Swap for a fifth-round draft pick in 2005 eases crowding on offensive line, helps on salary cap.
By ROGER MILLS
Published June 10, 2004
TAMPA - The overhaul of the Bucs offensive line took another major step Wednesday when veteran left tackle Roman Oben was traded to the Chargers for a fifth-round draft pick in 2005.
The move cleared space in a locker room crowded with offensive linemen and helped ease pressure on the salary cap. Oben, 31, was due to make $1-million this season, $1.1-million in 2005 and $1.2-million in 2006.
The veteran of eight seasons, the last two in Tampa Bay, had started all 19 games for the Bucs during their Super Bowl run two seasons ago. Overall he started 29 of 32 regular-season games, missing three starts in 2003 due to a broken hand. He played in two of those games.
"At least I'm able to go to a team that wants to win and has a goal to be in the Super Bowl soon," said Oben, who has started 106 of 113 career games. "Overall, it was a positive experience in Tampa Bay. Coach (Jon) Gruden gave me the opportunity to come here and experience playing at the highest level and win a Super Bowl. My dream was fulfilled and I am not bitter.
"People are going to say whatever they want to say. But I have to sleep at night and I'm proud of what I brought to the team. Nobody in that building at One Buc Place can have anything negative to say about my effort."
The Bucs expressed appreciation for Oben's contributions but said there was no room for him after free-agent left tackle Derrick Deese signed.
"(Oben) did a great job for us and was a leader here," Gruden said. "I think the situation there in San Diego is good for him. They need his help. And it'll give Derrick an opportunity to be a left tackle here and it'll give some of the younger guys the opportunity to become a backup left tackle. We wish him well. He's a great guy. We'll miss him."
Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said discussions with the Chargers began "a few weeks ago" and that the trade would work out well for both teams as well as Oben.
The native of Cameroon agreed. Oben, who also played for the Giants (1996-99) and the Browns (2000-2001), said he appreciated that the Bucs did not keep him on the roster through training camp and then release him and not give him a chance to land elsewhere.
"You have to look at it as a professional," said Oben, who was told of the trade around 8:25 a.m., after a weightlifting session. "I didn't want to be the guy to come into camp, fight for a job and end up being released. Actually, I'm going into a good situation. In San Diego, I'll be the guy who will be coming to help the team win now."
Oben said economics played a role in the trade. The Bucs now can turn to the likes of Kenyatta Walker and Anthony Davis, who make significantly less, to back up Deese. In a pinch, the Bucs also can turn to newly signed Matt Stinchcomb.
"You're not going to have a $1-million on the bench," Oben said.
The Chargers are happy to have him.
"I've always admired Roman's consistent play and consistent effort," general manager A.J. Smith said in a release. "He's proven to be very durable. ... He brings immediate leadership and integrity to our organization."
