UPDATE, 6:32 p.m.: Just talked to Donald Penn and he is ready to strike a deal.

His thoughts in a nutshell: "Film doesn't lie," he said. "I think I deserve it. I want to make sure my family is financially secure. . .  I've been the lowest-paid starting left tackle for two years and you want to be compensated."

Penn added that the Bucs and his agent were close to a deal during the season, but things never got finalized for some reason. Talks did not re-open until just a few days ago, at least in part because of the change in the team's leadership.

4:21 p.m.: Restricted free agent LT Donald Penn, a two-year starter for the Bucs, is in talks with the team about a long-term contract.

It's not clear whether a deal is close, but retaining Penn is critical to the success of the Bucs' young offensive line -- one the franchise believes has a bright future. Penn, 25, has been a solid answer at left tackle, which has been a source of much concern for several seasons.

If the sides can't come to accord before the start of free agency, expect the Bucs to make a restricted free agent tender to Penn that would give the team the right of first refusal, allowing it to match any competing free-agent offer from another club.

If the Bucs were to pass and Penn were to leave under such a scenario, the Bucs would receive draft-pick compensation, the value of which would depend on their original qualifying offer.

But that outcome seems unlikely given the dearth of starting-caliber left tackles available and Penn's youth and upside. While he had some sporadic ugly moments against the likes of Atlanta's John Abraham, he was perhaps the line's best pass protector and has great athleticism. That agility will serve him well as the Bucs are expected to employ a zone-blocking scheme this season, a scheme in which Penn could thrive.

The fact that talks aimed toward striking a deal are ongoing indicates there's a mutual willingness to get something done.