3 wildest free agent signings in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history
By Cory Kinnan
DE Simeon Rice
The biggest splash signing in Tampa Bay history was when the Buccaneers lured Simeon Rice, who had recorded 51.5 sacks over the first five years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, into signing with them in 2001. Rice then spent six seasons with the Buccaneers before spending just one more year in the league before retiring.
The Bucs gave Rice a five-year deal worth $41 million back in 2001, including $20 million guaranteed. While the market has inflated to edge rushers getting over $20 million annually now, Rice’s deal set a record for guaranteed money at the time.
During his time in Tampa Bay, he was part of the historically great 2002 defense that led the Bucs’ franchise to their one and only Super Bowl victory. With the Buccaneers, Rice’s production only increased as he tallied an additional 69.5 sacks in the pewter and red while forcing 19 fumbles, and 67 tackles for loss.
Rice was named to two Pro Bowls and named as an All-Pro once during his time with the Buccaneers. Setting records on guaranteed money, the impact he made in Tampa Bay upon signing, and his legacy in the Bucs’ organization makes Rice maybe the wildest signing in franchise history.