Derrick Strait, the Jets' third-round draft pick in 2004, played in 26 games for New York
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added to their secondary depth on Wednesday, claiming defensive back Derrick Strait off waivers from the New York Jets.
A spot on the 53-man roster became available for Strait when the Bucs placed first-year long-snapper Andrew Economos on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
Strait, a former standout on the Oklahoma University defense, was the Jets' third-round pick in the 2004 draft, the 76th player selected overall. He played in 26 games and amassed 45 tackles, three passes defensed and one fumble recovery for the Jets before being waived on Tuesday.
As a rookie in 2004, Strait appeared in five games but missed seven due to an ankle injury. He returned in time to play in the Jets' two playoff games, racking up nine tackles and a pass defensed against San Diego and Pittsburgh.
In 2005, Strait played in all 16 games as a nickel back and special-teamer, recording a career-high 31 tackles and two passes defensed. He had played in each of the Jets first five games of this season before his release.
At Oklahoma, the 5-11, 189-pound Strait won both the Thorpe and Nagurski awards as a senior in 2003. His 53 career starts as a Sooner are an all-time school record, and his career marks included 264 tackles, 14 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two sacks and 54 passes defensed.
Strait, 26, hails from Austin, Texas.
Economos joined the Buccaneers on September 13, heading first to the practice squad before being signed to the active roster on September 16. He has handled the Bucs' long-snapping duties for the last three contests.
