Page 24 - Florida Sentinel 3-11-16 Edition

Sports
Teams Make Moves During
Buccaneers Start Working On 2016 Roster
NFL Free Agency Period
Several NFL teams made moves during the free agency period that have left some fans scratching their heads, and others shouting for joy.
Johnny Manziel is still a Cleveland Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals resigned Adam “Pac Man” Jones, and the Tampa Bay Bucca- neers have signed former Seattle Seahawk offensive guard, J.R. Sweezy.
Other big names making news was wide receiver Andre Johnson leaving the Colts after one season; Run- ning back Lamar Miller joins Brock Osweiler in Texas, and running back Matt Forte to sign with the Jets.
Already agreed to con- tracts: TE Coby Fleener
(Saints), RB Matt Forte (Jets), NT Damon Har- rison (Giants), LB Bru- ce Irvin (Raiders), RB Chris Ivory (Jaguars), DE Malik Jackson (Jaguars), CB Janoris Jenkins (Giants), WR Marvin Jones (Lions), C Alex Mack (Falcons), RB Doug Martin (Buc- caneers), RB Lamar Miller (Texans), OL Kelechi Osemele (Raiders), QB Brock Os- weiler (Texans), DE Jason Pierre- Paul (Giants), T Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs), LB Danny Tre- vathan (Bears), Mario Williams (Dolphins).
With new head coach, Dick Koetter on the side- lines now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already starting making moves to put a better team on the field in 2016.
Two years ago, the Bucs landed a prize when offensive lineman Logan Mankins left the New England Patriots and signed with the Bucs. This year, he has announced his plans to retire after an 11- year career.
With the NFL’s free agency parade about to begin, the Bucs have resigned safety Keith Tandy, and parted ways with linebacker Bruce Carter.
The Bucs normally spend the pre-season trying to sort out the free agent mistakes of the past.
LOGAN MANKINS
NFL analysts have sug- gested the Bucs retain wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and try to find another re- ceiver in this year’s draft class.
The number one priority for the Bucs will be to sign a pass rusher to unite with Gerald McCoy, William Ghoslton, and Jacquies Smith. Some think they need to also look for a number two
pass rusher the likes of
Jason Pierre-Paul, Tamba Hali, Wallace Gilberry, and others.
The Bucs will be selecting ninth in the 2016 draft, and among the players they will be looking at are Clemson cornerback, Mackensie Alexander, and Florida cor- nerback, Vernon Harg- reaves, III.
The Bucs will also be look- ing at DeForest Buckner, and Noah Spence to bolster their defense.
With so much attention being given to offensive line- men in the NFL, the Bucca- neers will also be in line to make sure their franchise quarterback, Jameis Win- ston, is protected and that running lanes are open for their running backs.
Steelers, Darrius Heyward- Bey Agree To New Deal
Darrius Heyward-Bey had 21 catches for 314 yards as the Steelers’ No. 4 wide receiver last season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a three-year contract with wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the team announced.
NFL Network is reporting that the deal is worth $3.8 million. The 29-year-old re- ceiver played for a $745,000 salary in 2015.
He has earned the trust of quarterback Ben Roethlis- berger during his time with the Steelers and has also been an excellent special team’s contributor.
With zero 1,000-yard sea- sons, Heyward-Bey hasn’t posted the numbers typical of
a No. 7 overall pick. He hasn’t surpassed 600 yards since 2012, his final year with Oak- land.
But he was reliable for Pittsburgh last season with 21 catches for 314 yards in spot duty.
The Steelers drafted re- ceiver Sammie Coates in the third round, but Hey- ward-Bey secured his No. 4 receiver job throughout 2015, keeping Coates on the side- line.
Coach Mike Tomlin is a big fan of Heyward-Bey, who returned in 2015 largely because of his coach.
Maria Sharapova Flunked Drug Test At Aussie Open
Maria Sharapova an- nounced Monday that she failed a drug test at the Aus- tralian Open in January.
She said she received a let- ter from the International Tennis Federation on Wednesday but has not yet found out what her penalty will be. The ITF confirmed the failed drug test and said Sharapova would be provi- sionally suspended until the case is finalized.
“I take great responsibility
MARIA SHARAPOVA
and professionalism in my career every day,” Shara- pova said. “I made a huge mistake. I let my fans down. I let my sport down.”
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