9:46am: It’s a done deal for Conte and the Bucs, tweets Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com.
8:12am: Conte will sign his one-year deal with the Bucs this morning, tweets McClure.
THURSDAY, 7:51am: Conte is still on track to get something done with the Bucs, but he has a visit lined up with the Jets in case the two sides can’t settle on contract details, tweets McClure.
WEDNESDAY, 5:11pm: Former Bears safety Chris Conte is expected to sign with the Bucs, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweets. The two sides are working on a contract now.
The former third-round pick had made 57 appearances since entering the NFL in 2011, including 52 starts. Conte had a career year in 2013, recording career-highs in tackles (90), interceptions (three) and forced fumbles (one). Injuries plagued his most current campaign, as he played only 474 snaps in 12 games. He finished 2014 with 43 tackles and three interceptions, and Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him 45th among 87 safety candidates.