The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed former Shippensburg University football star, Brent Grimes, to a two-year deal worth about $16.5 million on March 11, shortly after free agency began.

Grimes quickly found a home in Tampa Bay after being cut from his former team, the Miami Dolphins.

He joins an already changed defensive secondary that includes cornerback Jonathan Banks, cornerback Josh Robinson, Alterraun Verner and a great selection of draft picks in a draft class ripe with defensive talent.

The Miami Dolphins released Grimes in order to make space in the salary cap for the entrance of Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso who were acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

According to the NFL, Grimes recorded 49 tackles and four interceptions last season with the Miami Dolphins. He was also a dominant defensive leader on a team that is desperately trying to mold their team into a playoff contender.

Over three seasons, The NFL reports that Grimes intercepted 13 passes over his short stint with the Dolphins.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive secondary has struggled in recent years, so it is their hope that Grimes’ presence will bring stability to a struggling unit.

Grimes went to the NFL Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in Miami, and continually showcased his talents that were honed at SU’s Seth Grove Stadium.

Grimes was named an All-American three times while playing college football at Shippensburg University.

He holds the PSAC record for 27 interceptions over his career at SU. He also holds honors such as being a six-time All-PSAC Western Division selection.

During Grimes’ time as a Raider, the team witnessed its greatest finishes in SU history.

After not being drafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, Grimes signed as an undrafted free-agent with the Atlanta Falcons. He played in Atlanta for a couple of years before shipping off to Miami, and now Tampa Bay.

His arrival in Tampa Bay marks a turning point for the entire team, which looks to be finally bouncing back toward being competitive.

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