Linebacker Barrett Ruud was back in his customary spot...right in the middle of the Buccaneer defense...at the opening of their minicamp.
But it was his first appearance in sometime over this Buccaneer off season.
With Derrick Brooks sent packing from the Buccaneers, Ruud has become the face of this new defense.
Now he'd like to be paid like it.
Ruud is in the final year of a contract that will pay him some $1-and-a-half million dollars this season. Ruud would like an extention. Afterall, the Bucs welcomed Kellen Winslow with a six-year $36-million deal.
Winslow brings unmatched potential to the Bucs offense.
But isn't Ruud as important to the Bucs defense as Winslow is to their offense?
"I'd like to be here a long time," Ruud said after today's morning workout. "I'm disappointed that (contract talks) have not progressed."
Ruud admitted he was hoping by staying away from voluntary workouts, it might "speed up the talks." He also admits there has been zero movement.
"All I can do is worry about playing as good as I can and 'd like to think that everything would take care of itself. That's to be seen, I guess."
