TAMPA – Brian Price's older sister Bridget has been the rock the Buccaneers defensive tackle has leaned on ever since he lost his second brother to a gang-related shooting in Los Angeles eight years ago.

TAMPA That casual conversation Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik had with kicker Connor Barth during Tuesday's workout apparently took on a more serious tone.

Franchise place-kicker Connor Barth showed up to watch the Bucs' first week of Organized Team Activities despite not having a contract. But by the time the workouts ended Thursday, Barth signed a four-year deal.

“For the Bucs organization, (General Manager) Mark Dominik, Coach (Greg) Schiano and everyone to believe in me, to know that I'll be their kicker for the next four years, is awesome,” Barth said in a statement released by the team. “It's just an amazing opportunity and I want to continue to perform like I have and live up to their expectations.  I want to thank everyone – the fans, everybody, the team behind me – and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field.”

Franchise place-kicker Connor Barth showed up to watch the Bucs' first week of Organized Team Activities despite not having a contract. But by the time the workouts ended Thursday, Barth signed a four-year deal.

Terms of the contract were not released, but agent Robert Roche confirmed it is worth $13.2-million with $4-million guaranteed. 

The Bucs placed the franchise player tag on Barth on March 1, which was worth $2.65-million on a 1-year deal. But both Barth and the Bucs were hopeful of reaching a long-term extension, and the one he signed Thursday will average $3.3-million per year.

Slowed by a sore hamstring and his coach's desire not to test fate, rookie running back Doug Martin spent the better part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first organized full-squad workout Tuesday watching from the sideline.

The latest from Toronto.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

TAMPA — At first, the unexpected sight of unsigned franchise player Connor Barth at the Bucs' offseason practice Tuesday suggested he and the team had reached a deal.

It turns out Barth, the league-leading kicker, attended the first offseason workout to show solidarity with his teammates, according to GM Mark Dominik.

Barth's presence indicates his relationship with the team remains amicable, suggesting the sides could come to an accord on a multiyear extension.

Slowed by a sore hamstring and his coach's desire not to test fate, rookie running back Doug Martin spent the better part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first organized full-squad workout Tuesday watching from the sideline.

Slowed by a sore hamstring and his coach's desire not to test fate, rookie running back Doug Martin spent the better part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first organized full-squad workout Tuesday watching from the sideline.

Placekicker Connor Barth showed up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first voluntary offseason practice Tuesday, but not to work out or sign a new contract.