Bucs players and coaches are taking a much needed break, but general manager Bruce Allen and his front office staff are working hard at locking up their rookies to long-term deals.

  The team announced the signing of Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes this morning. Hayes was a sixth round pick by Tampa Bay, the 175th player selected overall in the 2008 draft. In three seasons with the Seminoles, he recorded 156 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

   Hayes will have to battle to make the final 53-man roster, but if his speed and tenacity enables him to stand out on special teams, he has a pretty good shot to practice alongside his idol, Derrick Brooks, this fall.

   Hayes is the third draft pick to sign with the Bucs, joining running back Cory Boyd, a seventh-round pick from South Carolina, and defensive tackle Dre Moore, a fourth-rounder from Maryland.