Derrick Ward Leaves NY; Signs With Tampa Bay

Late-breaking news tonight, and it’s good news for a now FORMER Giant and good guy during his time in the Big Apple.

Derrick Ward signed a 4-year, $17 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cashing in on his break-out 1,025 yard season in 2008.

While Giant fans will be sad to see “Wind” leave the Meadowlands, you have to feel good for the guy knowing he’ll get a shot to be the star in Tampa.

Ward paid his dues during his time in New York; working his way up from various practice squads and playing second fiddle to Brandon Jacobs.

As for the Giants, we know they’ll be just fine filling in that #2 slot in the backfield with “Fire,” also known as Ahmad Bradshaw. And the way that offensive line nurtures it’s running backs, I wouldn’t be surprised if a viable #3 emerges in much the same way Bradshaw did in ’07.

While Giant fans might lament the loss of Ward now, they ought to be happy for the prosperous times in which they had him and the new opportunities he’ll have in the future.

Here’s to hoping though that “Wind” doesn’t come back to burn Big Blue down the line.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle