Buccaneers sign Evan Dietrich-Smith to four-year contract

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, the team has announced. According to Ian Rapoport, it's a four-year deal with $14.25 million in total value, which is a very solid deal for a starting offensive lineman. Adam Caplan notes it has $7.25 million in guaranteed money -- presumably the first two years of salary.

Evan Dietrich-Smith (or EDS, as he's commonly abbreviated) was an undrafted free agent out of Idaho State in 2009, but earned a starting job with the Green Bay Packers in 2012. The 6'2", 297 lbs. offensive lineman has started 25 games over the past three seasons at center and both guard spot, and has also played offensive tackle at times.

The former Packer's versatility, intelligence and ability to move in space should fit perfectly with the Bucs' apparent new philosophy on the offensive line. Dietrich-Smith could play right guard or center, with center/guard Jeremy Zuttah presumably taking the other spot. There's also a small chance Zuttah would be released, as Dietrich-Smith is a slightly cheaper and probably slightly better player. But the Bucs lack depth along the offensive line, making this unlikely.

The Buccaneers aren't done in free agency yet, even after this signing. They still want to add a cornerback and a wide receiver/return specialist, having seen Charles Tillman and Emmanuel Sanders visit in recent days, among others.