College football

Allen crunching numbers for '06

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published January 25, 2006

MOBILE, Ala. - While Bucs general manager Bruce Allen is scouting college talent at the Senior Bowl this week, he also is busy working toward shaping his existing roster.

Allen already has met or will meet with the representatives for quarterbacks Chris Simms and Brian Griese as well as defensive lineman Simeon Rice and linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Simms will become a restricted free agent in March and the Bucs could benefit by signing him to a contract extension before the start of free agency. That would prevent another team from tendering an offer that might be difficult for the Bucs to match, though they have the right to match. Allen indicated negotiations are still in the early stages and a deal could be a long way off.

Allen also cited the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement as an issue. An uncapped year would impact the amount of money over the salary cap the Bucs are. "We have to let that play out a little bit first," Allen said of the CBA negotiations.

Allen has a meeting scheduled with Griese's agent but has not talked in depth about restructuring his contract, which will push his cap number to more than $7-million next season. As for Brooks and Rice, the two high-salary defenders also are being targeted to restructure, with their cap numbers complicating the team's financial situation.

Allen recently estimated the team could be as much as $19-million over the cap with the start of the new league calendar approaching in March.

Regarding free agent defensive tackle Chris Hovan, Allen was optimistic about his return.

"Oh yes," Allen said. "He's a good teammate. I think it worked out well for both. He's absolutely interested in returning."

COACHING NEWS: Defensive quality control coach Joe Woods, as expected, was officially hired by the Vikings Tuesday for their secondary coach. ... Former defensive line coach Rod Marinelli did lure one Bucs employee to join him in Detroit. Former director of player development Cedric Saunders said he will oversee operations. ... A request by the Saints to interview senior offensive assistant Aaron Kromer for offensive coordinator was denied.

[Last modified January 25, 2006, 00:56:11]