The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear committed to bringing back key pieces to the team this off-season.
On the same day they signed tight end Cameron Brate to a six-year, $41 million extension, the Bucs inked veteran cornerback Brent Grimes to a one-year, $10 million contract. ESPN’s Jenna Laine initially reported on the news.
Source tells me that the Bucs are bringing Brent Grimes back on a one-year deal worth $10 million. https://t.co/gikf09avyc
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 12, 2018
Brent Grimes Returning to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grimes has been a picture of consistency throughout his long career in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl nods. The 11-year veteran has amassed 33 interceptions in his career. He has had at least three picks in every season in which he played more than 12 games. In both 2010 and 2016, Grimes finished second in the league in pass breakups.
Grimes signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an un-drafted free agent out of Shippensburg in 2006. In training camp, Grimes suffered a groin injury, and was waived. He was eventually re-signed by the Falcons, but was allocated to NFL Europe. Grimes helped lead the Hamburg Sea Devils to a World Bowl XV championship. After one year in Europe, Grimes returned stateside and rejoined the Falcons. Grimes then preceded to spend six years in Atlanta. He suffered an Achilles injury in 2012, and was allowed to walk as a free agent. Grimes played three years with the Miami Dolphins, and spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Considering the average career of a cornerback peaks after three years and starts to decline, Grimes career looks like an anomaly. Grimes hit his peak in his third year, but has managed to keep playing at a high level ever since. Despite his age, Grimes is still one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He was graded as the 36th best corner in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, which is above average, despite being 34 years old.
Grimes is not a particularly great athlete. He does not possess blazing speed, and only stands 5’10” tall. Grimes makes up for this in other ways. What Grimes does possess, however, is excellent technique and instincts. He also has a blue-collar work ethic, and is a great leader in the locker room.
