Buccaneers sign T.J. Ward to one-year deal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade, and the addition of T.J. Ward will help that cause.

On Saturday afternoon, the Denver Broncos released strong safety T.J. Ward after three years with the team. Less than 24 hours later, Ward reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year, $5 million pact with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ward was the most-notable name released during the NFL’s cutdown day. A former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, the 30-year-old is one of the more physical safeties in the league. Ward will fit in nicely with the Buccaneers, who desperately needed some help on the back end of their defense.

Tampa Bay has been aggressive this offseason, adding J.J. Wilcox and DeSean Jackson. Still, safety was a sore spot with Chris Conte still lining up as a starter. With Ward now in the fold, the Buccaneers add an enforcer who should give a young team some swagger.

At this juncture of his career, the former Oregon star is more of a hybrid safety-linebacker. Look for him to drop down into the box more often than not, adding some punch against the run while being able to cover some tight ends in space.

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With the offensive addition of Jackson and the continued maturation of both receiver Mike Evans and quarterback James Winston, the Buccaneers have a real chance to push the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. Dirk Koetter enters his second season at the helm, giving Tampa Bay some long-coveted continuity with a clear plan in place.

Ward now gives the Buccaneers another veteran presence who can still offer something on the field. As weird as it is to say, Ward also went to a better team, leaving the Broncos for Tampa Bay.