Veteran LB Barrett Ruud has left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has joined the Tennessee Titans, inking a one-year deal on Saturday. This move now closes the book on Ruud’s six-year career in Tampa Bay, one which has been polarizing at best.
Despite leading the Buccaneers in tackles during his four-year run as starter at middle linebacker, the club was not aggressive in wanting to retain Ruud. The club could have made an offer to the Nebraska product last year when he was a restricted free agent, but decided against the move. Ruud was upset last year when OT Donald Penn was offered a long-term deal and Ruud was offered nothing, allowing him to test the free agency market this season.
The Buccaneers have announced that they are going into the 2011 season with two rookies expected to share time at the middle linebacker position, Tyrone McKenzie and third-round selection Mason Foster, in a move that could be considered risky.
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