Bucs Sign Trotter

Unsure how Barrett Ruud is going to pan out at middle linebacker, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were set to sign four-time Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter on Monday as an insurance policy, according to sources close to Trotter.

A nine-year veteran, Trotter, 30, was a free agent after being released Aug. 21 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with Tampa Bay.

He was scheduled to fly to Tampa on Monday night to sign the deal. The team had not officially announced the move as of Monday evening. It was unclear who was released from the 53-man roster to create a spot for Trotter.

Trotter will practice with the team for the first time on Wednesday. The players are off today.

The Eagles released Trotter reportedly because their coaches believed Trotter had lost a step.

Trotter worked out for the Buccaneers on Aug. 23, in front of head coach Jon Gruden and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, among others.

Physically, at 250 pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame, he is heavier than the Buccaneers like their linebackers, a position where there has always been an emphasis on speed.

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