5

Tuesday morning's practice was dominated by the defense, and that left offensive-minded coach Jon Gruden frustrated. He was as animated as ever during the workout, imploring his offense to make plays.

The defense made some plays in the goal-line period, with the offense being stuffed on 4 out of 7 attempts to score. Running back Cadillac Williams scored on one of his two attempts, but the highlight was when safety Jermaine Phillips tattooed running back Derek Watson.

"We had some good, strong hits," defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. "(The defense) was better today. This was the best day we've had."

Also this morning, running back Michael Pittman sat out because of a condition you don't see every day on an injury report: he had a wisdom tooth pulled. Rookie defensive lineman Charles Bennett missed practice, as expected, with a hamstring injury. And cornerback Juran Bolden sat out but said it was a scheduled day off for him.

Lastly, cornerback Ronde Barber said he hasn't yet signed his contract extension but expects to any time now, maybe even later today. He said the document is being drafted by general manager Bruce Allen as of this writing. Hopefully he's a quick typist!

Barber close to signing new deal

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Ronde Barber will finish his career in Tampa Bay.

The Bucs' All-Pro cornerback is believed to be close to reaching an agreement on a five-year, $24-million extension. He was scheduled to become a free agent after the season but had expressed his desire to remain with the Bucs.

The new contract is expected to include $12-million in guarantees over the next two years.

"As before, we are close,'' Barber said in a text message Monday night. "But I have no contract in writing as of now. Hopefully, I will real soon.''

Photo: Times files; click to enlarge

Rice says he's the best in the NFL

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Simeon Rice is not just pursuing quarterbacks, he is chasing history.

The Bucs defensive end said Monday he doesn't get enough credit for being the NFL's best pass rusher and believes he should've been nominated for the Defensive Player of the Year last season.

Rice is second among active players with 119 career sacks, just behind Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, who has 129.5 in 13 seasons. In the past four seasons, Rice's 56.5 sacks are the most of any player.

"For me, I'm the best in the game,'' Rice said. "They don't want to respect that. They don't like it. I'm the one they passed the torch to.

"Like it or love it, I'm the bar...there are some great players. But they're not me.''

Rice needs only 11.5 sacks to become the Bucs' all-time leader, passing Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, who has 78.5.

Rice said while he respects Strahan, "He's still not me. Because if you look at what I've done in a shorter time, year after year, I don't have four sacks in a season. I don't get the praise and my just due.''

Six down, four to go

Cross another rookie off the list of unsigned Bucs draft picks.

Cornerback Alan Zemaitis, left, a fourth-round pick from Penn State, signed a contract Wednesday. That brings to six the number of rookies with completed deals, leaving four -- including the top three picks -- still unsigned.

That could change any minute as discussions between the representatives of top pick Davin Joseph, second-rounder Jeremy Trueblood and third-round pick Maurice Stovall are ongoing.

Stay tuned to Bucs blog for the latest on the eve of training camp. Players report tomorrow in Celebration.