Former Miami Dolphins defensive end Kevin Carter wanted to continue his NFL career in Florida. On Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers afforded him that opportunity, inking Carter to a contract.

Carter signed a four-year, $23 million contract with the Bucs.

Carter, 33, was recently released by Miami. He has recorded 537 tackles, 97.5 career sacks and 15 forced fumbles since entering the NFL with the St. Louis Rams in 1995.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Carter, who played collegiatley at Florida, was extremely interested in playing for Tampa Bay. He spent Monday visiting One Buccaneer Place.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Carter played six seasons (1995-00) with St. Louis before joining the Tennessee Titans, where he played from 2001-04.

Carter, who is a durable player, evidenced by the fact that he's never missed a game in his 12-year career, spent the past two seasons in Miami, where he recorded 11.5 sacks, 5.5 of which came in 2006.

Although he's spent most of his career playing defensive end, there's a chance the Buccaneers could play Carter at defensie tackle.  

In other news, the Bucs lost out on the bidding for Dallas center Al Johnson, who signed with Arizona Monday.

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