Former Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leftwich is believed to have agreed to a two-year deal, according to NFL.com.
Leftwich, who confirmed his agreement with Tampa Bay in a text message, visited with the Buccaneers last week after speaking with the Redskins and Steelers, who had hoped to retain their backup from last season. In opting for Tampa Bay, Leftwich will get the opportunity to compete for a starting job.
The Bucs already have quarterbacks Luke McCown, Josh Johnson and Brian Griese on their roster. One of the four quarterbacks is expected to be released before the start of training camp.
A former starter and first-round pick with the Jaguars, Leftwich has played mostly as a reserve with Atlanta and Pittsburgh since being released by the Jaguars in 2007. He was cut after he lost his starting job to David Garrard.
Chiefs SIGN LB THOMAS
Veteran middle linebacker Zach Thomas signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Thomas is projected to start at inside linebacker for Kansas City.
Thomas spent the 2008 season with the Dallas Cowboys after 12 years with the Miami Dolphins . He originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick out of Texas Tech in 1996. He's a seven-time Pro Bowler, but he will turn 36 before the start of the season.
Thomas represents the second veteran linebacker the Chiefs have acquired this offseason. He joins Mike Vrabel, who came over with quarterback Matt Cassel as part of a trade with the New England Patriots.
BARNES LIKES NEW ROLE
Former Jaguars offensive tackle Khalif Barnes signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, but he said he expects to stay with the team a lot longer.
"I know I have a lot of work to do and a lot of individual goals I want to accomplish,'' Barnes told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I can be one of those tackles that can stay there for another nine years. I've started four years, but I know I have a lot more to do and have a chance to be really good."
