Oben likely to stay

Starting left tackle wants to remain with the Bucs and appears on track to sign a new deal.

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 15, 2003

TAMPA -- Bucs left tackle Roman Oben did everything asked by the Super Bowl winning team and likely will be the first free agent rewarded.

Roosevelt Barnes, Oben's agent, said Friday that talks with the Bucs are ongoing and he expects the team to sign Oben to a new contract before the free-agency market opens on Feb. 28.

Oben, 30, is one of four starters and 10 unrestricted free agents overall. Starting linebackers Shelton Quarles and Al Singleton and free safety Dexter Jackson also are free to sign with any team and are likely to test the market.

While the parties have not discussed the specific length of a new contract, Barnes said he feels reasonably confident that Oben will finish his career in Tampa Bay.

"We have had discussions and I think they definitely want him back," Barnes said. "Now, they have some salary-cap issues that they need to take care off but it looks like it's something we can get done before (Feb. 28). We have a pretty good relationship with the Bucs and we think we can get this thing done."

Coach Jon Gruden gave Oben a resounding endorsement Monday night at the premiere of the Bucs Super Bowl DVD when he publicly challenged the front office to sign Oben.

Oben, who had his knee scoped last week, said he wants to stay in Tampa and was pleased that Gruden was so outspoken.

"It's a great feeling to know that they feel that way about you," Oben said before leaving with his family for a vacation in Texas. "It's a lot better than it was at this time last year when I didn't know who wanted me. We'll see."

The Bucs do not comment on ongoing negotiations.

Oben signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $650,000 in May and was expected to provide depth and competition. After offseason knee surgery, Oben ascended the depth chart at left tackle. By the beginning of training camp he was a starter, with Kenyatta Walker moved to right tackle and Jerry Wunsch released.

Oben, who played four seasons with the Giants (1996-99) and two with the Browns (2000-01), started all 19 games for the Bucs.

"I think the goal is to get him a deal that allows him to be a Buccaneer for the rest of his NFL career," Barnes said. "I think he's right at that spot where he's not too old and not too young. Especially for an offensive lineman, he's in the prime of his career and should have a few more years left."

While the Bucs offensive line struggled early in the season, it improved significantly and was outstanding in the playoff run. Quarterback Brad Johnson was sacked eight times in the last nine games he started, and once in three playoff games.

The Bucs have begun restructuring the contracts of a number of the high-salaried veterans with the hope of opening cap space to sign Oben and others. Cornerback Ronde Barber and kicker Martin Gramatica have reworked their contracts and a number of others, like Johnson, receiver Keyshawn Johnson and linebacker Derrick Brooks, could be approached.

Barnes, who represents Brooks, said: "It would seem to me that Brooks would be one of the logical targets. He still has some tread on his tires and is at the top of his game. Moreover, Derrick is willing to do whatever he can to help the team stay where it is."