RB Derrick Ward finds a new home

March 2, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Alex Marvez, of FOXSports.com, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $17 million contract with free-agent running back Derrick Ward (New York Giants), according to a source. He will earn $6 million guaranteed in 2009 and salaries over the next two seasons that would raise the three-year deal to $13 million.

Ward will join running backs Earnest Graham (ankle) and Cadillac Williams (knee) in the team's backfield next season. Both Graham and Williams had their seasons end early due to injuries last year, with Graham going on Injured Reserve Nov. 19 because of an ankle injury and Williams going down in late December because of a torn patellar tendon. Graham is optimistic about his rehab, but general manager Bruce Allen said the team won't be able to count on Williams for the first half of next season.

Ward, who rushed for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns last year, will give the team a capable complement to Graham and insurance in case of more injuries in the backfield. The Bucs will likely continue to use a committee at running back in 2009, so both Graham and Ward will have value in fantasy leagues. However, neither should be viewed as anything more than a No. 3 fantasy running back until their exact roles are determined.

If the Cadillac is unable to get the wheels moving before the season starts, he could find himself in the scrapheap on cut day. He's a solid commodity when healthy, and he will be just 27 years old when the season starts, so he should have some mileage left in his legs. With Graham and Ward in front of him, Williams' value is minimal. However, he could have some value as a handcuff if he winds up on a different team between now and the start of the regular season.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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