More on the Quarles deal

The Shelton Quarles pay cut has got me thinking what the next step is for the Bucs. Restructuring Quarles contract essentially guarantees he'll be around for another two years, but remember that Barrett Ruud is still waiting in the wings.

This is an idea I've batted around before last season, but I could see Monte moving Quarles to the strongside (or Sam) linebacker (replacing Ryan Nece) and promoting Ruud to the starting Mike position. Of course, the Bucs would keep Derrick Brooks on the weakside.

Come draft day, the Bucs could draft (assuming they're still available) Ernie Sims or Chad Greenway to play outside linebacker. Sims or Greenway would back up Brooks and Quarles for a year or two, and then step into the starting spot. The Bucs could then draft an offensive tackle in the second or third rounds.