Bucs trade Talib to Patriots

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unloaded one of their more talented but often problematic players. Cornerback Aqib Talib was traded to the New England Patriots on Thursday in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2013.

Talib was the Bucs' first-round pick in 2008. He had 18 interceptions and 179 tackles since then, but it was his off-the-field behavior that many fans know him for best.

Talib was charged with battery in 2009 after an altercation with a Pinellas County cab driver. He was also indicted in Texas on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after an incident involving his sister and her boyfriend, though those charges were later dropped.

Earlier this month, Talib was suspended for four games for failing a substance abuse test. He later admitted he mistakenly took Adderall during training camp without a prescription.

The Bucs also sent their seventh-round 2013 draft pick to New England as part of the deal.