Buccaneers Close to Signing Eugene Wilson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are close to signing free agent defensive back Eugene Wilson, formerly of the Patriots, Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times is reporting.

Wilson, who is versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety, is believed to be about to pick the Buccaneers after also considering the Tennessee Titans. There was also talk that the Bengals could be interested, but Cincinnati is apparently concerned about his health.

The determining factor for Wilson could be playing time, and it appears that he'd get more of it in Tampa Bay than he would in Tennessee. Wilson's agent, James Sims, said of the offer from the Titans, "I don't think money's an issue at this point," but the fact that the Titans way they would use Wilson as a third cornerback, nickelback or backup safety might be. Wilson was a full-time starter in his first three seasons in the NFL but has started just 10 games in the last two. His best chance to become a starter again is in Tampa Bay, and it appears that Tampa Bay is where he's headed.