Ronde

Barber

So much for that. The Bucs apparently went into their 1:00ET game thinking a win over the Raiders was a gimme. Instead, they got ran over by third-string tailback Michael Bush. It’s a little surprising that Tampa Bay hasn’t begun making changes yet after an embarrassing late-season collapse.

First reported by FoxSports Monday night, the key numbers of the deal include $12.2 million in bonuses and salary over the first two years of the deal. Barber will come more cheaply in the following years, which could help him finish his career in Tampa.

The deal reportedly includes $6 million in guarantees and could be worth up to $24 million with incentives. Barber can become a free agent after this season and threatened to hold out, but has opted not to with an extension apparently imminent.

The St. Petersburg Times expects a new contract to be worked for the three-time Pro Bowler before training camp begins July 27.

Barber hasn’t yet committed to playing a 15th season, but he was “excited” to hear about the upcoming meeting. The only player in NFL history to record at least 40 interceptions and 25 sacks, Barber would likely return on a one-year deal as a much-needed team leader.

The interest is mutual, so expect Barber to sign a one-year contract. While Barber’s cover skills outside and tackling ability have both fallen off the map, he could still be a useful slot corner between Aqib Talib and Eric Wright. And with Talib facing a suspension, the Bucs can’t have too many cornerbacks.

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported late Wednesday afternoon that this deal would happen, and the Bucs made the official announcement less than an hour later. Barber, 37 in April, has spent his entire career with the organization. While he’s no longer a legitimate starter, Barber’s versatility and ability to cover the slot keep him valuable for an NFL team. Expect him to be a nickel back only in 2012, playing around 60 percent of the snaps.

If Barber opts to return for a 16th NFL season, he should be ready for OTAs. Barber’s future remains up in the air, but the St. Petersburg Times believes he wants to return in his “heart of hearts.” If that’s indeed the case, he’ll almost certainly have to be willing to do so for less than the $4 million he earned in 2011.

Barber’s tackling prowess has fallen off at age 37, but he can still make plays on the football. He has three picks in each of the past two seasons. Barber figures to man “center field” on early downs, with rookie Mark Barron lined up close to the line of scrimmage. In the nickel, Barber could still drop down and cover slot receivers, with Cody Grimm replacing him at safety.

Barber, who is weighing retirement, needs more time. “Ronde, coach (Greg) Schiano and I have had several meetings, he knows we’d like him back for a 16th season,” said GM Mark Dominik. “We will respect his wish for a little more time to make his decision and look forward to speaking with him again soon.”