Bucs cut DE Michael Johnson, sign LB Bruce Carter to 4-year deal
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured their first acquisition of free agency by signing linebacker Bruce Carter, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, to a four-year deal Wednesday worth $20.5 million.
In addition, the Bucs cut defensive end Michael Johnson, divorcing themselves from a free-agency mistake of 2014.
Carter, 27, started 32 of 49 games played with the Cowboys from 2011 to 2014 and totaled 235 tackles, 14 passes defensed, five interceptions, three sacks and seven special teams tackles. He also had 14 tackles and three passes defensed in two playoff games with Dallas last season.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound North Carolina product, drafted in the second round, 40th overall in 2011, became a constant on the Cowboys' defense throughout the past three seasons, recording no fewer than 68 tackles. His five interceptions in 2014 paced all linebackers and stood as the third-highest figure in the NFL.
Though the Bucs' plans for Carter are unknown at this time, he has experience playing both strongside and weakside linebacker under Rod Marinelli and Monte Kiffin in Dallas.
Both men are former Tampa Bay defensive assistants. Carter played mostly weakside linebacker two years ago and strongside linebacker last season. With Mason Foster's departure, Carter could be a candidate to fill the vacant middle linebacker spot as well.
Meanwhile, the Bucs cut Johnson after the veteran defensive end had 27 tackles, two forced fumbles and just four sacks last fall. He signed a five-year, $43.75 million deal with Tampa Bay last March, and by parting with Johnson, the Bucs save $2 million in cap room. His contract called for him to make $18 million guaranteed.
Johnson, 28, was far from the dynamic edge rusher the Bucs envisioned when he was signed. They hoped he would regain the form that allowed him to total a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2012 with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he went six of his first seven games in Tampa Bay without a sack. He never appeared to be a strong fit within the Bucs' defensive scheme that relies on front-line pressure, and reportedly, the Bengals had interest in Johnson returning if Tampa Bay cut the 6-foot-7, 270-pound six-year veteran.
With Johnson's departure, three of the Bucs' biggest free-agent signees from last year are off the roster. In addition to Johnson and offensive tackle Anthony Collins, released Tuesday, the Bucs cut quarterback Josh McCown on Feb. 11.
Late Wednesday, the Bucs were reportedly working to finalize a deal with safety Chris Conte, formerly of the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure.
Per the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, the Bucs were prepared to cut safety Dashon Goldson, who has 153 tackles, nine passes defensed and one interception in two seasons with Tampa Bay, after locking up Conte.
The #Bucs are preparing to release S Dashon Goldson once they complete a deal for S Chris Conte.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 11, 2015
Goldson signed a five-year, $41.25 million deal with the Bucs before the 2013 season.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
