Bucs/NFL

Ex-Saint Brooks to visit Raiders

By RICK STROUD
Published March 20, 2006

TAMPA - The Bucs may have some competition for Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks.

The Raiders are expected to visit with Brooks on Tuesday, according to a report in the Oakland Tribune .

Brooks, 29, who compiled a 46-53 record with the Saints, visited Tampa Bay Thursday, one day after he was released by New Orleans when it signed Drew Brees to a six-year, $60-million contract.

The Bucs are searching for a quarterback to replace free agent Brian Griese, who met with the Bengals Friday and with the Bears over the weekend.

"The visits went well for Brian and he's headed back to Tampa," agent Ralph Cindrich said.

Griese also has had discussions with the Vikings, Raiders and Ravens.

The Raiders are in the market for a starting quarterback and could re-sign Kerry Collins to a reduced contract.

The Bucs continue to search for a third receiver to possibly replace Ike Hilliard, who is scheduled to visit the Texans this week, according to the Houston Chronicle .

Giants receiver Tim Carter is expected to visit the Bucs today and Tuesday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. Carter, 27, was a second-round pick by the Giants in 2002. He showed promise as a receiver and kick returner before season-ending injuries in his first two seasons.

Carter had 10 receptions for 186 yards and no touchdowns last season. The Bucs completed visits Friday with Lions receiver Kevin Johnson and Chiefs receiver Marc Boerigter.

BENGALS: Wide receiver/punt returner Antonio Chatman agreed to a two-year deal expected to be signed today, agent Mark Mersel said late Sunday afternoon. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Chatman, 27, had 49 catches for the Packers last season. He also had the NFL's longest punt return last year, an 85-yarder against the Bears.

Arena league

ORLANDO - Clint Dolezel matched his AFL record with 11 touchdown passes, and Terrill Shaw had a franchise-record six scoring catches in the Dallas Desperados' 87-62 victory over the Predators.

"We've been kind of spoiled with all the stops our defense has been giving us," Dolezel said. "But this is one of those Arena football games that's typical. You've just got to score every time you get it and hopefully they don't score late on you."

Dolezel was 24-of-30 for 353 yards, Shaw finished with 10 catches for 123 yards and Will Pettis had seven receptions for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

The league-leading Desperados (7-1) are 5-0 on the road.

"It's been a couple weeks since we've been in a dogfight," Desperados coach Will McClay said. "It was good to see us make the plays that it takes to overcome these hostile environments."

Dolezel also threw 11 TDs last year for Las Vegas.

"This one's a lot better. We actually won this one," he said.

Former Bucs quarterback Joe Hamilton was 26-of-36 for 367 yards and seven TDs for Orlando (4-4).

[Last modified March 20, 2006, 00:36:17]