Connor

Barth

Barth, 26, was Tampa Bay’s most consistent offensive player in 2011, banging 26 of his 28 field goal attempts through the uprights. Whereas the Browns are guaranteeing K Phil Dawson north of $3.8 million because he’s been tagged two years in a row, the Bucs will only owe Barth in the neighborhood of $2.6 million.

If so, Barth would be the fifth kicker to be tagged this offseason. The Bucs have until 4PM ET Monday to make a decision. Barth converted 26-of-28 field-goal attempts in 2011.

The Bucs have made Barth a priority amongst their in-house free agents after he converted 26-of-28 field-goal attempts last season. He would be guaranteed roughly $2.6 million under the franchise tag in 2012.

Capable of playing both guard and center, Zuttah appeared in 15 games last season, starting 14. Four months shy of his 26th birthday, he also played for new Bucs coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers. Barth converted 26-of-28 field-goal attempts in 2011. SI.com estimated Monday the Bucs are currently $67 million under the projected 2012 salary cap.

As long as he’s staying in shape, it’s hardly a major issue for a kicker to miss offseason practices. Although Barth is in search of a long-term deal, he’ll report once practices become mandatory.

After setting a franchise record by nailing 92.9-percent of his field goals a season ago, Barth is looking for a long-term extension with an annual base salary near $3 million. The two sides have until July 15 to work out a deal, but it appears Barth will work out with his teammates in the meantime.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $4 million in guarantees. He was due $2.6 million under the franchise tag. Barth was arguably the Bucs’ most consistent offensive weapon last year, banging home 26-of-28 field goals, including 13-of-14 from 40-49 yards out. Franchise players Matt Prater and Josh Scobee should better Barth’s deal, as both also handle kickoffs.

Thanks to an ACL tear and a groin injury, Kaeding is no longer in the mix for a starting opportunity. He’ll be a mere offseason leg behind Connor Barth, who has gone 54-of-61 (88.5 percent) on field goals over the last two seasons. Barth signed a four-year, $13.2M contract last offseason.

“These two guys are almost identical all the way back through their college years,” said coach Sean Payton. “We feel good about the way both of them are hitting it.” Barth was much better for the Bucs last year (23-for-28 on FGs) than Forbath was during his two stops in Washington and New Orleans (10-for-15).

Barth lost out to Kai Forbath in the Saints’ kicker battle, but the Bears have decided he is a better option than long-time stalwart Robbie Gould. Barth converted 23-of-28 attempts (82.1%) and all but one of his extra points in 12 games with the Bucs last season.