Bucs take hard line regarding Plummer

The QB could be hit hard in the pocketbook if he doesn't play in '07.

By RICK STROUD
Published June 22, 2007

TAMPA -- The Bucs aren't going to let Jake Plummer stiff-arm them much longer.

Plummer is subject to being fined for missing the Bucs' three-day mandatory minicamp that concluded Thursday, and indications are the team will ask him to repay about $7-million of a prorated signing bonus if he fails to play this season.

Tampa Bay acquired the rights to the quarterback, 32, from the Broncos on March 3, prompting him to announce plans to retire. Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said Thursday he recently spoke to Plummer and the team still hopes he reports to training camp July 27.

"You can't unilaterally retire as a player in the NFL," Allen said, "because you have a contract. He is under the same obligations as every player on the team.

"It is no different than when Keenan McCardell didn't report to camp (in 2004) or when you see other players hold out."

McCardell was ordered to repay $1.5-million of his signing bonus after being traded to the Chargers.

Plummer has three years left on his contract and is scheduled to earn $5.3-million in 2007, most among the Bucs' quarterbacks and which counts against the salary cap. Plummer was the only one of 95 players who did not attend the minicamp.

"We traded for him with the intent of him playing for the Buccaneers," Allen said. "He knows that, and we've been very clear what we see for him and his future. We'll just have to see if we have a meeting of the minds."

Plummer has reiterated his decision to retire since the trade but hasn't filed papers with the league.

If Plummer elects to play, the Bucs owe Denver a fourth-round pick in 2008. Otherwise, it becomes a seventh-rounder. Allen said the Bucs have not entertained the idea of trading Plummer.

"The intent is the absolute same. We want him on our team," Allen said.

"He's on our salary cap right now, and he missed minicamp. By contract, there's certain obligations a player has. We're going to have further talks with him."

Allen wouldn't specifically address what sanctions they might seek.

"Obviously, we haven't missed a beat with him not here," Allen said. "We're preparing for our season. The quarterback competition ... has been very lively, and we feel good with the players we have here. So we're not waiting for anybody."

Meanwhile, Chris Simms, one of six quarterbacks who worked out, still is struggling to regain his throwing motion after September's surgery to remove his spleen.

"I see Chris' future no different than it has been the last few years," Allen said. "He's one of the hardest workers you'll find. He loves the game of football, and he will regain his stroke because he's dedicated to the game. He'll get better with time. He's a young man who's got a good future."

Coming off a 4-12 record, the Bucs' third losing season in the past four, Allen said he and coach Jon Gruden feel no additional pressure to win in 2007.

"You feel that pressure no matter what you do in life, and it doesn't matter what team you're on," he said. "And you love it."

Among other subjects Allen addressed Thursday:

• The Bucs have contacted safety Donavin Darius, who was released by the Jaguars last week. Darius, 31, has visited Oakland and received interest from Carolina and Buffalo. He has played just 12 games in the past two seasons because of injuries. "We've checked into Donavin Darius, " Allen said. "But we like where we're at right now."
• Defensive end Charles Bennett, who missed most of the minicamp with a left knee injury, could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. He would not be eligible to return until Week 7. "Other than that, everybody else will be ready to go, " Allen said.
• Allen does not expect any problem signing the 10 draft picks before training camp.

[Last modified June 22, 2007, 04:19:43]