Seeking to bolster the quarterback position following a potential season-ending knee injury to backup Luke McCown, the Buccaneers on Thursday signed unrestricted free agent Jay Fiedler, who had visited last week with team officials, to a one-year contract. Although he is still rehabilitating from December shoulder surgery and may not be able to throw at full velocity until training camp late next month, the Bucs are confident that Fiedler can contribute this year for them, especially if starter Chris Simms is injured.

The Buccaneers likely have lost rookie tight end T.J. Williams for the entire 2006 season after the sixth-round draft choice suffered an injury to his right Achilles tendon during the team's mandatory three-day minicamp last week. It is expected that Williams, the latter of the Bucs' two selections in the sixth round and the 202nd player chosen overall, will be placed on injured reserve.

Veteran Quarterback Jay Fiedler attended the final practice of the Bucaneer's three-day minicamp yesterday. Tampa Bay is in the market for an experienced quarterback and Fiedler, a 12-year veteran, is coming off of shoulder surgery. Fiedler and Bucs coach Jon Gruden spent three seasons together in Philadelphia when Gruden was the offensive coordinator.

Luke McCown was expected to contend for the No. 2 job behind starter Chris Simms on the Bucs' depth chart but will instead undergo surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. McCown, 24, will miss at least the start of the regular season. McCown injured his knee in June during a non-contact session.