Bucs offer contract to QB Garcia

With Brian Griese's deal done, Tampa Bay woos free agent Jeff Garcia and shows Brad Johnson the door.

By RICK STROUD
Published February 28, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS - It has been the debate early in the offseason. Griese or Garcia?

The Bucs' solution is to make room for both.

One day after reaching an agreement with Brian Griese on a five-year, $32-million contract, the Bucs were trying Sunday to sign free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia.

The team also informed Brad Johnson, who led the Bucs to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory, that he will be released before Tuesday.

Garcia, 35, took a physical for the Bucs and met with coach Jon Gruden Saturday night.

Tampa Bay has offered Garcia a contract and he's strongly considering accepting despite interest from the Lions and several other teams. A year ago, Garcia came close to signing with the Bucs before taking a four-year, $25-million with Cleveland.

"Jeff is strongly considering Tampa Bay," agent Steve Baker said. "He met with Coach Gruden knowing that they had reached a deal with Brian Griese. I'd say there's a 50 percent chance he goes there."

Garcia's interest was peaked after his meeting with the charismatic Gruden, whom he believes can make him a better quarterback.

"That's still a possibility," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said of signing Garcia. "We're going to have another veteran quarterback. The system with Jon is very attractive to a lot of players."

If the Bucs are unable to sign Garcia, they are expected to offer a contract to Dolphins free agent Jay Fiedler, 33.

That would seem to push third-year pro Chris Simms further down the depth chart as the least experienced quarterback on the roster.

Gruden appeared relieved Sunday at the return of the 29-year-old Griese, who started 10 games for the Bucs last season and finished with a team-record 97.5 passer rating with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

"Yeah, it's encouraging," Gruden said. "(Griese) played good for us. It wasn't easy. Ralph Cindrich and Bruce worked hard on this deal. We're happy to have him back.

"I think Brian, instead of taking 18 to 20 percent of the snaps during training camp, I think taking 40 to 42 percent and having experience in this system will help him. But we've got to eliminate the turnovers. This is a guy who threw for 70 percent - led pro football in that category - and put our football team in a good position to win. We've got to run the ball better. We've got to give him some better situations. But his experience will help. We've just got to take better care of the football."

Griese's contract will clear about $4-million of spending room for the Bucs, who have to trim more than $18-million from their payroll to reach the salary cap by Tuesday's deadline.

Allen was optimistic Sunday that several players would agree to restructure contracts. That list, however, will not include linebacker Derrick Brooks, whose salary-cap figure is $9.6-million in 2005.

"We're going to get several deals done and we feel good about it," Allen said. "The releasing of players is in some cases a last resort, depending on how many deals you do."

In addition to Johnson, among the players who could be released for salary-cap reasons are defensive end Greg Spires, cornerback Mario Edwards and linebacker Ian Gold.

Johnson, 36, said Sunday he was looking forward to resuming his career after being benched for the final 12 games of the season.

"I guess it'll be a new lease on life, as far as my football career goes," Johnson said. "The reasons why I went to Tampa were accomplished. When I was leading Washington as a free agent, it was assumed I was going other places. I chose Tampa for one reason and that was accomplished. Part of you wishes your career could end in one place.

"Physically, I feel great. I've been able to start workouts earlier as far as getting ready and I already began throwing, Usually I wouldn't throw until the first of April. I'm excited. It's kind of a fun time for me."

How much fun Simms might have next season is uncertain. After starting two games last season, he will have an uphill fight to avoid being the No.3 quarterback.

"We don't give guys starting jobs just because Buffalo is giving (J.P. Losman) their job," Gruden said. "Chris Simms has to earn that right. He has to earn the right to be a starter. He hasn't done that yet. Do we think he can? Yeah. We think he has a great upside. But he has to string along some consistent performances - in practice and in the preseason. He has to get the center exchange. He has to improve his play. And when he does, when he realizes his potential, I think he'll be a starter in this league. But right now, he's challenging to become one."

[Last modified February 28, 2005, 01:04:17]