Gosder Cherilus Reportedly Signs 2-Year Contract with Buccaneers

Free-agent offensive lineman Gosder Cherilus generated interest on the open market after being released by the Indianapolis Colts ahead of training camp. He has decided to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported the agreement, noting that Cherilus signed a two-year deal.

On Aug. 16, Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com reported on Tampa Bay's interest, adding that Cherilus would be arriving at the Buccaneers' facility on Monday.

One of the main reasons Tampa Bay wants to bring in Cherilus is an injury to starting tackle Demar Dotson. According to Rapoport, he will be out six weeks with an MCL sprain.

The Buffalo Bills were another team interested in the lineman, with Mike Rodak of ESPN reporting on July 29 that Cherilus would meet with other teams despite having a good visit with the team. At the time, Rapoport reported Cherilus would also visit with the Lions.

Cherilus battled injury issues that slowed him down last season, the second of an expected five-year deal with the Colts. His agent, Greg Diulus, told Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star that those problems are now a thing of the past. "He is very healthy and in great shape," Diulus said.

If he's truly back to full strength, he's a terrific addition for a Buccaneers squad that's going to need to protect Jameis Winston under center during his rookie season.