King seeks deal; Bucs near signing of Miller

TAMPA -- As quarterbacks began learning the Bucs offense inside and out Monday, Shaun King expected to be on the outside looking in.

But King visited One Buc Place at the invitation of coach Jon Gruden, an unusual move the unrestricted free agent hopes is a prelude to a new contract.

Tampa Bay plans to sign Bears free agent Jim Miller within the next few days, according to his agent.

Miller would join Redskins free agent Shane Matthews, who agreed to a one-year contract with the Bucs on Friday.

It's uncertain where Miller's signing would leave King, 25, who indicated he also met with Bucs general manager Rich McKay and assistant general manager John Idzik on Monday at the start of quarterback orientation.

"We'll try to sign probably one more (quarterback)," McKay said. "When that is, I can't say. It could be in the next week or it could be in three months. We're working through it and trying to figure out which player would be a fit to play for us and cap-wise."

Miller, 32, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and may not be able to throw until August. But he could be signed by Thursday and join starter Brad Johnson, Matthews and undrafted free agent Greg Zolman in the voluntary film sessions.

"We just have to figure out some language ... so we're protected and Jim's protected," Joe Linta, Miller's agent, said. "It's just down to working on some language. Jon (Gruden) wants him, Rich McKay wants him, everybody wants him, and Jim wants to be there. We just have to do some Perry Mason stuff."

The appearance of King at One Buc Place was a bit of a surprise.

Although he has not visited another team since the start of the free-agent signing period, King said he is eager to re-sign with the Bucs and begin competing for the No. 2 quarterback job.

King also wants to continue to develop in Gruden's system after learning four offenses in as many pro seasons.

"I'm here to get a contract done," said King, a former Gibbs High standout. "I talked to the people who do the contracts around here. I want to see what's going on. I don't want to take trips needlessly. I think we'll get something done soon."

Despite an injury-marred 2002 season, Miller started eight games and appeared in 11 for the Bears, passing for 1,944 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He missed the last three games after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Two years ago, Miller and Matthews led the Bears to a 13-3 record and an NFC Central title.

Matthews has started 22 of 28 games he has played in, passing for 4,712 yards and 30 touchdowns with a career passer rating of 74.4. He entered the league with the Bears in 1993 as an undrafted free agent out of Florida.

If Miller signs, King would try to convince the Bucs to enter training camp with four experienced quarterbacks. In his first full season as a starter, King went 10-6 and led the Bucs to the playoffs where they lost at Philadelphia in the NFC wild-card game. But despite a 15-9 record, he was replaced in 2001 when the Bucs signed Johnson as a free agent.

King played poorly in a 17-7 loss to the Steelers last season, his first start in nearly two seasons.

In addition to fulfilling their needs at quarterback, the Bucs are attempting to re-sign left tackle Roman Oben. But just $524,000 below the $75-million salary cap, the team has begun talks aimed at restructuring the contract of receiver Keyshawn Johnson.