Kevin Carter has decided to stay in Tampa, according to his agent, Harold Lewis.

The veteran defensive end turned down more money offered by the Oakland Raiders and another undisclosed team to remain in Tampa Bay on a one-year contract.

Carter was released just prior to the start of the free agent signing period last month because of a looming $2-million roster bonus. The player and team immediately began conversations aimed structuring a contract that would allow him to return, but along the way, other teams expressed interest and began pursuing Carter.

Carter took a visit to Oakland last week and was considering making a visit to Minnesota, which was already discussing numbers in excess of what Carter will make with the Bucs.

In the end, it wasn't about money. Anyone who knows Carter wouldn't be surprised.

"He's never been happier playing football," Lewis, Carter's agent said. "He loves playing with Jon (Gruden), he loves the organization and he feels like he's started something there that he wants to finish.

"He could have made substantially more. And 99 out of 100 times, the player is going to (choose) whoever gives him the best deal. But very few people have a chance to write their own endings. He'll have a chance to do that."

[Photo: Brendan Fitterer, Times]