Jackson, Nicks on SI's top earners list

When the Bucs made a procedural move last December, shifting the 2013 salaries of receiver Vincent Jackson and guard Carl Nicks onto the ledger for the 2012 league year, it did more than help the team’s current salary cap situation (enabling it to acquire cornerback Darrelle Revis).

The moves also put huge lump sums in the players’ pockets, with Jackson receiving his $13 million and Nicks getting his $12.5 million nearly a year in advance. That put the pair in rare air when it comes to total compensation in the past year, landing them on Sports Illustrated’s “Fortunate Fifty” list of the highest-paid athletes....

Jets rookie Geno Smith could debut vs. Bucs, Darrelle Revis

The Bucs’ regular-season opener could be notable for more than just the return of Darrelle Revis to the Meadowlands.

The week’s overarching theme, with former Jet Revis set to take on his old mates on Sept. 8, might also be combined with another interesting subplot: The debut of Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith.

The reported decision by Jets veteran quarterback David Garrard to retire on Wednesday has left the Jets without many good options, especially with the team seemingly bent on replacing incumbent starter Mark Sanchez....

Bucs sign fourth-round draft pick Akeem Spence to 4-year contract

The Bucs continue making headway in signing their recent draft class, with fourth-round selection Akeem Spence the latest to sign his contract.

Spence signed a four-year deal, the Bucs announced, a standard contract under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

The Bucs have now signed four of their six picks from last month’s NFL draft, with second-round pick Johnthan Banks and third-round choice Mike Glennon the only picks remaining unsigned....

It's a big offseason for these five Bucs

As the Bucs’ offseason program continues, it’s a key time for development both on the field and in the meeting room.

But there are some players in particular who stand to benefit from good efforts this offseason. While all players can make improvements during this period, there are some players for whom it’s an absolutely critical time.

Here are five players we think can make major improvements with a strong offseason:...

Bucs ink fourth-round pick William Gholston to rookie contract

The Bucs have moved a step closer to getting their entire six-man draft class under contract, signing fourth-round pick William Gholston to a four-year contract today.

Gholston, a defensive end from Michigan State, was the 126^th overall choice after recording 142 tackles, 13 passes defensed and 10 sacks and 30 tackles for losses in his career with the Spartans.

Gholston is expected to compete for a spot in the defensive-line rotation, with his versatility (he can play on either side of the line and has some potential as an interior pass rusher) being one of his key attributes....

No Darrelle Revis in OTAs, but Bucs' star still prepping for 2013

This likely comes as no shocker, but when the Bucs ramp up their offseason next week with the start of offseason team activities, you will not see this offseason’s most widely-discussed NFL player.

Cornerback Darrelle Revis, who arrived via that blockbuster trade with the Jets last month, won’t participate in OTA practices. He’ll instead continue to work with Tampa Bay rehab personnel, working to get his surgically-repaired left knee back to 100 percent....

Bucs sign draft picks Steven Means, Mike James

The Bucs took care of a little business today, signing fifth-round draft pick Steven Means and sixth-round choice Mike James to rookie contracts.

With the current collective bargaining agreement simplifying the process of signing rookies by reducing the negotiating parameters, more teams are moving to sign draft picks earlier than in past years.

Means and James are the first Tampa Bay picks to sign deals in 2013....

Bucs' position battles will heat up during offseason practices

The Bucs have been ramping up their offseason workouts in recent weeks, with players now permitted to work on the field with coaches and their position groups.

But a week from today, things move to the most important stage when offseason team activities, or OTAs, begin.

The Bucs and all NFL teams are permitted 10 such practices plus a three-day minicamp. These practices aren’t going to make the difference between a losing season and winning the Super Bowl, but they’re important nonetheless. They give coaches opportunities to experiment with personnel combinations and to assess where things stand in position battles....

Barber another for Bucs fans to savor

Growing up in Miami in the 1980s, it was difficult to appreciate my childhood team's storied past.

In retrospect, I didn't truly grasp that the Dolphins were a club with a uniquely glorious history, one marked by still unmatched achievements (the 1972 perfect season) and with nine Hall of Famers on its rosters in the 1970s and '80s. A young kid lacking context couldn't fully understand it all, taking most of it for granted....

Where are Bucs Super Bowl champions now?

Where are they now?

Ronde Barber is the final member of the Bucs' 2002 Super Bowl championship team to retire. What some of that team's prominent members are doing now:

• Fullback Mike Alstott: Coach at St. Petersburg's Northside Christian

• Linebacker Derrick Brooks: President of Storm; eligible for Hall of Fame next year.

•  Coach Jon Gruden: Analyst for ESPN and Monday Night Football ...

Ronde Barber's best five games

Ronde Barber has been a part of some of the Bucs' greatest moments, games and seasons. What's more, he often has been at the center of the action, making the play that propelled them to victory. There are too many highlights to count in a career that spans 16 seasons, but we thought it appropriate to pinpoint Barber's greatest games.

No. 5: Dec. 4, 2005

Bucs 10, Saints 3...

Josh Freeman welcomes Mike Glennon, is 'fired up' for 2013

Bucs draft pick Mike Glennon isn’t a threat to incumbent starting quarterback Josh Freeman, according to general manager Mark Dominik and coach Greg Schiano.

Freeman apparently sees things that way, too.

After taking part in a Play 60 fitness event on Tuesday, Freeman said he’s eager to work with the third-round choice from last month’s draft and expressed positives based on his first impressions of the rookie....

Ex-Bucs praise Barber

Thursday, May 9, 2013 , Section C | 

TAMPA — Ronde Barber once confided in a close friend he wasn't sure this whole NFL career was going to work out. Forget making history. There was a time Barber was afraid he might not make the team.

"It's funny. He told me he actually thought he might get cut his rookie year," ex-Bucs linebacker Barrett Ruud said Wednesday. ...