Hated Bucs sign RB Derrick Ward

Rotoworld.com:
Bucs agreed to terms with RB Derrick Ward on a four-year, $17 million contract with $6 million guaranteed.
The move deals a big blow to Earnest Graham's projected role and may cost Cadillac Williams a roster spot. Ward, 28, has experience running behind the zone blocks OC Jeff Jagodzinski uses and is more explosive than Graham. Ward led the NFL in YPC average last year among backs with 84+ carries, and caught 41 passes. While a committee is certain, Ward is probably the best bet to start behind Tampa Bay's young, highly talented offensive line.

In addition to splitting time with Earnest Graham, The St. Petersburg Times expects Derrick Ward to take the receiving-back role vacated by Warrick Dunn's release.
Dunn caught 47 passes last year. Clifton Smith was initially ticketed for his role, but has slid down the depth chart. The big camp battle will be for goal line carries, where Graham and Ward both have the skill set to be effective.
Source: St. Petersburg Times

almost 3 years ago stujo4 8 comments 0 recs |

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Thought the Saints would enjoy beating up on the rebuilding Bucs in 2009, but the Glazer brothers just keep writing checks and picking up more studs. The NFC South is going to be a knife fight.

I'm down with G-Dub.

by stujo4 on Mar 2, 2009 10:20 PM CST reply actions

Yeah

I saw this earlier. With all the money they have to spend, we knew they’d eventually land some promising free agents. Ward had a pretty decent year last season platooning with Brandon Jacobs. Still, he has yet to prove himself as a top of the league RB. Plus, he won’t have the Giants’ O-line blocking for him in Tampa. Should we worry that he will be next season’s Turner the Burner? I don’t yet think so. It won’t really matter because the Saints D will DOMINATE!!!! They will feast upon the souls of all who face them!!!!!!!

Go Saints!!!! Deuce may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

by David "Satch" Kelly on Mar 2, 2009 10:32 PM CST reply actions

Those souls taste like chicken.

I'm down with G-Dub.

by stujo4 on Mar 3, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions

more like the little chicken cubes then say … fresh chicken tho.

by MT_always on Mar 3, 2009 9:06 AM CST up reply actions

Guys, guys

come on, you have NEVER eaten soul until you’ve been to New Orleans. Soul sauce picante, soul meuniere, soul amandine…my favorite is soul courtbouillon. It only tastes like chicken if you’re from Cleveland.

Oh when the Saints...Start kicking ass...You don't want to be in that number...

by MtnExile on Mar 3, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

lmao!

I’ve decided to be incautiously optimistic until the season starts. The D WILL be better this year. There’s no where to go but up.

Go Saints!!!! Deuce may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

by David "Satch" Kelly on Mar 3, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

Shaker Heights residents think it tastes like honey mustard chicken.

I'm down with G-Dub.

by stujo4 on Mar 3, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

rotoworld.com:

Derrick Ward will make $9.25 million over the first two years of his contract, including $6 million in the first year and $13 million over three.
That’s starter money. Ward didn’t get Michael Turner coin, but he’s getting $4.625 million-per-year for the only two seasons he’s sure to be in Tampa. That compares favorably with most second-tier starters and is nearly double what Earnest Graham makes. Ward is the early favorite to be the lead part of Tampa’s committee.
Source: Tampa Tribune

I'm down with G-Dub.

by stujo4 on Mar 3, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions