Bruce Carter played in the Tampa 2 defense in Dallas. Now he hopes to be a mainstay for the Tampa defense. The Buccaneers announced Wednesday that Carter signed a four-year contract with the team.
Carter, a second-round draft pick out of North Carolina in 2011, primarily played on special teams as a rookie with the Cowboys before developing into a three-year starter. His best asset may be his versatility and ability to drop in pass coverage.
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Under Monte Kiffin, the former Buccaneers defensive coordinator who is considered the architect of the "Tampa 2" defense, Carter started at inside and outside linebacker. The 6-3, 235-pound Havelock, N.C., native has three career sacks and five interceptions, including one he returned 25 yards for a touchdown against the Rams last year. All of his interceptions came in 2015, and he has 11 career passes defended.
Carter's departure from Dallas comes a day after former Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant signed a three-year deal worth $13.8 million with the Falcons.