Not Your Ordinary Joe - Buccaneers Sign Linebacker Leon Joe

Following the release of Shelton Quarles last season, Derrick Brooks' natural athletic decline, Ryan Nece's faulty play as of late and the teams unimpressive depth behind Middle Linebacker Barrett Ruud, news of the Buccaneers signing of former Chicago Bears standout special teams Linebacker Leon Joe comes to many as quite the relief. However, the best is yet to come.

Leon Joe, at age 26, doesn't have speed like you see in Free Agent Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin. He doesn't have the experience or discipline like former Dolphins Linebacker Zach Thomas. To tell you the truth, he's probably not regarded as solid signing at the Linebacker position to some. However, 4 detailed seasons with fellow linebacker Brian Urlacher, former Buccaneers assistant Lovie Smith and knowledge of the Cover 2 system has Buc fans excited to see what the Maryland scholar has to offer.

Despite spending a very short time in Arizona during his rookie season, Joe became the Bears best special teams unit player in 2005 as he racked up 28 tackles in 14 games. His final two years with the Bears were unfortunately plagued by injury and he has only played in 17 games since that magnificent season.

Joe will attempt to compete with Outside Linebacker Cato June as well as new arrivals Matt McCoy and Teddy Lehman, and will most certainly be used on Kickoff and Punt situations. In what will probably be the camps most exciting battles, it's assumed either Leon Joe or Linebacker Quincy Black will be looking for a new home before seasons start.

Keywords: