The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are attempting to upgrade the depth at their offensive tackle position, which lost some depth when Luke Petitgout was released from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 17.

The Bucs are interested in former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson. In fact, Anderson was scheduled to visit One Buccaneer Place on Thursday, but did not make it to Tampa due to a flight delay.

"No, not yet," Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said when asked if Anderson worked out for Tampa Bay on Thursday. "There was a flight delay of some kind. We hope to work him out and look into his situation, not to start another Brett Favre saga here, but we're going to look into anybody that we think is good and has an interest in playing for us. Whether or not we sign him or get him, that will all be determined after we get all of the information is gathered."

Anderson, 33, started 173 of the 181 games he played in for the Bengals from 1996-2007. He was released in Cincinnati's final wave of roster cuts in August.

The Bucs are looking to add depth to both the left and right tackle spots behind starters Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood. Anthony Davis currently is Tampa Bay's backup tackle.

Although he's played primarily right tackle throughout his career, the 6-foot-5, 340-pound Anderson is a player the Bucs believe could be a swing tackle in their offense.

"He's been to multiple Pro Bowls. At this point in his career, his vast experience would allow him to play on either side," said Gruden. "We're looking forward to hopefully meeting him. We have a lot of respect for him. We're not the only team looking into Willie. We'll see what happens."

Tampa Bay also recently expressed interest in signing Chicago Bears free agent Fred Miller.

 

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