Optimistic Alstott signs for one year

By RICK STROUD
Published March 2, 2007

TAMPA - Return the gold watch, put away the rocking chair and file those sentimental speeches.

Mike Alstott isn't ready for retirement.

The A-Train still has more track to cover in Tampa Bay after signing a one-year deal Thursday worth $1.5-million.

Alstott, one of the most popular players in franchise history, gave the Bucs until Thursday to decide whether they wanted him back for a 12th season. It was a situation similar to last year when he signed a one-year deal on the first day of the free-agent signing period.

With fullback Jerald Sowell set to become a free agent, Alstott, 33, is hopeful his playing time will increase. His representatives, in fact, attempted to seek assurances he would have a bigger role than his 60 carries for 171 yards last season.

"I'm excited to be returning for another year and to be playing in front of Buccaneer fans again," Alstott said. "I want to help this team win in 2007 and I'm ready to begin preparing for the season."

The Bucs are believed to be talking with the Broncos about Jake Plummer, 32, who has three years left on his contract. Plummer, who led them to the 2005 AFC title game, is expendable because they are committed to second-year QB Jay Cutler. Denver's West Coast offense is similar to the one used by Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

The Bucs also were expected to place a call at 12:01 this morning to the agent of former Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia, 37.

"It's well known throughout the league that Jeff thinks that Jon Gruden and his offense is a perfect fit for him," Garcia's agent, Steve Baker, said. "While I believe Jeff will have numerous options after the clock strikes midnight, Tampa would definitely be an option he would strongly consider."

General manager Bruce Allen said he's interested in Brad Johnson, who was released by the Vikings on Wednesday. Johnson, 38, led the Bucs to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory.

Tackle Kenyatta Walker, who played in three games last year before a season-ending knee injury, was released. The sixth-year veteran and first-round pick out of Florida in 2001 was unable to pass a physical. Jeremy Trueblood, a 2006 second-round pick from Boston College, could become a fixture at right tackle. By releasing Walker, the team avoided paying him a $1.5-million roster bonus today.

With about $24-million under the salary cap, the club figures to be active during what is expected to be a fast and furious week of free-agent signings.

Tops on its wish list is Bengals guard Eric Steinbach, who will visit Saturday, according to his agent, Jack Bechta.

Steinbach, who turns 27 on April 4, was a Pro Bowl alternate at left guard the past two seasons. He played three positions, including tackle, last season. He has missed just one game because of injury since being a 2003 second-round draft pick out of Iowa.

On Wednesday, former Giants tackle Luke Petitgout, 30, who fractured his fibula Nov. 12, passed a physical in Tampa. He plans to visit five other teams.

The Bucs were also said to be in hot pursuit of another fullback, most likely Falcons free agent Justin Griffith.

Allen was attempting to reach agreements late Thursday with several Bucs who were scheduled to become free agents, including defensive end Dewayne White, quarterback Tim Rattay and cornerback Phillip Buchanon. He said the team tendered one-year deals to both its restricted free agents, safety Blue Adams and guard Jeb Terry, and tendered contracts to all its exclusive-rights free agents.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report. Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

[Last modified March 2, 2007, 06:14:58]