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mmarra82 · 04-01-2004, 09:46 PM

Bucs lose Singleton to 4-year deal with Jets

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TAMPA -- It took free agency to create some gaping holes in the NFL's best defense.

Bucs linebacker Al Singleton became the second starter to leave the Super Bowl champs in as many days when he signed a four-year contract with the Jets on Thursday. Terms weren't released, but the deal was believed to be worth about $8-million and include a $2-million signing bonus.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Singleton spent six seasons with Tampa Bay. He became a starter last season when Shelton Quarles moved to middle linebacker. Singleton finished with a career-high 89 tackles.

On Wednesday, Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson signed a five-year, $14-million deal with the Cardinals. As with Jackson, the Bucs expected to lose Singleton because of their salary-cap situation.

Singleton's departure leaves the Bucs without an experienced linebacker. Ryan Nece is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that forced him to spend most of his rookie season on injured reserve, and the Bucs did not tender a contract to restricted free agent Jack Golden.

Despite the hit to the defense, the Bucs plowed on with their search for backup quarterbacks.

04-01-2004, 09:46 PM	#23
mmarra82 High School Varsity Join Date: May 2001 Location: Oakdale, New York	Bucs Lose Singleton to Jets Bucs lose Singleton to 4-year deal with Jets -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAMPA -- It took free agency to create some gaping holes in the NFL's best defense. Bucs linebacker Al Singleton became the second starter to leave the Super Bowl champs in as many days when he signed a four-year contract with the Jets on Thursday. Terms weren't released, but the deal was believed to be worth about $8-million and include a $2-million signing bonus. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Singleton spent six seasons with Tampa Bay. He became a starter last season when Shelton Quarles moved to middle linebacker. Singleton finished with a career-high 89 tackles. On Wednesday, Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson signed a five-year, $14-million deal with the Cardinals. As with Jackson, the Bucs expected to lose Singleton because of their salary-cap situation. Singleton's departure leaves the Bucs without an experienced linebacker. Ryan Nece is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that forced him to spend most of his rookie season on injured reserve, and the Bucs did not tender a contract to restricted free agent Jack Golden. Despite the hit to the defense, the Bucs plowed on with their search for backup quarterbacks.