TAMPA - They flirted with the idea of going after Mark Brunell, offered a contract to Jeff Garcia, visited with Brian Griese, signed Jason Garrett and still are in the market for another arm before their quarterback orientation begins next week.
One way or the other, coach Jon Gruden said the Bucs would like to add another quarterback to join starter Brad Johnson, second-year player Chris Simms and Garrett.
"This is free agency," Gruden said. "You're trying to assemble the best group of guys you can to take to Orlando for training camp and that's what we're going to continue to do. If someone has some redeeming qualities that can help our team, by God we're going to try to get him in here and work with him."
While Gruden firmly reasserts that Johnson is the starter, the Bucs recognize the need for an experienced backup. Gruden pointed out that in the three games Johnson didn't play in over the past two seasons, the Bucs scored only one touchdown. A veteran like Griese, who visited Monday, could be the answer.
"(Brian) came in just to get to know everyone," general manager Bruce Allen said. "We've talked to his agents, and he's going to take a few more trips and then we'll see after we bring in some other quarterbacks as well."
Griese's agent, Marvin Demoff, said Tuesday there was nothing new to report.
Among QBs unsigned are Billy Volek, Neil O'Donnell, Rick Mirer, Doug Johnson, Kordell Stewart and Doug Pederson.
RETURN MAGIC: Special teams was a major problem last year and the team has addressed coverage issues by signing linebackers Jeff Gooch and Keith Burns, veteran special-teams standouts.
But Gruden said the Bucs still are looking for the home run hitter.
"It is a concern," he said. "We want to add somebody who can come in here and scare the (heck) out of the other teams. Get the fans excited about our defense holding them to a fourth-down punting situation.
"We've got to block better; hopefully Burns and Gooch will help us do that. But we'd like to get a finisher, a guy that can take the ball the distance. Those guys don't grow on trees either. You've got to keep working hard to find those guys, and we'll do the best we can."
Gruden said receiver Edell Sheppard could get a look at returning punts and said the team continues to address kickoff duties.
GROWING: It is noticeable that the Bucs are getting a lot bigger and a lot meaner on the offensive line. Gruden said that is not by accident, especially considering the beating the line and kick protection took at the hands of teams such as the Panthers last season.
"We had three (blocks) in one game, right up the middle," Gruden said. "Size and strength and a lot of that stuff can certainly help neutralize the power rushes we saw against Carolina. They kind of set a high standard in terms of physical play last year. Until we match up better and play better against Carolina, it's going to be tough (going)."
