THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TAMPA, Fla. — Derrick Ward’s unproductive stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is over.
The seventh-year running back was released Tuesday when the team trimmed the roster to 75 players. Receiver Terrence Nunn was waived, and linebacker Jon Alston was placed on injured reserve to get down to the limit for the final pre-season game.
Ward signed a four-year, US$17 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2009, moving to Tampa Bay after five seasons with the New York Giants. He was a 1,000-yard rusher two years ago with the Giants, but struggled to make the transition to a new offence. He wound up playing a limited role as a backup to Cadillac Williams.
He rushed for 409 yards and one touchdown in 2009. He also scored two touchdowns on pass receptions.
