Bucs cut ties with five, including primary nickel back

The Bucs' draft has claimed its first casualties.

By RICK STROUD
Published May 1, 2007

TAMPA - The Bucs' draft has claimed its first casualties.

Cornerback Juran Bolden was released Monday as part of a five-player purge.

The Bucs withdrew a qualifying offer to cornerback/safety Blue Adams and released safety Tra Boger, long-snapper Adam Johnson and defensive tackle Kenny Smith.

Bolden, 33, was the Bucs' primary nickel back for the past two seasons, playing in all 32 games and producing 116 tackles, three interceptions, one sack and 22 passes defensed. He was a key replacement at left cornerback after the season-ending toe injury to starter Brian Kelly.

In addition to the Bucs drafting two cornerbacks and a safety this weekend, Bolden became expendable because of the re-signing of cornerback Phillip Buchanon and addition of former 49ers cornerback Sammy Davis.

Adams had little action at safety but was a big contributor on special teams, playing in 29 games and recording 32 coverage tackles and one forced fumble. Boger, Johnson and Smith were signed after the 2006 season ended.

MONEY TALK: Gaines Adams seemed eager to get started Monday, but how quickly the first-round pick gets to training camp depends on negotiations.

Contract terms for last season's No. 4 pick, offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, were not disclosed.

The No. 5 pick, linebacker A.J. Hawk, signed for six years and $37.5-million.

Adams' deal likely will be considerably higher because the salary cap has increased from $102-million to about $109-million.

Agent Fletcher Smith said he doesn't expect talks to begin any time soon.

"It depends on the team, and don't believe it's the agent's fault, " Smith said. "When we get toward the end, sometimes the teams take a lot of time to get to us.

"I would guess we wouldn't get started talking about a contract for several months, which is fine with me."

RISK OR REWARD?: Because of his off-field troubles, including a March 13 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, the Bucs did not sink a lot of guaranteed money into tight end Jerramy Stevens. According to the NFL Network, Stevens' one-year deal is for $600, 000 (the veteran minimum for a player with his experience) and no signing bonus.

MINI THOUGHTS: The Bucs will hold a three-day minicamp for their 10 picks, undrafted free agents and some working under tryout contracts. It's an opportunity to introduce them to the offensive and defensive schemes, and it is closed to the public.

BOSTON, PART DEUX: The Bucs didn't draft any receivers, but expect David Boston to try out. Boston, 28, the eighth overall pick in 1999, has not played in more than two seasons because of injuries and was cut by the Bucs at the end of training camp last year.

"I don't want to jinx anything because usually when you start throwing out comments or compliments to guys, you screw it up, " Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He's really doing well. He's a young guy, and if he does come back ... we've got a heck of a receiver."

SIGNING: Undrafted Mike McFadden of Grand Valley State signed, his agent said. The 6-foot-1, 255-pounder played defensive end at the Division II school but in the spring worked at fullback, the position at which the Bucs project him to play.

[Last modified April 30, 2007, 23:18:27]