NFL Free Agency: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ink Davin Joseph, Quietly Make Other Moves

Protect Josh Freeman. That’s the name of the game in Tampa Bay. Keep Freeman upright, and this offense can go far.

Rest easy, Josh. It’s official. Davin Joseph is a Buccaneer.

The Buccaneers shored up their offensive line late Thursday by re-signing Joseph to the tune of seven years, $53 million with $19 million guaranteed.

The 27-year-old Joseph will anchor the Buccaneers' offensive line along with Pro Bowler Donald Penn in new offensive line coach Pat Morris’ power-blocking scheme.

The Buccaneers also bring back tackle Jeremy Trueblood on a two-year deal after having agreed with linebacker Quincy Black on a five-year, $29 million deal earlier in the week.

And with nearly all of their 2011 draft picks under contract, the Buccaneers turned their sights to the open market to fill a position of need by swiping punter Michael Koenen from the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, agreeing to a six-year deal worth $19.5 million that includes $6.5 million in guaranteed money.

It's hardly a free-agency splash, but a solid and necessary move nonetheless given Koenen’s 40.7 yards per punt with 29 punts downed inside the 20 in 2010 and the Buccaneers' instability at the position since Pro Bowler Josh Bidwell was released after the 2009 season.

Barrett Ruud, seeking a long-term deal, is still drawing little interest from around the league.

The Buccaneers could bring the linebacker back for a hometown discount, given the lack of outside interest, or on a one-year tender, but Ruud’s past two seasons have been played under a cloud of contract uncertainty, so it’s possible that he takes a long-term discount from the Buccaneers simply so he can get back to business and play football.

Free agents can officially sign Friday at 6 p.m. EST.