Tampa Bay has elected to retain WR Paris Warren for one more season.

The Bucs had exclusive free agent rights to Warren, meaning they were the only team that could sign him before Feb. 28. If Tampa Bay decided against offering Warren a contract, he would have become an unrestricted free agent on March 1.

Instead, Warren signed a 1-year contract worth $510,000. Warren’s agent Derrick Fox said his client signed the deal late last week and it was mailed to Tampa Bay.

The Bucs have until Feb. 28 to offer restricted free agents Kalvin Pearson (safety) and Jovan Haye (defensive end) contracts or those players can become unrestricted free agents.

Warren was seemingly going to make last year’s roster before dislocating his ankle during the preseason finale against Houston. During that game, Warren had three receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown in the first half. In addition to 9-yard touchdown pass from QB Luke McCown, Warren also had a 51-yard reception.

As Warren caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Bruce Gradkowski with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Houston CB Dexter McCleon tackled Warren in the end zone, and the receiver ended up severely damaging his left leg on the play. Warren’s leg below the knee was twisted away from his body and he was later placed on injured reserve.

Warren previously said his rehabilitation was going well and he expected to compete once training camp begins.

Tampa Bay is in desperate need of a game-breaking receiver to compliment Joey Galloway, which is one reason it chose to retain Warren. The Bucs are expected to pursue a playmaker during the offseason, but Warren showed flashes of that potential prior to his injury.