Sure, we could sit here and come up with corny ways
to tell you the Bucs signed former New Orleans Saints Center Jeff
Faine, but we figure it's not for the Faine of hearts.
In an
attempt to solidify what has quickly become one of the most exciting
spots on the Buccaneers roster, the 26 year old Faine is expected to
help fortify an offensive line that has already made strides despite
it's youth and inexperience. His 6 year 37.5 million dollar contract
makes him the leagues highest paid player at that position.
A
former Pro Bowler, Faine started his career with the Cleveland Browns
who took the 623 290 pound beast in the first round of the 2003 NFL
Draft out of the University of Notre Dame. He had been regarded to many
as the "Perfect Size" of the "Hybrid Center" and was expected to be a
sure-fire selection to replace Tom Nalen in Denver. Instead, he became
the most hard hard nosed lead lineman we've come to love in the NFL.
Traded
on Draft Day in 2006 to the New Orleans Saints, he spent two seasons
blocking for one of the leagues most efficient passing games as well as
one of the most dynamic rushing duos in Deuce McAllister and Reggie
Bush. He started all 66 games he played in for both teams during his
tenures.
In 1999, Faine graduated Seminole high school, just 25 miles from Raymond James Stadium.
"I'm
really excited to be part of the Buccaneers franchise and have the
opportunity to work with Coach Gruden and my new teammates," said Faine
in a press release by the team. "I'm especially looking forward to
working in this offense and helping Tampa Bay defend the NFC South
title."