Nece: Phone already ringing

Just-released linebacker Ryan Nece said in a phone interview that he and his agent already have spoken to several coaches and general managers, adding he expects to land with a new team within a couple of days.

That said, the one-time starter at strong-side linebacker would loved to have remained in Tampa, the only place he's known since entering the league and undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2002.

"It hasn't been an easy road, but at the same time, I wouldn't have had it any other way," said Nece, who fought off several challengers for his starting job over the years before falling down the depth chart this season. "I was able to come in and be part of a Super Bowl team as an undrafted rookie."

Regarding Tampa, Nece said, "The biggest thing is that I've made Tampa my home. This community has been great to me. The community has embraced me and I'll continue to do that from afar.

"And when I think about the players I've played with, I've had a chance to play with Hall of Famers. You wish it didn't happen like this, but that's the part of the game you have to understand."