Bucs/NFL

3 teams on Fiedler's short list

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published June 28, 2006

TAMPA - The Bucs have begun in earnest their pursuit of free-agent quarterback Jay Fiedler, who has narrowed his list of possible destinations to three, including Tampa Bay.

The Bucs appear to be in the thick of things. Fiedler's agent, Brian Levy, said Fiedler "had a great visit with the Bucs and came away very impressed with where they are headed."

Levy added that he is in talks with two other teams - the Giants and a team that wishes to remain anonymous - but a decision on Fiedler's plans could come swiftly. "We expect to speak with all the interested parties this week and come to a resolution shortly," Levy said.

Tampa Bay's interest in Fiedler was prompted by a knee injury to backup Luke McCown in offseason workouts, one that required surgery and is expected to keep him out of training camp and probably longer. Coach Jon Gruden said last week that it's likely McCown will be placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list, from which he could be activated later.

In the meantime, the Bucs are left with Chris Simms as their starter but an unstable situation behind him. Tim Rattay, who has never taken a snap for Tampa Bay, and sixth-round pick Bruce Gradkowski are the next two quarterbacks on the depth chart.

But if the Bucs sign Fiedler, they will do so knowing he is not completely healthy, either. The Bucs were expected to evaluate his health after a shoulder injury sustained in Week 3 last season sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Fiedler began throwing several weeks ago and said his doctors expect him to be ready to practice at the start of training camp.

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 06:33:20]