The Bucs could have a new left tackle next season.

   Tampa Bay signed Giants free agent Luke Petitgout Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not released, but it is believed to be a 3-year, $15.5-million contract. The deal includes a $3-million signing bonus.

    Petitgout, who will be 31 in June, started nine games last season before suffering a fractured fibula which forced him to miss the rest of the year.

      But there may be other concerns about Petitgout, who visited the Washington Redskins Monday. Citing NFL sources, the Washington Post reported that Petitgout has back problems.

   That should be a warning signal to Bucs fans, who remember former 49ers tackle Derrick Deese, another veteran offensive lineman with a history of back problems that eventually was forced to retire.

   At 6-foot-6, 308-pounds, Petitgout could move inside and play guard. But the Bucs plans would likely be to play him at left tackle since Anthony Davis struggles against NFL pass rushers. Davis is considering moving to left guard.

   Another offensive lineman coveted by the Bucs, 49ers center Jeremy Newberry, has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

   Falcons fullback Justin Griffith, one of the first free agents to visit the Bucs, visited Green Bay Tuesday.