The Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Defensive tackle Warren Sapp passed a physical and will be officially introduced as a new member of the Oakland Raiders on Monday.

The seven-time Pro Bowler agreed Saturday to a seven-year, $36.6 million contract with the Raiders, ending his nine-year relationship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He came to the Bay Area on Sunday for a physical.

"Hopefully he will be a major contributor to the greatness of the Raiders in the future," Raiders spokesman Artie Gigantino said.

Sapp will receive a $7 million signing bonus. He earned $6.6 million last year in the final season of a six-year, $36 million contract he signed in 1998.

Earlier this month, the 31-year-old tackle said he was optimistic about the prospect of re-signing with the Bucs. But that changed when his old team failed to make him an offer during the first week of the free agency period.

Sapp leaves the only pro team he has played for two sacks shy of the franchise record of 781/2 held by Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon. Before free agency opened, he said he believes he can continue to play at a high level for four more years.

He becomes the second Pro Bowl defensive tackle to sign with the Raiders this offseason. Ted Washington signed a $14 million, four-year contract earlier this month.

Washington, a key member of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season, and Sapp will be counted on to help the Raiders improve their run defense, which ranked last in the league in 2003. Oakland, which finished 4-12 only one year after reaching the Super Bowl, gave up 156.9 yards per game on the ground.

NFL Calendar

March 28-April 1 - NFL annual meeting, Palm Beach, Fla.

April 16 - Signing period ends for restricted free agents.

April 24-25 - NFL draft, New York.

May 25-26 - NFL spring meeting, Jacksonville, Fla.

Mid-July - Training camps open.

Aug. 9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.

Aug. 12-16 - First preseason weekend.

Aug. 31 - Roster cut to maximum of 65 players.

Sept. 5 - Roster cut to maximum of 53 players.

Sept. 9-13 - Opening weekend of 2004 season.