Bucs Sign TE Troupe The Bucs lost and gained a tight end all within a matter of hours Thursday. Shortly after Anthony Becht became the first Bucs free agent to join another team, the Bucs filled the hole his departure created by agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with Ben Troupe. Troupe, who fills the Bucs need for a pass-catching tight end to complement Alex Smith, has spent his entire four-year career playing for the Tennessee Titans. He agreed to terms on a two-year deal, according to the NFL Network. A former second-round pick of the Titans, he has been described as something of a disappointment, but the Bucs are obviously confident that he can still reach the potential he showed when he starred at the University of Florida. Troupe, who met with the Bucs last weekend before moving on to a visit with the Bills, joins former Bear John Gilmore as new additions to the Bucs tight end corps. His arrival may mean the end of his Bucs tenure for Jerramy Stevens. Stevens is a free agent as well and while the Bucs have expressed an interest in re-signing him he is now expendable. Becht, who signed with the Rams, started just two games for the Bucs last year but was a regular part of the two-tight-end packages that are a big part of Coach Jon Gruden’s offensive scheme. Becht never expected to be back with the Bucs in 2008 and his fate was all but sealed when the Bucs signed Gilmore shortly after the signing period began last weekend. While Becht was working a deal with the Rams, fellow Bucs free agent Brian Kelly was meeting with the New York Giants. Kelly, the Bucs’ former starting left corner, recently met with the Lions. The signing of Troupe comes as the Bucs continue to search for a receiver and running back, and General Manager Bruce Allen says dialogue aimed at filling those areas of need continues. The Bucs have met with the agents for receiver Bryant Johnson (Cardinals) and running backs Julius Jones (Cowboys) and Warrick Dunn (Falcons) but it remains unclear whether the Bucs are close to doing deals for any of those players. In Dunn’s case, a meeting between the two parties has already taken place, but Dunn is believed to be contemplating his options, which may include signing with Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis or Denver. The Bucs are also in the market for a cornerback to replace Kelly and have met with Eugene Wilson (Patriots). Wilson spent Wednesday visiting the New York Jets while Jones spent the last two days meeting with the Tennesee Titans. Roy Cummings, The Tampa Tribune 7 March 2008