Graham, team want long-term extension
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published January 11, 2008
TAMPA - It remains to be seen whether Earnest Graham will be the featured running back next season. In the meantime, he hopes to be paid like one.
General manager Bruce Allen and Graham's agent say they are engaged in talks about a contract extension after the fourth-year player out of Florida emerged from No. 3 on the depth chart to become the centerpiece of the Bucs' running game in 2007.
"He's everything you're looking for," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He's tough, he's a good receiver out of the backfield and his best years are ahead of him. We're hoping to come to terms on a long-term deal."
Graham, 27, rushed for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns, tied for third most in franchise history. In his 10 starts after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, Graham rushed for 751 yards with three 100-yard games.
Graham, who was paid $510,000 and is scheduled make $605,000 in 2008, is in good position to bargain for other reasons. Fellow backs Pittman and Michael Bennett will be free agents and former first-round pick Williams is miles away from returning after a torn patellar tendon in Week 4.
Allen acknowledged in a news conference Thursday such uncertainty will influence decisions at running back: "The good news is we get to see him every day and the progress being made. There's no doubt that Carnell is going to do everything in his power to get better. ... Yes, it's obviously a position of concern."
CLAYTON COMEBACK: Allen defended oft-criticized receiver Michael Clayton, the four-year player who has failed to come near the 80-catch, 1,193-yard production of his rookie season. "Michael Clayton did come back for us this year in a very strong way," he said. "He sets a tone you don't see in a lot of wide receivers in the NFL. I think in the playoff game he made some nice grabs. I think his future is still in front of him." Clayton had 22 receptions for 301 yards and no touchdowns, his lowest production.
MESHAWN NO MORE? Allen confirmed the team's recent interest in Keyshawn Johnson as an "emergency" option after Maurice Stovall's season-ending injury. Allen said coach Jon Gruden and the ex-receiver had moved past their differences.
TAKING IT SLOW: On fullback Mike Alstott, 34, who appears to be leaning toward retirement, Allen said: "Mike is contemplating his situation. We'll discuss it. I don't think there's any hurry in making any decision."