Center signs big deal Perhaps the Bucs should have charged admission to One Buc Place on Friday, the first day of the NFL free agent signing period. Had Tampa Bay done so, there's no telling how much more it could have lined its deep pockets, with all the comings and goings of potential signees. The Bucs, who led the league entering free agency with an astounding $44-million in salary cap space, completed one blockbuster deal while eyeing numerous players to fill an assortment of needs. Less than an hour into the signing period, which began at midnight Friday, the Bucs had agreed in principle on a deal to make New Orleans free agent Jeff Faine, 6 foot 3, 291 pounds, the highest-paid center in history. Later that morning, the staggering details of his contract were revealed: six years, $37.5-million, $15-million of it guaranteed. "I'm especially looking forward to working in this offense and helping Tampa Bay defend the NFC South title," Faine said in a prepared statement. The deal sent an unmistakable message that the Bucs refused to be outbid for the best available player at a position of great need. It also served as notice of the team's intent to solidify its offensive line. John Wade started for the past five seasons and proved serviceable. But the Bucs have long sought to upgrade, and Faine, 26, is seen as a better pass blocker and a more complete player. In two years, a team whose offensive line once was viewed as a punch line has skillfully revamped the unit with three first-day draft picks Davin Joseph, Jeremy Trueblood and Arron Sears and the signings of two key veterans (tackle Luke Petitgout in 2007 and Faine). Stephen F Holder, The St.Petersburg Times 1 March 2008