Bucs hold on to WR Galloway

The veteran receiver, who missed most of last season with an injury, signed a five-year contract.

By RICK STROUD and ROGER MILLS
Published March 9, 2005

TAMPA - Here's proof that Jon Gruden never wanted to let go of Joey Galloway.

His embrace of the veteran receiver in the parking lot at One Buc Place lasted longer than usual Tuesday, shortly after Galloway signed a five-year contract.

"We have talked a bunch of times. We've hugged a bunch of times," Galloway said. "He's always excited and that makes me excited. I just saw him in the parking lot and had a chance to hug him again out there. So, hugging is going to stop, but we're excited."

Galloway, 33, joins defensive end Greg Spires, quarterback Brian Griese and fullback MIke Alstott as potential or current free agents who've reached new deals.

After coming to the Bucs in a trade with the Cowboys for receiver Keyshawn Johnson last offseason, Galloway was expected to give Gruden's offense a deep threat. But in the regular-season opener at Washington, he tore his groin while dropping a touchdown pass in the end zone. He spent the next six weeks on the inactive list.

After returning to the lineup, Galloway made an impact. He was second on the team with five touchdown receptions and added a 59-yard punt return for another score. He finished with 33 receptions for 416 yards.

"I enjoyed playing here last year," Galloway said. "It was a shortened season. I feel like I had some things to accomplish that I didn't get to accomplish. I appreciated everything this organization and team did for me last season, bringing me here from Dallas. I feel like I owe them something and hopefully we can accomplish some big things this year."

It's uncertain whether the signing of Galloway will prevent receiver Joe Jurevicius from returning. Jurevicius was released last week as part of a cost-cutting move to help the Bucs get under the salary cap.

"Joe is still very excited about his opportunity to return to Tampa Bay and we'll have to just wait and see," said Jurevicius' agent, Neil Cornrich. With Galloway back, the Bucs have turned their attention to filling their void at tight end.

Packers free agent David Martin visited One Buc Place Tuesday and former Jets tight end Anthony Becht will arrive today. The Bucs also contacted the agent for Vikings tight end Jermaine Wiggins, but he re-signed with the Vikings Tuesday night.

The Bucs' inability to create room under the salary cap has been an issue in negotiations during free agency. In fact, in many cases, the team is offering a one-year deal, said Wiggins' agent, George Mavrikes.

Becht, 27, would seem to be a natural fit for the Bucs since he worked under new quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett, who was the offensive coordinator with the Jets. A first-round pick by the Jets in 2000, Becht (6 feet 5, 272 pounds) has 133 career receptions for 1,164 yards and 17 TDs.

Martin (6-4, 262 pounds) hopes to get out from under the shadow of Pro Bowl tight end Bubba Franks in Green Bay, agent Terry Williams said. Martin caught just five passes for 88 yards last season with no touchdowns. In four seasons, he has 39 receptions for 344 yards and four TDs.

"Our thing is we want David to start somewhere and that's what he's looking for," Williams said. "He's a great receiver and can get up and down the field a bit, and he's a quality guy. He's going to be visiting with the Bucs, getting to know them and letting them get to know him."

In other free agent news, the Bucs may not have seen the last of quarterback Brad Johnson, who is being courted by three NFC North teams.

Johnson arrived in Detroit Tuesday night and will work out for the Lions this morning before traveling to Chicago. He also has drawn interest from the Vikings as a potential backup to Daunte Culpepper. The Bucs play the Lions, Bears and Vikings next season.

Late Monday, another Bucs free agent found a new home when guard Cosey Coleman agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns on a two-year contract that could be worth as much as $3-million and included a $500,000 signing bonus.

[Last modified March 9, 2005, 00:55:19]