Tampa, FL (My Sportsbook) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free agent linebacker Dwayne Rudd to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Originally drafted out of Alabama by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (20th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft, Rudd is expected to replace Alshermond Singleton, who was last year's starter at strongside linebacker for the Bucs. Singleton signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent.

"It's nice that we were able to add a veteran of Dwayne's caliber to replace Al Singleton," general manager Rich McKay was quoted as saying on the Buccaneers' website. "Dwayne is a very athletic player and has been very productive over his years in the league. He should have no problem transitioning into our scheme."

The 27-year-old Rudd played the first four years of his career with Minnesota and spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Rudd has played in 93 games over his career and has recorded 11 1/2 sacks and intercepted one pass. He registered a career-high five sacks in 1997 for the Vikings.

"With my history of playing against these guys during my first four years in Minnesota, it's just a dream come true to be down here and play with one of the best defenses of the 90's," Rudd was quoted as saying on the Buccaneers' website. "I'm excited to step right in when they're playing great."