1:25pm: According to Rapoport (via Twitter), the pact has a max value of about $1.525MM, which is very close to what Moore would’ve earned if he’d received the low-end RFA tender from Dallas.
12:51pm: It’s a one-year deal for Moore, tweets Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com.
12:42pm: The Buccaneers have struck an agreement on a contract for free agent defensive back Sterling Moore, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Moore had been eligible for restricted free agency, but was non-tendered by the Cowboys, so Dallas won’t have the right to match Tampa Bay’s offer.
Moore, 25, played an increased role for the Cowboys in 2014, starting seven regular season games for the team and appearing in all 16. Playing 866 defensive snaps, Moore didn’t grab an interception, but defended 13 passes and made 50 tackles. He also ranked 22nd out of 108 qualified cornerbacks during his time at the position, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
After not receiving an RFA tender from the Cowboys, Moore visited the Bucs first, then also met with the Steelers and 49ers. As Rapoport points out (via Twitter), the young defensive back has a little history with current Bucs GM Jason Licht — the former Patriots executive was in New England when Moore was signed to the Pats’ practice squad and then promoted to their active roster in 2011.