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Bucs Keep Rewarding Their Own (Phillips, Stevens, Hankton)

Tribune file photo by JAY CONNER

Jermaine Phillips celebrates his interception against the Saints during the 2008 season.

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: March 6, 2009

Updated: 03/06/2009 12:22 am

TAMPA - The Buccaneers examined this year's free-agent market and concluded they did not have to look far for the best available players.

The Bucs re-signed safety Jermaine Phillips, tight end Jerramy Stevens and receiver Cortez Hankton on Thursday, continuing Tampa Bay's mission to bring back its own players. Tampa Bay has re-signed eight of its 14 free agents, and that number will likely increase to nine once restricted free agent Donald Penn re-signs. Penn will earn $2.8 million if he signs Tampa Bay's tender, but any team that wants him would have to give up a first- and third-round pick, which is unlikely to happen.

Although the Bucs recently signed New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, their biggest priority has been rewarding players in-house.

"We've looked at free agency and we're excited to get those three players back on the team," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. "We look forward to them being a part of our team in 2009 and we're excited that they all wanted to come back to be Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

Tampa Bay's retention of Phillips is arguably its biggest offseason move. The hard hitter, viewed as one of the NFL's best safeties, had visited San Diego and Seattle this week.

Phillips started 11 games last season but broke his forearm and later fractured it before being placed on injured reserve. He finished with 86 tackles and three interceptions.

Stevens, who signed a two-year deal, was arguably Tampa Bay's best pass-catching tight end in 2008 with 36 receptions for 397 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay now has perhaps the NFL's best pass-catching tight end tandem with Stevens and recently acquired Kellen Winslow, who both create matchup problems.

Hankton signed a one-year deal to remain in Tampa. He spent last season on injured reserve after suffering a sports hernia injury.

"Jermaine brings that physical toughness that every Bucs fan loves," Dominik said. "Coaches appreciate his toughness. Jerramy Stevens is an exciting tight end who has really shown his ability as a pass catcher, he's improved as a run blocker, and continues to create mismatches for defenses, while Cortez is a speedy guy who we're expecting a lot of good things from this season since he's healthy."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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