Considering Connor Barth is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers third kicker this season, it's probably good he's already got a backup plan.

Barth, 23, said he just finished getting his insurance license before the Bucs called, pointing out how short NFL careers can be, "you never know how long this is going to last."

But Barth hopes he can stick with the Bucs, saying he learned from his experience with the Chiefs last season (going 10-for-12 in his first full pro season). The Bucs have made just two field goals in seven tries this season.

"It's the NFL - the bottom line, you've got to make your kick, or, a lot of times, they're not going to be happy," Barth said. "From all the experiences I've had, I just have to take it one kick at a time and enjoy the process, and enjoy the experience, because this is a chance of a lifetime, and I'm really happy to be down here."

Barth said after getting released by the Dolphins in August, he spent some time back at home in Wilmington, NC, training and working out, adding five pounds to his 5-foot-11, 193-pound frame. The former University of North Carolina standout impressed the Bucs in a workout Tuesday, both on field goals and kickoffs, and doesn't appear short in confidence.

"I feel comfortable to hit every time from 53-yards and in," Barth said. "But if we've gotta go out to 60, I can probably put it through."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com