Buccaneers Agree to Make Free Agent Jeff Faine Highest Paid Center

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed unrestricted free agent center Jeff Faine to a multiyear deal that will make him the highest paid center in the league. Details of the contract have not been released or leaked yet, but the deal will surpass the 6-year $36 million contract given to LeCharles Bentley by the Cleveland Browns two years ago in free agency.

The signing will bolster the offensive line of the Bucs, who will now be able to start Faine alongside young studs Jeremy Trueblood (right tackle), Davin Joseph (right guard), and Aaron Sears (left guard). Don't be surprised if the team also seeks to upgrade the left tackle position, which has been manned by a rotory of mediocre players the past decade.

Faine was originally drafted out of Notre Dame by the Cleveland Brown 21st overall in the 1st round in 2003, but then was traded to the New Orleans Saints for a 2ndd round pick on draft day in 2006, and started 30 games over the last 2 years for the Saints.