Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, the centerpiece of a young Bucs defense in the midst of an overhaul, is key to the unit's success in 2009. But Ruud did not participate in either of the voluntary workouts this week, the first of 14 such practices this offseason, even as he spoke Wednesday during a radio interview about taking ownership of coordinator Jim Bates' new scheme. Given his contract status, he is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and because talks aimed at an extension are in their infancy, the reason for his nonparticipation is the subject of much speculation. Source: St. Petersburg Times
This guy is a freaking monster. There is 0 chance the Buccs let him go. Write that down (on the topic of his contract year). While there is a new defense to be learning and all that, I don't see this being a bad thing. He plays hard and works hard. He'll be quite alright. It's voluntary anyway.. isn't it?
