Bucs will take care during free-agent spending

The Bucs have the money to beef up some key roster spots, but they don't want to make any rash moves.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Published February 29, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [US Presswire] Broncos receiver Javon Walker is still of interest to the Bucs. He is expected to be released early next week. [Getty Images (2006)] The Vikings' Mewelde Moore, top, and the Cowboys' Julius Jones, below, may be what the Bucs need, and can afford, at running back. [Getty Images]

TAMPA

Players will be looking for big payoffs. Teams will be hoping to add a player who can take them deep into the playoffs.

The free-agent shopping spree officially began today at midnight and general manager Bruce Allen had a phone bank ready for speed dialing.

"We'll have six guys manning the phones so we can make the first call to a lot of players at midnight," Allen said.

The action could be fast and furious, and the Bucs have the resources to acquire any player. Tampa Bay is believed to be about $44-million under the league-record $116-million salary cap.

But since 2004, when many of Allen's veteran signings became blunders, the Bucs have been cautious about doling out huge signing bonuses to free agents.

Still, the Bucs have definite areas that need to be addressed: receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive line and center.

"It sounds like a cliche, but we're looking for players at every position," Allen said.

"But that's what last year taught us with all the injuries we had."

Allen already has visited with Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman and tight end Alge Crumpler, who were released two weeks ago. But talks with Coleman did not progress enough to prevent him from visiting the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Tampa Bay released defensive ends Greg Spires and Kevin Carter on Wednesday, fueling speculation that the team will be bidders for Bengals free agent Justin Smith. Carter will meet with Allen today to determine whether he will re-sign at a reduced salary.

Improving team speed - especially on offense - has been a refrain of the offseason for the Bucs. They certainly have the resources to attract the best talent, including Patriots receiver Randy Moss, though he is expected to re-sign with his team. The Bears' Bernard Berrian, the Patriots' Donte Stallworth, the Seahawks' D.J. Hackett and the Rams' Isaac Bruce are the best of the rest. The Bucs also have talked to the Broncos about trading for receiver Javon Walker, the former FSU standout who is expected to be released early next week.

With the status of Cadillac Williams unknown, the Bucs are in the market for a running back to complement Earnest Graham and Michael Bennett.

The Chargers' Michael Turner may prove too costly, but the Vikings' Mewelde Moore and the Cowboys' Julius Jones could draw interest.

With Brian Kelly opting out of the final year of his contract, the Bucs suddenly need depth at cornerback. The Patriots' Asante Samuel is believed to be headed to Philadelphia or New Orleans, but the Chargers' Drayton Florence could catch the Bucs' eye.

Tampa Bay also has decided not to offer a contract to center John Wade. The Steelers' Alan Faneca and the Saints' Jeff Faine will head any wish list, but there will be plenty of other suitors.

A year ago, the Bucs targeted quarterback Jeff Garcia on the first day of free agency, and he led them to a 9-8 record and NFC South Division title.

On Thursday, the Bears were believed to be attempting to trade quarterback Brian Griese to the Bucs. But Griese, 32, is expected to be released early next week when the team owes him a $300,000 roster bonus.

[Last modified February 28, 2008, 23:50:38]