Keeping Griese likely hinges on latest offer
As the clock ticks toward Tuesday and a $6-million bonus, the Bucs GM is scheduled to meet with the QB's agent today.
By RICK STROUD and ROGER MILLS
Published February 24, 2005
Brian Griese's agent has made what is likely his final offer to the Bucs.
Agent Ralph Cindrich faxed the proposal to general manager Bruce Allen on Wednesday, on the eve of a meeting scheduled for tonight at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
"We changed the structure of our proposal and sent it to them, and we'll see how it flies," Cindrich said. "If they don't go for it, it's unlikely we'll be able to get it done."
The Bucs have offered Griese a long-term deal, but Cindrich said so far they have been unwilling to pay him the average salary of a starting quarterback.
Griese, who turns 30 next month, wants a contract that shows Tampa Bay is committed to him as the starter beyond 2005.
If no agreement is reached by Tuesday, when Griese is owed a $6-million roster bonus, he will be released.
Griese could establish his market value and re-sign with the Bucs, but Cindrich said that is unlikely.
"We've been talking back and forth," he said. "I guess it's time to see where all this is going to finally lead. I think their salary cap situation is a real problem."
If the Bucs' actions of the past few days are an indication, they are planning to go forward without Griese.
They are among several teams, including the Lions and Cardinals, that have contacted the agent for Jeff Garcia, who was released by the Browns on Tuesday.
Tampa Bay also is expected to have an interest in Jay Fielder, the one-time heir apparent to Dan Marino who was released by the Dolphins on Wednesday.
In addition, the team still has Brad Johnson, who was benched for the final 12 games of the season and has asked for his release.
"Brad Johnson will be a valuable player for some team in the league, and it might be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Allen said.
"I understand Brad's desire to hopefully get a starting job, and you expect that out of him."Unlike the Bills, who named second-year pro J.P. Losman their starter for 2005 and released Drew Bledsoe, the Bucs are reluctant to commit to Chris Simms.
"You name a guy a starter when he earns the right to start," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "Our situation isn't like it is in Buffalo. In my opinion, he hasn't earned that right yet. Now do we think he can (be the starter)? Yes, we do.
"When he was given his first opportunity to play this season, he did some good things. And there are some things that he'll need to improve upon. He understands that. When it's time to name a starter for the opening game, we'll do that. But you don't do that (now)."
Johnson, 36, is scheduled to earn $5.75-million next season and $6.75-million in 2006, an amount considered too rich for the Bucs. Allen said the team is $17-million over the salary cap, $3-million more than he originally estimated.
Wednesday, he met with Roosevelt Barnes, the agent for Derrick Brooks, in hopes of restructuring the contract of the eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker.
Brooks, whose cap number for 2005 is about $9.8-million, has restructured his contract twice before to give the team cap relief.
"Derrick has always been willing to help the Bucs out," Barnes said. "It's not his style (to be selfish). Derrick is a consummate professional, teammate and team player. He has done everything he can to ensure the Bucs remain a competitive team."
Allen said he also will meet with Jim Steiner, the agent for fullback Mike Alstott. The Bucs have offered to trade an undisclosed draft pick to Miami for fullback Rob Konrad.
If the trade is completed, it would not prevent Alstott, scheduled to earn $2-million next season, from returning. But he would have to restructure his contract. "Mike and I have had a few conversations," Allen said. "And they've gone very well."