Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes said he's signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting him with his former Falcons coach Mike Smith.
Smith, the Buccaneers defensive coordinator, lobbied to get the four-time Pro Bowler in Tampa Bay, and convinced Grimes to stay in Florida. Other teams, including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys, expressed interest, but didn't exceed Tampa Bay's offer, and interest level.
Tampa Bay will pay Grimes $7 million in guaranteed money the first year of his deal, and he has playing time and Pro Bowl bonuses that bring his salary up another $1.