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Although the Bucs have given unceremonious dismissals to a few of their all-time greats, such as John Lynch and Simeon Rice, in recent years, we hear they’re going to let WLB Derrick Brooks, a 14th-year veteran, go out on his own terms. His playing time has been trimmed a bit, as he’s replaced on passing downs, and SLB Cato June is viewed as his heir apparent on the weak side. Yet Brooks, who missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in 11 years last season, won’t get a surprise pink slip in training camp, as Rice did a year ago. Brooks still is able to make an impact on the field, and he’s a valuable resource for MLB Barrett Ruud when it comes to understanding defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s Tampa-2 scheme. Brooks has two years remaining on his contract, but there is a sense from sources in Tampa that he may be eyeing retirement after this season.
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