The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed local product Mike Jenkins to a one-year deal, the team has announced. Jenkins visited the Buccaneers a couple of days ago, then went to the Arizona Cardinals -- who chose to sign Antonio Cromartie, instead. Per Mike Garafolo, Jenkins will earn $1.5 million this year, and will have a chance to earn another $500,000 in incentives.
Jenkins went to USF, which means he was a fan-favorite for the Bucs back in 2008, when the team instead decided to draft Aqib Talib. The Bucs lost interest in Jenkins after a poor pre-draft visit, however. Jenkins still had a swift start to his career, with five interceptions and a Pro Bowl berth in 2009, but his play has been uneven at best. After four years, the Cowboys shuffled him out of the starting lineup in 2012, and he went to the Oakland Raiders last year -- who didn't want him back this year.
The cornerback should compete for a role as a third cornerback, with Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner being the likely starters at the position. He'll have to outperform Leonard Johnson, D.J. Moore and Danny Gorrer in training camp to earn significant playing time. Jenkins should at least be a good fit for Lovie Smith and the Bucs' scheme, and he does have a knack for getting his hands on the ball.
The Bucs aren't done in free agency yet, as they're still trying to add some depth at the wide receiver position.