Bucs looking for some way to squeeze Sapp under cap
By RICK STROUD
Published February 21, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS - Re-signing defensive tackle Warren Sapp remains a priority for the Bucs, who continued talks Friday aimed at restructuring contracts to get them below the salary cap.
"In the grand scheme it feels more important," general manager Bruce Allen said of retaining Sapp, who becomes a free agent March 3. "I like players staying with teams. I like veteran players, personally. They bring a lot to an organization. We're locked into a situation where it might not be possible; we don't know. We really don't know what's going to happen in free agency."
Allen said the Bucs feel confident in moving nose tackle Anthony McFarland to Sapp's undertackle position, if necessary.
"We're comfortable. If that's what needs to be done, we'll do it," he said. Sapp, 31, and Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse are considered the top free agents targeted by the Redskins, according to the Washington Times.
Allen said he will meet with Sapp's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, within the next few days.
Friday, Allen planned to meet with Roosevelt Barnes, the agent for linebacker Derrick Brooks, about restructuring the contract of the six-time Pro Bowl player.
Jack Reale, the agent for Kerry Jenkins, said Allen also wants to discuss adjusting the veteran guard's contract. Jenkins is due a $1-million roster bonus March 1.
WHAT PROBLEM?: Falcons GM Rich McKay took issue with the Bucs' claim that they have among the worst salary-cap scenarios. "We had talked about a plan for how to handle it, but obviously, those plans change," McKay said. "And maybe in those plans changing, maybe they're now hampered by it. There's many different ways to do business.
"In Tampa, the one issue we had there was we had a lot of Pro Bowl players there for a lot of years. It's very tough. I don't know how many were on the roster last year, but I would have to think 12 or 13. That contributes to what is known as high salaries."
McKay also defended his decision to designate defensive end Chidi Ahanotu as the Bucs' franchise player, a tag that will remain with him until 2005 though he no longer is with the team. "That was '97-'98, we felt we've got to keep the team together. We felt we can't let him out there. And that was the way it went."
EYES ON DREW: The Bucs are among three teams considered serious contenders to acquire the rights to quarterback Drew Henson from the Texans. Houston is asking for a second-round pick in 2005 or a third-round pick that includes an optional first-rounder based on playing time.
BUCS BITS: Allen said the Bucs will not wait until June 1 to release or trade Keyshawn Johnson in order to minimize a nearly $7-million salary-cap hit. ... The Bucs interviewed former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett on Thursday night. ... The team also has interviewed LSU receiver Michael Clayton.
