Tampa, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a change at the left tackle position as they continue to revamp their roster in free agency, signing former Cincinnati Bengal Anthony Collins Thursday while releasing incumbent starter Donald Penn.
According to the team's website, Collins' deal is for five years.
Collins played in 15 games for the Bengals last season, starting seven times. In six NFL seasons, all with Cincinnati, the Kansas product has appeared in 59 games.
Penn had spent the last eight seasons with the Buccaneers and landed a six- year, $42 million extension prior to the 2010 campaign. He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl that same year, but had failed to meet expectations in recent seasons.
The 30-year old has started Tampa Bay's last 108 games at left tackle, tied for the fourth-longest streak in club history. The run began in the team's fifth game of the 2007 season.
"We want to thank Donald for all he has done for the Buccaneers both on and off the football field these past eight years," said Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht. "Donald entered this league as a college free agent and worked his way into becoming an eight-year starter for this team. Starting 108 consecutive games in this league is quite an accomplishment and we thank him for his commitment and dedication to our franchise over the years. We wish him well in the future."
