Wallace

Gilberry

GM Scott Pioli indicated that DE Wallace Gilberry, in particular, wanted to revisit talks after the draft. “We had talked to Wallace a number of times during the season about an extension,” Pioli said. “We talked to him during the offseason and Wallace wasn’t ready to make a move and wasn’t ready to do anything. He wanted to see what his market was.”

Gilberry was waived on Saturday, but the Bucs have had a change of heart. Gilberry was a productive player for the Chiefs the past three seasons, appearing in all 16 games while tallying at least 2.5 sacks each year. His contract will be guaranteed if he holds his roster spot through next weekend.

Gilberry appeared in all 48 games for the Chiefs the past three seasons, making 55 tackles and 14 sacks. He shouldn’t go unsigned in 2012.

The Bucs continue to make tweaks along the depths of their defensive line. Gilberry and Jayme Mitchell are in, while Hilee Taylor and Myles Wade are out. Gilberry, 27, had 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks while appearing in all 16 games for the Chiefs last season. But two years ago, he posted seven sacks.

Gilberry made an impact as rotational pass rusher in 2010 before his play fell off across the board last season. He was recently cut by the Bucs after signing a one-year deal in June.

Gilberry was very productive as a situational pass rusher last season, compiling 6.5 sacks in 14 games. The former undrafted out of Alabama is back to fill the same role once again. It’s a quality, cost-efficient move for the Bengals.

Geathers injured his arm in Monday night’s win over the Steelers. He’s expected to be placed on season-ending injured reserve. Wallace Gilberry will take over as the No. 3 end. Rookie Margus Hunt may now be active on game days.

Gilberry had yet to register a sack on 126 snaps. He has only 3.5 quarterback takedowns over his past 36 games. His roster spot has been taken by Armonty Bryant. He’ll likely end up released with an injury settlement.

Gilberry signed with the Bengals in November after being cut by Detroit a month earlier. The 32-year-old recorded 2.5 sacks over 266 snaps. He gives the Bengals some depth behind edge rushers Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.

Hunt, the 53rd pick in last April’s draft, played just 170 snaps as a rookie and admittedly struggled mightily to adjust to the NFL after just four years of organized football. DL coach Jay Hayes said Hunt would come to the sidelines and confusingly ask “What was that?” at times. Hunt is expected to compete with Wallace Gilberry for snaps at left end with Carlos Dunlap moving to right end.