Quarles looking for a better deal

The linebacker may decide to shop around after all since talks hit snag.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 5, 2003

TAMPA -- One day after his agent canceled visits to other teams, Shelton Quarles began checking schedules of flights departing from Tampa.

Talks on a new contract for the Bucs free-agent linebacker hit an impasse Tuesday, according to agent Jim Steiner. And if an agreement on a deal isn't reached within the next few days, Quarles will begin searching for a team to play for next season.

"We talked again (Tuesday) but we hit some snags today," Steiner said. "And if the snags are not worked out soon, we're going to take some of the teams up on making visits."

Steiner said those teams include the Colts and Packers. Quarles was scheduled to visit the Chiefs this week but canceled when the they signed ex-Eagles linebacker Shawn Barber.

"We've had some conversations with some others, but nothing is scheduled yet," Steiner said.

Steiner would not disclose the specific snags in negotiations, though the Bucs are believed to disagree with the agent over contractual value.

The Bucs are only $600,000 below the $75-million salary cap but have enough room to re-sign Quarles without restructuring any more contracts, according to Steiner. But Tampa Bay still is negotiating a new contract for defensive end Simeon Rice that would provide significant relief.

"I don't really want to talk about what the specific issues are. But they know we have a problem and we are trying to work on it," Steiner said. "There is no acrimony involved in the negotiations. We just have some problems and they've got to be resolved soon."

In his first season after switching to middle linebacker, Quarles was named to the Pro Bowl. He is capable of playing all three linebacker positions.

Quarles could be reunited with former Bucs coach Tony Dungy in Indianapolis. The Colts are seeking a replacement for Mike Peterson, whom they did not attempt to re-sign.

The Packers might be considering Quarles as an outside linebacker. The middle is manned by former Bucs Pro Bowl player Hardy Nickerson.

Steiner said talks will resume today and continue through the week.

"If the snags continue, we have no choice but to see what else is out there and make some visits," Steiner said.

The Bucs have made re-signing Quarles their No. 1 priority and have not made offers to two other starters who are free agents -- safety Dexter Jackson and linebacker Alshermond Singleton.

Jackson, the Super Bowl XXXVII MVP, visited Pittsburgh and will travel to Arizona to meet with the Cardinals on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Bucs turned their attention to the offensive line. The champions entertained their first free agent -- Broncos offensive tackle Blake Brockermeyer.

Brockermeyer has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons and had arthroscopic surgery on both knees in January. On Tuesday, he took a physical and apparently convinced the Bucs he is healthy enough to be a backup at both tackle positions.

Brockermeyer, 29, started 100 of 104 games before last season. He played in all 16 games with Denver, starting just one.

Other than re-signing Quarles, the Bucs are focused on fortifying the offensive line and acquiring a backup quarterback.

The Bucs are interested in re-signing Shaun King but have not actively pursued any quarterbacks.

Carolina's Rodney Peete has talked to coach Jon Gruden, whom he played for with the Raiders. But Peete's first choice is to re-sign with the Panthers.