TAMPA, Fla. – Derrick Ward feels he’s a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who want to get younger, tougher and more potent on offense.
The free-agent running back signed a four-year, $17 million contract Tuesday, joining a team that’s trying to build a new identity after watching an aging defense falter during a season-ending collapse that cost the Bucs a playoff spot.
“I’m a variety of things. I can be a pass-receiving running back, a one-cut and up running back, a power running back. I can do it all,” said Ward, who joins former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow as prominent additions since the end of the season.
“I think my style of running, my style of play will fit in perfect. We have all the key components for a great offense,” Ward said. “With the transactions they made this offseason, it only bolstered the offense, so I’m looking forward to great things.”
The former Giants backup rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns in 2008 while sharing playing time with Brandon Jacobs, who also gained over 1,000 yards.
“Obviously you hate losing good football players like Derrick Ward, but we’re very happy for him. That was a good move by Tampa Bay,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said.
“His agent let us know what was on the table with them. There was no bartering involved. That’s really all I can say about that, Reese added. “They kept us abreast of what was going on with them, but we never discussed whether we would match an offer or not.”
In five pro seasons, Ward has rushed for 1,750 yards and five TDs. He also has 69 receptions for 576 yards and one TD.
“He’s a very versatile back. He can carry it on first or second down. He has very good hands coming out of the backfield. He’s a willing pass protector,” Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. “He’s got good size and still has speed to make some of the long plays you saw from him last year and we look forward to.”
The addition of a proven back such as Ward is essential because starter Earnest Graham is coming off an injury that sidelined him the second half of 2008 and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has suffered serious knee injuries each of the past two seasons.
The Bucs envision Ward sharing the workload with Graham.
“I know Earnest is the guy here. Hopefully, he’ll embrace me and I’ll embrace him and we’ll work well together,” Ward said.
The sixth-year pro entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick of the Jets in 2004. His 5.6 yards per carry average last season was the best among players with at least 100 carries, and he and Jacobs became just the fifth set of teammates to gain 1,000 yards on the ground in the same season.
AP Sports Writer Tom Canavan contributed to this report.