By ROY CUMMINGS
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TAMPA – If Barrett Ruud’s holdout from offseason workouts was aimed at sparking a series of new contract negotiations, it didn’t work.

Though Ruud ended his absence Tuesday and showed for the Bucs mandatory minicamp, he did so despite the fact no negotiations have taken place on a new contract.

“There are no discussions; there haven’t been any,’’ Ruud said. “There hasn’t been much for discussion. I‘d like to think everything will take care of itself but that remains to be seen.’’

Ruud is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him approximately $1.6 million in 2009. He is looking for a new deal in part because he has no desire to leave the Bucs.

“I’d like to be here a long time,’’ Ruud said. “I’ve really enjoyed the organization. It’s a first-class organization and a great community, and like my teammates. In that respect, I am disappointed it hasn’t progressed.’’
Ruud said he’s been working out near his home in Nebraska, and he suggested that may be where he stays if a negotiations aimed at a new deal aren’t moving along when training camp opened.

“Right now I’m just taking things day by day,’’ Ruud said. “All I can control is what I do on the field right now, and I’m in good shape and I’m happy where I’m at physically.’’