Early web version
Second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks is officially onboard, with the Bucs announcing he has signed a four-year contract today.
Banks, a cornerback, was the Bucs' top pick this year, with the team's first-round choice shipped to the Jets in the Darrelle Revis trade.
The collective bargaining agreement calls for rookies drafted beyond the first round to receive four-year deals. The exact value of Banks' deal wasn't immediately known, but the limited negotiating parameters suggest it is worth slightly more than last year's No. 43rd overall selection. That player, Stephen Hill of the Jets, signed for $5 million with $2.9 million in guarantees.
Banks is expected to play an important role on the Bucs defense this season, likely taking on, at minimum, the nickel back role.
The 2012 Thorpe Award winner (nation's top defensive back) from Mississippi State finished his college career with 16 interceptions, most in school history.
The Bucs have signed five of their six picks from last month's draft. Only quarterback Mike Glennon is left to agree to terms. That deal should happen shortly given the simplified negotiations under the current collective bargaining agreement. The CBA's rookie scale outlines what players drafted in certain slots are to be paid, with only limited room for negotiation between teams and agents.