National Football League

Vernon Hargreaves III signs rookie contract with Buccaneers

Published May. 6, 2016 7:07 p.m. ET

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) First-round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves III was on the practice field Friday, hours after a signing a four-year, $14.2 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The former Florida cornerback was the 11th overall selection last week. He's slotted for an $8.5 million signing bonus and is expected to be an immediate starter in a defense that allowed opponents to complete 70 percent of passes and throw for 31 touchdowns last season.

The Bucs also signed sixth-round linebacker Devante Bond on the first day of the team's weekend rookie minicamp. Fourth-round cornerback Ryan Smith and fifth-round offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch agreed to deals Thursday.

That leaves Tampa Bay with three unsigned draft picks: second-round selections Noah Spence and Roberto Aguayo, plus sixth-round tight end/fullback Danny Vitale.

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