Bucs add tackle, let another go

TAMPA -- The Bucs won't make Kenyatta Walker work without a safety net this season.

Fortifying left tackle, Tampa Bay signed veteran Roman Oben to a one-year deal Monday to back up Walker. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Bucs also released tackle DeMarcus Curry. He spent three seasons with the Bucs but appeared in only three regular-season games and one playoff game.

It's the third time the Bucs have had interest in Oben. He was drafted in the third round by the Giants in 1996, five picks before the Bucs chose Donnie Abraham.

The Bucs talked to Oben two years ago before he signed with the Browns. After they released Oben in what was believed to be a cost-cutting move, he visited Tampa Bay on May8.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder from Louisville has played in 82 games, starting 77.

Oben, 29, is the latest veteran added to an offense that ranked among the worst, including running backs Michael Pittman and Byron Hanspard, guard Kerry Jenkins, tight ends Marco Battaglia and Ken Dilger and receivers Joe Jurevicius and Keith Poole.

Tackle appears to be set with Walker and Jerry Wunsch returning as starters with Oben as a backup.

Raven stars miss workout

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Linebackers Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware skipped the first day of Ravens' passing camp, angering Brian Billick.

Although the four-day session is voluntary, Billick was angry because both told him they would attend. Lewis also missed a voluntary minicamp last month.

"In the electronic age we live in, with all the gadgets we have out there, the least Ray could do is call," Billick said. "I don't deserve to be treated this way. I've treated guys with respect at every turn."

BRONCOS: Running back Terrell Davis had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

COWBOYS: Former Bucs quarterback and No.2 overall pick Ryan Leaf was cut. The Seattle Times reported the Seahawks are interested in signing him.

49ERS: Vinny Sutherland, the return specialist last season, was charged early Saturday with felony hit-and-run and DUI after a single-car accident, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. Two draft picks, safety Kevin Curtis and defensive tackle Josh Shaw, were in the car. All three escaped serious injury.

Sutherland, 24, hit two light posts and a tree just before 3 a.m. Saturday, the department said. When a deputy arrived, only Shaw was in the vehicle.

JETS: Center Kevin Mawae had surgery on his left shoulder. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

VIKINGS: Owner Red McCombs hired J.P. Morgan Chase to explore options for the team, including sale or relocation.

The decision comes a day after the Minnesota legislature approved a plan to build a $330-million ballpark for the Twins but didn't approve a plan to build a stadium the Vikings and University of Minnesota would share.

-- Information from Times wires was used in this report.