Kyle

Moore

A fourth-round pick by the Bucs in 2009, Moore has totaled 28 tackles in 15 career games. He struggled to rush the passer and stop the run in Tampa.

Moore underwent a knee scope recently and will be sidelined for a “few weeks.” Moore started seven games, racking up three sacks and 24 tackles, in 2012 after Mark Anderson was lost to knee surgery. He didn’t register a single sack in his previous three seasons out of USC.

The journeyman former fourth-round pick started seven games in place of an injured Mark Anderson last season, tallying the first three sacks of his four-year career. He made no known visits in free agency before signing with the Bears. Moore will be in the mix with Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin at left end opposite Julius Peppers, but is unlikely to earn a starting job. Moore’s signing means the Bears are likely moving on from Israel Idonije.

Moore was signed to a one-year contract in April, a year after starting seven games and registering three sacks for the Bills. He was competing for the No. 4 defensive end job in Chicago, but lost out to rookie Cornelius Washington. Zbikowski had been working with the third- and fourth-team defenses.

Moore goes 6'5/272 and paced the Trojans with six sacks as a senior. He’ll likely compete for time at left defensive end, and possible provide help inside on passing downs. Tampa is very shaky at LDE after letting Kevin Carter walk in free agency, so Moore could have an outside chance to start.

It’s a position of need for the Bucs, with Wilkerson being seen as more of a rotational lineman. Moore won’t be an impact pass rusher, but he’s known as a strong run defender.

Rookie Kyle Moore offers the best all-around package for the position, but is being tried as an interior rusher for now. Nickel DE Greg “Stylez G.” White will replace Wilkerson on passing downs. There’s little IDP upside here.

Moore offers ideal length for a base 4-3 left end, but isn’t a dominant pass rusher. He recorded just six sacks as a senior at USC. Moore is currently Tampa’s No. 4 DE behind Gaines Adams, Jimmy Wilkerson, and Greg White.

He’ll undergo surgery on Friday. Moore was already sidelined with a groin injury, so it’s not a big loss. Newly signed Tim Crowder could see action in his place.