Report: Bucs sign RB Derrick Ward

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday signed free-agent running back Derrick Ward.

Terms of the contract were not released but the Tampa Tribune reported the deal was worth four years and $17 million, including $6 million guaranteed.

Ward had a breakout season with the New York Giants in 2008, when he rushed for 1,025 yards despite starting just three games.

A member of the Giants' "Earth, Wind and Fire" three-headed running attack, Ward had been in discussions to re-sign in New York. According to the report, the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns also had shown interest.

The 228-pound Ward is a quick back who also provides a powerful punch, a combination that made him a sought-after free agent with Brandon Jacobs settling in as the Giants' franchise back.

Ward, 28, saw his first extensive action in 2007, when he rushed for 602 yards on 125 carries. He combined to score five touchdowns in the last two seasons.

The Bucs were decimated by injuries to their backfield 2008, with Ernest Graham, Carnell Cadillac Williams and B.J. Askew all landing on injured reserve.