By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — After the regular-season finale at New Orleans, Bucs CB Ronde Barber discussed the factors involved in his decision to return for a 15th season.
"It's not all about the money," Barber said at the time.
At this point in his career, the chance to win another championship motivates Barber, who agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday. According to information filed with the NFL Players Association, Barber will earn $4 million in base salary in 2011. The contract is not believed to include a signing bonus but would be guaranteed if Barber is on the roster once the regular season starts since he is a vested veteran.
Barber will be 36 when the 2011 season begins and said he has no desire to play with another team. But he also is the starting right cornerback, so his salary needed to reflect that fact.
"He brings a lot of leadership to our football team, as you know, on and off the football field," GM Mark Dominik said. "He's really learned how to train his body so he can play a long time. I think that's the most amazing thing about Ronde is that he can play out there on an island at his age and play at such as high level the way he did last year again.
"To surpass 100 tackles again last year and to break some records by Hall of Famers, it's good to have him back. I know we need him, and we're glad he decided to come back and play another year, and it worked out between the two parties."
BEARS' SMITH GETS EXTENSION: Bears coach Lovie Smith was rewarded with a two-year contract extension Friday on the heels of an 11-5 season and appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
Smith's contact runs through 2013, the same as Bears GM Jerry Angelo. Both worked together in Tampa Bay.
"Of course I feel great about the extension, like I have every day I've been on the job as the head coach of the Chicago Bears," Smith said from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. "Great organization. We have great players who come to work every day. We have an excellent coaching staff.
"I'm in position to be here and get that extension based on what the players and our staff have done."
AGENTS STAND BEHIND PLAYERS: DeMaurice Smith, the NFL Players Association's executive director, addressed about 700 certified player agents at the scouting combine.
During the meeting, four of the most prominent agents in the league emerged in a symbol of solidarity behind the union and its players — Ben Dogra, Drew Rosenhaus, Joel Segal and Tom Condon.
"There's unity among the agents, certainly among the players," Rosenhaus said. "There's great confidence in the leadership. There's a tremendous plan, should there be a lockout. I love the position the union is taking — support the union 100 percent. We're behind De Smith."
The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players expires Thursday.