Bucs agree to terms with tackle Anthony Collins, release Donald Penn
The re-making of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line continues.
The Bucs agreed to terms Thursday morning with offensive tackle Anthony Collins, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, on a five-year deal worth $30 million with $15 million guaranteed, as reported by FOX Sports NFL Insider Peter Schrager.
Collins, 28, played 59 games with 25 starts during six seasons in Cincinnati. He figures to play left tackle with Tampa Bay, though he has some experience at guard.
Collins was another top free-agent target for the Bucs, who released two-time Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph last Saturday. Later Thursday afternoon, the Bucs released offensive tackle Donald Penn, who had been with the Bucs since the 2006 season and played in 112 games with 108 consecutive starts. Penn also had a Pro Bowl appearance after the 2010 season.
Clearly, the new Bucs staff views Collins as an upgrade. Per Pro Football Focus, Collins allowed 12 hurries on 317 pass blocks -- the league's best pass-blocking efficiency for a tackle.
The agreement brings the Bucs' free-agency haul to six players. On Wednesday, they introduced defensive end Michael Johnson, cornerback Alterraun Verner, defensive tackle Clinton McDonald and tight end Brandon Myers.
On Thursday, the Bucs will introduce Josh McCown as their new starting quarterback.
