There is no deal immenent between the Buccaneers and linebacker Barrett Ruud, but the sides have been in contact for several weeks now, according to a league source. Ruud has become the heart and soul of that defense, and with the team rebuilding around young coach Raheem Morris, there is no way the Buccaneers would want to let him go. Ruud is in the final year of his deal ($1.6 million), and no doubt the $8 million a season average Bart Scott received in free agency would be a range a player of his caliber would be looking to reach. Source: NFL.com
