Get to know and get used to new Buccaneers safety Darian Stewart
By Cory Kinnan
Veteran safety Darian Stewart has started 91 games over his career and did not come to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be a backup.
Yesterday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed 31-year-old safety Darian Stewart to a contract; the details have yet to be released as far as the length of the deal and his price. This signing comes on the heels of a minor injury to third round pick Mike Edwards that has put him out for a week.
On top of Edwards, the Buccaneers have seen injuries to Kentrell Brice, Orion Stewart and D’Cota Dixon at the safety position this offseason. Brice is now back on the field, but Dixon has been placed on Injured Reserve and Orion Stewart was released with an injury settlement. Third year starter Justin Evans has yet to see the practice field since his season ended last year with a foot injury as well.
The other Stewart, Darian, brings not only a veteran presence to the Buccaneers’ locker room, but also a boatload of starting experience. It would be expected that Stewart will contend for a starting role, and given his ability and experience, it would be shocking to see him start the season in a reserve role.