GM Bruce Allen doesn't expect to re-sign any among the dozen, including Warren Sapp, before the deadline.
By RICK STROUD
Published February 28, 2004
TAMPA - Here's the Bucs' forecast for free agency from general manager Bruce Allen: gloomy, followed by depression over the salary-cap situation and a gradual clearing out of key players.
Allen indicated Friday that all 12 of the Bucs' unrestricted free agents will hit the market when the signing period begins Wednesday, including defensive tackle Warren Sapp and running back Thomas Jones.
"The grass isn't always greener on the other side," Allen said. "A lot of players don't want to leave a specific locker they've had. It's a frightening time for some because they are afraid the telephone will not ring.
"We'll see what happens with Warren."
Sapp, 31, has said he wants to return to Tampa Bay, and the Bucs are willing to take their chances he won't receive an enormous offer from teams such as the Redskins or Ravens. But they aren't as confident about retaining Jones, who averaged 91.7 rushing yards in the final three games.
Jones, 25, is believed to want $3-million per year and could get it from running back-starved teams such as the Bears and Cowboys.
"There's a good chance somebody is going to give him a lot of money," Allen said. "I know there's no tampering in this league, but I understand that he might get a lot of money.
"He has the chance that maybe someone will ring the bell and let him hit the lottery."
Friday, Allen resumed talks with the agent for Cowboys receiver Joey Galloway in an effort to complete a trade that would send Keyshawn Johnson to Dallas.
Agent Leigh Steinberg said the Bucs' tenuous salary-cap situation is an obstacle. Tampa Bay might have to release players such as linebacker Dwayne Rudd, receiver Karl Williams and guard Kerry Jenkins to comply with the $80.5-million cap by Tuesday's deadline.
"It can get done," Allen said of the Johnson-Galloway trade. "Joey had a good conversation with (coach Jon Gruden). Leigh and I have never had a problem doing a contract. We have to fit him into our cap. We know we can fit him into our team as a player. But there's other factors involved.
"I think the player-for-player is the most natural, and in this case, it really is a natural trade. They never work out that way. You talk about a win-win, and it seems like it makes sense. If it doesn't work out for (Galloway), then (owner and GM Jerry Jones or director of player personnel Stephen Jones) and I will have another conversation."
Allen said Galloway, 32, provides speed Gruden covets at the position.
"You give that type of player to his creative mind and this offensive staff, you'll see a new wrinkle," Allen said.
Allen said he hopes the Bucs coaching staff, which he considers the best in the league, will attract free agents. But Tampa Bay's needs might outnumber its dollars.
"We have a number of areas on this team that need to be focused on," Allen said. "When you go down our team, you have a couple running backs who are in free agency, a fullback who's coming off an injury and the other fullback who's in free agency. You have two quarterbacks. You have one of the receivers who's not going to be here because of a trade or whatever. A couple offensive linemen are coming off injury.
"We have no punter. Our deep snapper is a free agent, a safety coming off a serious injury, and we have two linebackers under contract who play. And Warren Sapp is a free agent. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, it was a heck of a play."
