OldBucsFan
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| Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject: Pats Safety Eugene Wilson Now A Buc |
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On Monday the Buccaneers announced the signing of sixth-year veteran safety Eugene Wilson, an unrestricted free agent and a member of two Super Bowl championship squads in New England. Though reports of an impending deal between Tampa Bay and Wilson surfaced late last week, the contract was not finalized until Monday. As is team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The 5-10, 195-pound Wilson spent his first five seasons with the Patriots after being drafted early in the second round (36th overall) in 2003. He stepped immediately into the starting lineup at free safety as a rookie and helped New England capture league titles in his first two seasons. A very versatile defender, he has also started at cornerback for the Patriots for a portion of the 2004 season.
In all, Wilson played in 62 games over five seasons in New England, starting 55. He also logged eight playoff starts during that span. His career totals include 252 tackles, 10 interceptions, 28 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 13 kick-coverage stops. From 2003-05, Wilson led all Patriots with nine interceptions, including four in each of his first two campaigns.
After starting 45 of a possible 48 regular-season games during his first three seasons in the league, Wilson was hit by hamstring and groin injuries in 2006 and was limited to just four games and four starts. He returned to the lineup to open the 2007 campaign and eventually saw action in 11 games, with six starts at free safety. Wilson contributed 33 tackles, one interception, three passes defensed and one fumble recovery in '07, helping the Patriots become the first team in NFL history to go 16-0 during the regular season. He returned his one interception five yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 15.
As a rookie, Wilson was named to the ESPN.com All-Rookie Team and the USA Today All-Joe Team. The following year, ESPN.com put the second-year safety on its All-Pro Team. The 2004 campaign ranks as his most productive, as he posted career highs in tackles (67), forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (2) and tied his career high with four interceptions. |
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