2012 NFL Free Agency: Talks with Jeremy Zuttah 'moving in the right direction'

It appears that offensive guard Jeremy Zuttah is engaged in contract talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, Zuttah's agent said the talks are 'moving in the right direction' to have the guard employed as a Buccaneer in the coming seasons.

That's a welcome piece of depth added to the offensive line, if the two sides indeed agree to a contract. Zuttah is not a great starter at either left guard or center, but he's a serviceable player who's best asset is his versatility as a backup. Still, Zuttah could end up being a starter the coming season at either left guard or center depending on other additions to or subtractions fro the offensive line this offseason.

If Zuttah does stay he'll be reunited with his college coach, as Zuttah played under Greg Schiano at Rutgers University, as did defensive end George Johnson. It's not clear whether Johnson is still under contract, but if he is not the Bucs will have little trouble retaining him: Johnson is scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent.