Bucs/NFL

King among six QBs at workout

Former Bucs signal-caller one of three veterans brought in as team examines options.

By RICK STROUD
Published September 27, 2006

TAMPA - Shaun King's place in Bucs' history is secure, but he would do almost anything to be a part of the team's future.

King, 29, was among six quarterbacks who worked out Tuesday afternoon at the Bucs' new facility.

The list included two other NFL veterans, former Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox and Cody Pickett, who played briefly with the 49ers. The Bucs also worked out three candidates for the practice squad, Cliff Kingsbury, Lang Campbell and Brian Randle.

"I did everything I could do," King said. "I thought I worked out really well. I'm just waiting to hear if they decide to sign a veteran for the active roster or go with a young guy on the practice squad."

It's the second time in as many years King has worked out for the Bucs. He came close to earning a job after Brian Griese suffered a season-ending knee injury, but the team opted to trade for Tim Rattay.

The Bucs did not offer a contract to any player immediately after the workout Tuesday.

Tampa Bay is looking for a No. 3 quarterback to take the roster spot of Chris Simms, who is expected to be placed on injured reserve after surgery Sunday to remove his spleen. The team could opt to go with rookie starter Bruce Gradkowski and Rattay while signing a young player to the practice squad.

Luke McCown, who tore his ACL in the offseason, is expected to come off the physically unable to perform list after the Bucs' sixth game.

A second-round pick out of Tulane in 1999, King started five games as a rookie and led the Bucs to the NFC Championship Game. He went 10-6 as a starter the next season before losing in the wild-card game at Philadelphia. King served as a backup to Brad Johnson through 2003.

King only has started three games since 2001, including two with the Arizona Cardinals. He did not play last season but played in four preseason games with the Indianapolis Colts before being released when the team decided to keep just two quarterbacks.

[Last modified September 27, 2006, 02:25:53]