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Brooks, Bucs agree to 4-year extension

The four-time Pro Bowl player avoids a self-imposed deadline and likely becomes the best-paid linebacker in the NFL.

By RICK STROUD and ROGER MILLS

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 24, 2001

TAMPA -- The Bucs posted their first victory of the preseason, beating a deadline imposed by Derrick Brooks and agreeing to terms with the Pro Bowl linebacker for a four-year extension late Thursday.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed. It's believed the deal is worth between $26-million and $30-million and would make Brooks the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. The contract is believed to include a signing bonus of about $8-million.

The contract, which runs through the 2005 season, means Brooks probably will finish his career with Tampa Bay.

"I think Derrick is extremely happy with how this has worked out," Brooks' agent, Roosevelt Barnes, said. "He is pleased that this will allow him to finish his career with Tampa Bay."

Brooks and Bucs general manager Rich McKay were not available for comment, but a news conference to announce the signing is scheduled today. Brooks, 28, stunned Tampa Bay officials when he did not report to training camp July 29. He held out 10 days before returning with the understanding the Bucs were committed to negotiating a new contract before an imposed deadline of the Sept. 9 season opener against Dallas.

When it appeared talks had slowed this week, Brooks expressed concern and said he was closely watching the deadline approach.

Talks intensified over the past two or three days, and a deal was finalized after a marathon telephone session Thursday night between Barnes and McKay.

Brooks, who has started every game for the Bucs since 1996, has led the team in tackles for three straight seasons and earned four consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl.

Considered the leader of the defense, Brooks had two years remaining on a contract that would have paid him an average of $3.5-million. But the Bucs had promised to renegotiate his contract, and he was discouraged during the offseason when the team signed high-priced free agents Brad Johnson and Simeon Rice while he was unable to strike a deal.

Barnes said that with two weeks left before the season opener, he remained confident an accord would be reached.

"I don't think we were too concerned, but we knew we had to get something done soon, so we pushed it," Barnes said. "This is a very good night for Derrick Brooks and the Bucs."

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