Free agency may be looming, but the defensive tackle wants to stay with Tampa Bay.
By ROGER MILLS
Published February 26, 2004
TAMPA - After spending the first nine seasons of his NFL career in one city, playing for one franchise, Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp is in no hurry to change his address.
Football business is business, but Sapp, who becomes a free agent March 3, said Wednesday the idea of not playing for the Bucs next season is one he would like to avoid.
"I'm a Florida boy; there has never been any question about that," said Sapp, who finished the 2003 season with five sacks, bringing his career total to 77, two shy of breaking Lee Roy Selmon's franchise record. "It's up to the powers that be to make it happen. You can do anything with the salary cap.
"Let's not assume we're going to get a whole lot of offers. (The Bucs) could put one on the table by Friday and (if accepted) I wouldn't become a free agent (next Wednesday). ... Anything is possible."
Though the chance of Sapp signing a new deal so soon seems unconventional, if not unlikely, that it is a consideration indicates how strongly the seven-time Pro Bowl player wants to stay with the Bucs.
Bucs general manager Bruce Allen would not comment on negotiations but said last week every effort will be made to re-sign Sapp.
In a perfect world, the 31-year-old native of Apopka likely would sign a four- or five-year deal and finish his career with the Bucs, the team that selected him in the first round of the 1995 draft.
But, there will be barriers.
Still one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the game, the four-time All-Pro selectee is expected to get his share of interest if he hits the free-agent market next week. The Bucs are expected to wait and see what type of offers come his way before naming their price.
"It's a business," Sapp said. "That's all it is. It's nothing to do with people you meet or the friends you make. It's all about business."
But Sapp isn't eager to go on a city-to-city tour.
"What circuit?" he said. "If you (hit the circuit) then you set yourself up to look like a mercenary. The only place I know is Tampa. The only two general managers I have spoken to are (former Bucs GM) Rich McKay and Bruce Allen."
Since the end of the season, Sapp's name has been linked to possible destinations in Indianapolis, Baltimore, Washington and Atlanta. But such speculation has been replaced by the growing likelihood of his return.
"I haven't heard too many rumors and I don't worry about them or about things that I can't control," he said. "I'm still the property of the Tampa Bay Bucs."
There are more obstacles. The Bucs reportedly are about $500,000 over the cap and must cut players or rework contracts to get below the league-mandated $80.582-million by Wednesday.
Efforts are under way to restructure the contracts of players such as Derrick Brooks, and the Bucs still may have to release players to create room for any signings. Also, in Anthony McFarland, who signed a five-year, $34-million extension in August, the Bucs believe they have an ample, young replacement should Sapp leave.
Sapp said that while agent Drew Rosenhaus and Allen had preliminary talks about a possible new contract at last week's combine, nothing has been put on paper.
"It doesn't have to be perfect," Sapp said. "It does not have to be the deal I want or the deal they want. I have said, "Make me an offer.' No player sets his market value. (Teams) do that. It's not about the money. The thing about it is (Allen and coach Jon Gruden) know what I bring to the table and they like it."
In coming days, if not weeks, Rosenhaus will pursue the best deal for his client, knowing Sapp plans to take a proactive role in where he finally lands.
"It's kind of like flying a private jet, with a pilot and a co-pilot," Sapp said. "Both of us are going to be in the cockpit on each side of the plane. This one means too much to me to not be (in the cockpit)."
Through nine seasons, three coaches, two owners and two uniforms, Sapp said he has deep appreciation for his time in a Bucs uniform and never misses the chance to talk about playing alongside Pro Bowl linebacker Brooks.
"(It's been) a blast," said Sapp, reflecting on his tenure with the Bucs. "You're talking about a franchise that was a doormat (of the NFL) and became a championship team. ... I'll never forget the day we came home with the championship trophy."
And was last year's run the last?
"To end it on a 7-9 losing season is not how I want it to go down," Sapp said.
