Chris Conte Re-Signs with Buccaneers: Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Safety Chris Conte will reportedly re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal, per the team.

Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune first reported the news.

Conte started 14 games in his first season with the Bucs after spending the first four years of his career with the Chicago Bears. The former third-round pick from Cal signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million in March 2015.

Conte played his first two seasons in Chicago under Lovie Smith, who was fired as Tampa Bay's head coach after a 6-10 season in 2015. The safety picked off two passes that season.

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times noted back on Jan. 4 that Conte would like to return to Tampa Bay, but that was before Smith's firing and the hiring of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. Conte told Auman that he feels the future is bright for the Bucs going forward:

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I think this team's headed in the right direction. There's still just pieces that we need and guys buying into the mentality of being winners. Of course, the team you were with, you want them to want you back. These are the coaches I've always wanted to play for, and hopefully they still believe in me and want me to be back. Definitely, this is the place I want to be and start something here.

"

Despite firing Smith, the Buccaneers found a place for Conte and his ability to be a run-stopping safety who can also defend the pass.

Conte showed more than enough last year to warrant the Buccaneers wanting to bring him back, and while he isn't a superstar talent in the secondary, he will provide quality leadership and production.