LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Ronde Barber will finish his career in Tampa Bay.

The Bucs' All-Pro cornerback is believed to be close to reaching an agreement on a five-year, $24-million extension. He was scheduled to become a free agent after the season but had expressed his desire to remain with the Bucs.

The new contract is expected to include $12-million in guarantees over the next two years.

"As before, we are close,'' Barber said in a text message Monday night. "But I have no contract in writing as of now. Hopefully, I will real soon.''

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