Report: Byron Leftwich Signs With Bucs

Two weeks ago, Byron Leftwich met with the Redskins. It was the first free-agent visit of the offseason for a player most of us thought would be in high demand. Leftwich would also visit the Buccaneers, which prompted the Steelers to step up their efforts to re-sign Ben Roethlsiberger's backup, but Tampa Bay has apparently landed the 2003 first-round pick.

That's the word on the street, anyway: "Free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich has agreed to a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told ESPN's Michael Smith."

Like the Steelers, the Bucs offered Leftwich a two-year contract. But unlike Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay could give Byron a legit shot to earn the starting gig. What this means for the draft is unclear; Tampa Bay was very interested in both Matt Cassel and Jay Cutler, and after losing out on both, conventional wisdom had them drafting a quarterback with the 19th overall pick.

The most popular name: Josh Freeman. As the draft nears, however, there's a chance Freeman won't make it past the Broncos at No. 18, since they might also be looking for their new face of the franchise.

For the time being, though, it looks like Leftwich and Luke McCown will battle for the job, although each come with their own issues. Meanwhile, the Steelers will have to be content with Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon. Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert now probably wishes he signed Kyle Boller when he had the chance.*

* not really