TAMPA, Fla., March 31 (UPI) -- Quarterback Jim Miller, released last month by the Chicago Bears, is headed to the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed him to a one-year contract on Monday.
The Bucs also re-signed left tackle Roman Oben to a four-year deal.
Miller, 32, is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and is not expected to be full ready until June.
"I'm excited to play for the world champions," Miller said. "They have given me a great opportunity to come down here and play. I want to be healthy for them and help in any capacity that I can."
He will compete with Shane Matthews, who was signed earlier this month, for the backup spot to Brad Johnson.
"We're excited to add Jim to the mix," Bucs Coach Jon Gruden said. "Our goal is to get him healthy and teach him our system. He is a proven playmaker and leader."
After releasing Miller, the Bears signed free agent quarterback Kordell Stewart to a two-year, $5 million contract.
In 2001, Miller led the Bears to a 13-3 record and the NFC Central title, their first division crown since 1990, but he was plagued by injuries last season.
Miller made 13 of his 27 career starts in 2001, passing for 2,299 yards and 13 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. In eight starts last season, he completed 180-of-314 passes for 1,944 yards and 13 touchdowns with nine interceptions.
Oben, signed by Tampa Bay last May, started all 19 games, including three postseason contests, at left tackle for the Bucs. With Oben protecting Johnson's blind side, the Bucs yielded just one sack in the playoffs.
The eight-year veteran started 93-of-98 games for the New York Giants (1996-99), Cleveland Browns (2000-01), and Buccaneers.
Though the eighth-year veteran once again became an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 28, Coach Jon Gruden stated repeatedly that the club wanted to bring him back.
Oben, who has visited team headquarters nearly every day this offseason to perform rehab on a surgically-repaired knee, seemed similarly motivated.
"We're proud to have Roman back in the fold," said Gruden. "He is a key member of last year's football team, and we feel will he will be a key member of this year's team."
Oben originally was a third-round pick bt the Giants in 1996.
"I feel good about how everything turned out," Oben said. "It is great to re-sign with the Buccaneers, and I look forward to helping us start off like we finished last season. It helps by having the same guys line up together again. Now that it is completed, I can concentrate on playing football and getting more acclimated to the community."
His is the third signing the Bucs have made for their offensive line since free agency began.
Earlier in March, the team added former New York Giants guard Jason Whittle and former Jacksonville center John Wade. Both were starters last year.
Oben is also the second of the Bucs' own unrestricted free agents that the team has re-signed, joining linebacker Shelton Quarles.
