Former Chargers QB Ryan Leaf worked out a new deal with the Buccaneers on Monday
On March 2, Ryan Leaf got a new team. Monday, he got a new deal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a restructured contract with the former San Diego Chargers quarterback. The new deal covers the next three seasons; terms were not disclosed, as is team policy.
Leaf was claimed by the Buccaneers on, coincidentally, the first day of free agency, after the Chargers released him on February 28. When a player is claimed off waivers, his original contract is assumed by his new team. It was considered unlikely at the time of the Bucs' claim that Leaf would remain with Tampa Bay under the terms of his San Diego contract.
Leaf will have his first meeting with the local Tampa media on Tuesday morning and the Buccaneers.com Broadcast Network will cover the question-and-answer session live at 10:00 a.m.
Leaf, the second pick overall in the 1998 draft, arrived in Tampa last Thursday evening and spent several productive days with Head Coach Tony Dungy and the Bucs' staff. Though he was under contract, Leaf's visit had the air of a recruiting trip. The results were encouraging and both sides are reportedly pleased with the relationship.
After claiming Leaf on March 2, the Buccaneers pulled off a free agent coup three days later by signing former Washington quarterback Brad Johnson. The Bucs also have an experienced starter in third-year player Shaun King, who took virtually every snap for Tampa Bay in 2000. Joe Hamilton and Ted White round out the Bucs' current quarterback crop. Eric Zeier was traded to Atlanta on March 6.
