Gruden brings on a familiar face at tight end

Rickey Dudley played for the new Bucs coach for three seasons in Oakland.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 18, 2002

TAMPA -- Jon Gruden was hired to bring his high-scoring offense from the Raiders. On Tuesday, he signed one of the players that helped make it successful.

Free agent Rickey Dudley, who caught 18 touchdown passes in three seasons for Gruden, signed a one-year, $525,000 contract with Tampa Bay. With 14 games remaining, he could earn $463,235.

To make room for Dudley, the Bucs released second-year guard Russ Hochstein.

"We signed Rickey Dudley because he's another experienced player in this league," Gruden said. "We think he really can help us."

Dudley gives the Bucs four tight ends on the active roster, three free agents signed this year by Gruden to go with third-year pro Todd Yoder. Marco Battaglia signed a three-year deal March 19 and Pro Bowl free agent Ken Dilger signed for three years April 17.

But in two games, Gruden hasn't enjoyed much production from the position. Dilger's one catch for 10 yards against New Orleans is the only reception by a Bucs tight end. Battaglia and Yoder have alternated as the second and third on the depth chart.

Dilger sustained a triceps contusion Sunday at Baltimore, but is expected to be listed as probable for Monday night's game against St. Louis.

A foot sprain forced Dudley to spend most of the 2001 season on injured reserve for Cleveland after catching nine passes for 115 yards. He started every preseason game for the Browns this year but was released for the final cutdown Sept. 1.

An All-American at Ohio State who also averaged 13 points on the basketball team, Dudley was considered one of the most athletically gifted tight ends to enter the NFL when he was the ninth overall choice by the Raiders in 1996.

After his rookie year, in which he caught 34 passes, Dudley enjoyed career highs the next season in receptions (48), receiving yards (787) and touchdowns (7).

Dudley has started all but one of his 84 games in the NFL. He is considered to have exceptional speed and rangy receiving ability, and has a career receiving average of 14.9 yards.