It was an offseason of change in Tampa Bay and they’re still shuffling the deck a few days before they kick off their 2012 season against the Panthers.
The team announced that they have re-signed cornerback Brandon McDonald. McDonald was signed in August and then released when the team signed running back D.J. Ware over the weekend. McDonald played 13 games for the Lions last season and spent some time as a starter in Cleveland after they selected him in the fifth round of the 2007 draft.
Guard Julian Vandevelde is also back with the team, although only on the practice squad. The Bucs claimed Vandevelde off waivers after the Eagles cut him, but then turned around and waived him when they brought back defensive tackle Wallace Gilberry. He’ll give them another option down the road if replacing right guard Davin Joseph proves to be too big a problem for Ted Larsen.
Offensive lineman Derek Hardman won’t be another option. He was dropped by Tampa to make room for McDonald and wide receiver Bert Reed was bounced from the practice squad.