National Football League

Barber returns to Bucs for another year

Published Mar. 21, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ronde Barber has decided to forgo retirement and play another season of professional football.

Although the 15-year veteran was recently unsure about his future, he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed on a one-year deal, FOXSports.com has learned.

Barber, who started all 16 games in 2011, had several meetings during the offseason with new head coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik. The Bucs told Barber they'd love to have him back but left the decision to him.

Barber, 36, has the longest active streak in the NFL of consecutive starts (199).

The Buccaneers have been an active player in free agency, signing wide receiver Vincent Jackson and guard Carl Nicks to deals last week.