Who will give ground in the standoff between the Bucs and receiver Keenan McCardell, holding out for a new contract, is anyone's guess. But considering that both parties appear firmly dug in, a happy ending seems a long shot.
McCardell could eventually give in, though he seems resolved. The more likely solutions are a trade before camp or an outright release.
The Bucs' main argument is his age, 34. They have a point.
McCardell's main argument is his production. With 410 catches, 5,052 yards and 30 touchdowns the past five seasons, he has a point.
McCardell's contract pays him $2.5-million this year and $2.75-million next year. He wants close to the $4.4-million average of the league's elite receivers. The 12-year veteran has been one of the most productive receivers the past five seasons, posting numbers close to those of Terrell Owens ($4.23-million in 2003), Randy Moss ($5-million) and Jimmy Smith ($3.25-million).
McCardell's representatives point out a few other facts:
McCardell, who was named one of the offensive captains in his first season with the Bucs, had better numbers than Keyshawn Johnson before Johnson was deactivated. Through 10 games Johnson had 45 catches for 600 yards and three touchdowns, and McCardell had 49 catches for 748 yards and seven TDs.
The Bucs say McCardell is 34.
In 2003 McCardell had 84 catches for 1,174 yards and eight TDs. Meanwhile, the newly acquired Joey Galloway, Joe Jurevicius and Charles Lee had a combined 79 catches for 1,340 yards and six TDs. It should be noted that Jurevicius and Lee combined to play in only 13 games.
The Bucs say McCardell is 34.
Countering the growing suspicion that the Bucs are content with rookie receiver Michael Clayton's rapid development, McCardell's representatives point out that since 1999, rookie receivers taken in the first round have averaged 35 catches, 470 yards and two TDs in their first season in the league.
The Bucs say Clayton is 21.
Stay tuned.
SPEAKING OF CLAYTON: At 6-4, 197 pounds, Clayton completed his first minicamp with the veterans and left a lasting impression on the coaching staff. Acknowledging he is just a rookie, Clayton said he is gaining confidence every practice.
"At first it was a little hard because I didn't know the concepts," he said. "I was basically learning my position. Now I'm starting to get relaxed about the concepts, about what everybody has. And basically once you can line up right, when you know the concept you know exactly what you have to do. So it's becoming real easy now."
With McCardell away, Clayton has benefited from increased repetitions.
"Obviously it has let me get more reps because everybody knows the guy can make plays," Clayton said. "You know exactly what Keenan McCardell can do. But you have to adapt. When I got here I was looking forward to meeting him, learning from him. But you have to adapt. He's not here, so I learn from somebody else."
DEFENSE GETTING BACK: Noticeably absent from the minicamp last week were fixtures Warren Sapp and John Lynch. But the Bucs aren't looking back.
"As each day goes on and we come together as a defense, you try to look forward to your teammates here," linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "Obviously Warren and John have been missed and are going to be missed, and I respect that. But at the same time I look forward to the guys that are here who are going to do the job, and look forward to them contributing. I owe it to these guys to look forward and not look behind. Like I say, every day you jell with your teammates a little bit more and a little bit more to develop that chemistry."
SHARING THE ROCK: Even with Michael Pittman suspended the first three games of the season, the Bucs have a stable of running backs to carry the load. Newcomers Charlie Garner, Jamel White and Brandon Bennett join Mike Alstott to cover virtually any down or distance situation. The Bucs even brought in former Patriots back Antowain Smith for a look see Thursday.
Will the running-back-by-committee approach create a problem when it comes to who gets their touches?
"No, I just left that situation (in Oakland)," Garner said. "The numbers really don't play a way into my decision in where I go or what I do. The only thing that matters is the W's, and I plan on putting some of those up around here with the guys we have."
