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Former Giants quarterback Kerry Collins signed a three-year, $12-million contract with the Raiders on Monday, signaling what many believe is the end to Rich Gannon's tenure in Oakland.
Of course, it also means the beginning of increased speculation that Gannon, who enjoyed success under then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden, could be heading to Tampa Bay.
Late Monday, ESPN reported that Gannon likely will be enticed to reunite with Gruden. Gannon is due to make $7.8-million this season with Oakland and has refused to take a pay cut. The 38-year-old also has been openly critical of the Raiders front office.
The Gannon-Gruden reunion would raises serious questions about quarterback Brad Johnson's future with Bucs.
"Speaking for myself, I love it," said Phil Williams, Johnson's agent. "Without a good rumor about Brad every time I turn around, I'd have to check my pulse to see if I'm alive."
Joking aside, the Bucs' interest in Gannon has long been a hot topic throughout the league and likely will gain momentum as June 1 approaches, the date when teams can release certain veterans and soften their salary-cap hits.
In an offseason of major turnover, the Bucs did not ignore the quarterback position. They had their eyes on the Jaguars' Mark Brunell, who signed with the Redskins, and they flirted with a contract offer for the 49ers' Jeff Garcia, who signed with the Browns.
But Gruden routinely has stated he is firmly behind Johnson as his starter.
The Bucs would not comment on the Gannon situation.
Collins, 31, was released by the Giants on April 28, four days after they acquired Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick in the draft. "Kerry is a highly productive performer who will add to what is already a talented position," Raiders coach Norv Turner said.
Collins threw for 3,110 yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season. "I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Raider Nation," he said in a statement. "I want them to know that I'm going to give everything I've got."
By releasing Collins, who started 67 straight games for the Giants before a sprained ankle kept him out the last three games of 2003, the Giants shed $8.95-million from their salary cap.
Gannon finished last season on the injured list but is completely healthy, the Raiders say. He had surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.
RAVENS: Quarterback Anthony Wright will be sidelined until October after surgery on his right shoulder. Wright, the backup for Kyle Boller, had a torn labrum.
Storm scenario: Win and it is in playoffsTAMPA - The Storm can clinch a 14th consecutive Arena league postseason berth with a victory Sunday at Dallas.
Tampa Bay (8-7) enters the final weekend of the regular season tied with New York (8-7) and Austin (8-7) for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Storm can earn the No. 7 or 8 seed with a win over Dallas (6-9), which has lost six straight and eight of nine. "We win, we're in," Storm coach Tim Marcum said.
The only way Tampa Bay cannot advance with a win is if Los Angeles and Orlando tie. There has been only one tie in league history and none since the current overtime rules were set in place.
If New York and Austin lose and Las Vegas beats Columbus, the Storm could sneak in with a loss.
- Times staff writers Rick Stroud and Frank Pastor and information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.