TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Quarterback Brian Griese finalized a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday.

The two sides had agreed to the contract in principle on Wednesday with the deal expected to be done Thursday, Griese’s birthday. Griese, who previously played for Denver and Miami, is the fourth quarterback on the Bucs roster, joining Brad Johnson, Jason Garrett and Chris Simms.

“We believe Brian will be able to quickly adapt to our system and we know he’ll compete,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said. “We feel very strong about our group of quarterbacks.”

Griese was released this month after starting five games last season with the Dolphins, who his father Bob played for during his Hall of Fame career. The younger Griese spent the first five years of his career with Denver, going 27-24 in 51 games.

Last season, Griese signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins but was unable to unseat starting quarterback job Jay Fiedler. Griese has 12,576 yards, 76 touchdowns and 59 interceptions in six pro seasons.

AP-ES-03-19-04 2028EST