Bucs/NFL

Davis inks $4.7-million deal

This deal means the Bucs starting offensive line from 2005 will remain intact in the 2006 season.

By RICK STROUD
Published April 10, 2006

TAMPA - The Bucs signed left tackle Anthony Davis to a three-year, $4.725-million contract Monday, a move that signals their desire for continuity on the offensive line.

Davis was among five Bucs offensive linemen to start all 17 games last season. He took over from injured veteran Derrick Deese in training camp and was a big factor in the improvement of the team's rushing attack, paving the way for Rookie of the Year Cadillac Williams.

In fact, the Bucs averaged 5 yards per carry when running to the left side of the offensive line, according to Davis' agent Jeff Chilcoat.

Davis, who is entering his third season, would have become an unrestricted free agent after 2007.

"He's real excited be the left tackle again for Tampa Bay," Chilcoat said. "He loved being there last year and really enjoyed playing. I think they showed dramatic improvement from the previous year in terms of running the ball.

"He'd never been in a pass blocking offense at Virginia Tech and it's just a matter of getting used to that."

To improve his pass protection, Davis reported to the team's off-season program weighing 329 pounds, about 25 pounds lighter than he played at a year ago.

"Not only that, but also last year, he played every snap of the preseason and when the season hit, he was tired," Chilcoat said. "This year, he'll have someone to spell him."

Last week, the Bucs acquired Dallas restricted free agent tackle Torrin Tucker after the Cowboys failed to match the offer sheet.

The signing of Davis means the Bucs starting offensive line from 2005 will remain intact. The Bucs also signed guard Sean Mahan to a one-year tender and re-signed unrestricted free agent right tackle Kenyatta Walker to a five-year deal this off-season.

[Last modified April 10, 2006, 15:48:10]