Sports: Bucs sign Jones to 7-year deal

Bucs sign Jones to 7-year deal

The extension rewards DE for his stunning turnaround the past two seasons.

By RICK STROUD

TAMPA -- Defensive lineman Marcus Jones not only is one of the best at chasing quarterbacks, he might help the Bucs catch the NFL sack record.

But there hasn't always been a heavy rush to play Jones.

Two years ago, Tampa Bay left him unprotected in the expansion draft. Then the Cleveland Browns left him alone.

"(The Bucs) had a little confidence around to keep me around as long as they did," Jones said. "Because I'll tell anybody, a couple of years ago, I would have cut myself."

On Wednesday, the Bucs cut Jones an enormous check.

Having produced 17 sacks since the start of the '99 season, Jones signed a seven-year contract extension with the Bucs worth $40.25-million. The deal includes a $5.25-million signing bonus.

Jones, 27, would have become an unrestricted free agent in February. His signing means the Bucs defensive line will remain intact at least through the 2003 season.

It also represents a remarkable resurrection of Jones' career. A first-round pick (22nd overall) by the Bucs from North Carolina in '96, he produced one sack in his first three seasons.

But after surgery on both ankles, Jones reponded in '99 with seven sacks. This season, he won the starting right defensive end job in training camp and is second on the club behind Defensive Player of the Year Warren Sapp with 10 sacks.

"You never know what that light bulb is going to be, whether it's a position change, whether it's getting healthy, whether it's an attitude change, and I still don't know what it was in his case," coach Tony Dungy said. "Maybe a combination of all those factors. But once he got comfortable at the end position and got a little confidence going with his success, he's been excellent for us."

The 6-6, 278-pound Jones is the second to sign a contract extension with the Bucs. Pro Bowl safety John Lynch signed a five-year, $24-million deal in September.

Had Jones waited until February, he likely would have commanded a much larger signing bonus and possibly a bigger contract.

But he wanted to remain in Tampa Bay with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who never stopped working to develop Jones.

"I always wanted to be a part of this team," Jones said. "I could never see myself going anyplace else, and I'm just happy we had an opportunity to get this done and get it out of the way because I'm not too keen on the business side of football. That's why I hired an agent. We just went in there and got it done, and I'll have an opportunity to be a Buccaneer for the rest of my career, hopefully."

With the signing of Jones, only two starters on the Bucs defense will be unrestricted free agents next season, cornerback Ronde Barber and safety Damien Robinson.

The Bucs have had preliminary talks with the agents for both players, but general manager Rich McKay said he does not anticipate any more deals until after the season.

Jones, who set a single-game club record with four sacks against the Detroit Lions, certainly increased his value with a fast start this season.

"It didn't lower the price. But that's the way it goes," McKay said. "He played awfully well for us last year, we expected him to play pretty well this year. It is what it is. The market kind of sets itself. He played well this year, but he played well last year. I can't say that it changed it a lot, but it certainly affected it."

Jones struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness his first three seasons. He began his career at defensive tackle, then alternated at left defensive end before settling in at that position as a backup to Chidi Ahanotu in '99.

"Rod always felt that he was just that far away," Dungy said, holding his thumb and index finger close. "We just had to find the right position to play him and get him the right amount of work. And I think when he had the operation on his ankle and really started feeling better and able to run and practice, that's when it kind of came together. But he's always been a hard worker and always a guy I think who wanted to be a good player. Last year it started coming, and he's continued this year."

Jones said there were many factors in his decision to remain rather than test free agency.

"I tell you what, it was a combination of everything," Jones said. "I like the system because if you're a player and you can rush, you have the opportunity to do that. I love the people. These guys I've matured with since I came here five years ago and started at ground zero and worked our way up to be the defense we are today. It's a lot of things to take into consideration. I love Tampa. I know it sounds funny, but I enjoy the coaching staff here. They really want to win and they don't care who you are; if you're good they'll let you play."

Jones said the new wealth and security will not change his play or his lifestyle.

"I'm still the same person," he said. "I'll still be walking in with Birkenstocks on every day. I don't change too much."