The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave Connor Barth a big four-year contract last offseason so they wouldn't have to worry about their kicker position for a while. That changed Friday.
The Bucs announced Wednesday that Barth will miss the entire 2013 season after he tore his Achilles tendon at a charity basketball game. The Bucs signed former New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes to take over for Barth, who will be placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
"We are disappointed to lose a productive player like Connor but are very fortunate to be able to sign an experienced kicker at this time of year," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said, noting that Tynes had "standing opportunities" to kick with other teams.
Dominik is right. Barth is a quality kicker, but it's rare to find a solid veteran option just waiting for a job.
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