Skip to main content
Advertising

Morris expects veteran CB Barber to return to Bucs in 2011

There is no question in Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris' mind that cornerback Ronde Barber will return next season, the *St. Petersburg Times* reported Wednesday.

East-West Shrine Game on NFL Network:
![](http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork) On Saturday, Jan. 22, NFL stars of tomorrow compete in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla. Coverage begins on NFL Network at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Barber, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, would play in his 15th NFL season if Morris proves prophetic.

"He's coming back," Morris said from East-West Shrine Game workouts in Orlando, Fla. "He's playing. Now it's just a matter of what he's playing for. I'm really confident that he's playing, and I feel great about it."

Barber showed no signs of slowing down during the 2010 season, making 81 tackles (third on the team) and three interceptions (second). He also boasts impressive durability, with 183 consecutive starts in 208 straight games.

The only hang-up with Barber returning to the Bucs is his contract status -- he's an unrestricted free agent.

"It's just a matter of deciding how much he's worth and all that. But our starting right cornerback will be back," Morris said. "He'll be our starting right corner as long as he keeps playing at a high level."

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.