Bucs keep Falcons RB Dunn on radar

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Published March 3, 2008

The Warrick Dunn watch has begun in Tampa Bay.

The signing of Chargers running back Michael Turner in Atlanta to a six-year, $34.5-million contract on Sunday means Dunn will likely be released as early as today.

Dunn, 33, a running back who began his career with the Bucs, said at the Super Bowl in Phoenix last month that he would be receptive to finishing his career with the Bucs or the Colts.

Dunn was in Tampa on Saturday night attending the retirement party for Bucs fullback Mike Alstott. The event also was attended by Colts coach Tony Dungy and Bucs coach Jon Gruden.

Dunn, who had 3.2 yards a carry last season, could be the change-of-pace back the Bucs seek to complement Earnest Graham. The team re-signed Michael Bennett before the start of free agency.

Also, the Bucs' search for cornerback help took another hit when New England free agent Randall Gay agreed to terms with New Orleans. The news came one day before he was scheduled to arrive in Tampa for a visit.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Gay will sign a four-year contract worth as much as $17.6-million.

The need at cornerback was created when Brian Kelly bought his contract out last month, making him a free agent. The Bucs have three experienced cornerbacks: Ronde Barber, Phillip Buchanon and Torrie Cox, the latter mostly on special teams.

Sunday, the Bucs were believed to be hosting another New England free agent, safety Eugene Wilson. Some teams consider him proficient enough to play corner in five-defensive back sets, and he played there at Illinois.

The Falcons made the biggest splash of the day by signing Turner. A four-year veteran best known as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego, Turner is expected to play a more important role in Atlanta. Also, the Falcons agreed to terms with free-agent tight end Ben Hartsock.

PATRIOTS SPYING: The New York Daily News reported that the Jets were aware of Patriots coach Bill Belichick's videotaping as far back as 2004.

The Daily News said then-coach Herm Edwards and defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson not only noticed a camera aimed at them from the opposite sideline during a Jets-Patriots game - they waved at it.

The report said the tape was one of six Belichick turned over to the league; all were subsequently destroyed by the order of commissioner Roger Goodell.

BRONCOS: SI.com reported that Panthers receiver Keary Colbert agreed to a three-year, $7.2-million deal.

CHIEFS: The Kansas City Star reported that Falcons linebacker Demorrio Williams agreed to a five-year, $16-million deal.

DOLPHINS: Executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells told ESPN that Jason Taylor will stay unless he retires. Some outlets, including Yahoo.com, reported that the team and the defensive end, 33, would part ways before next month's draft.

SAINTS: Aaron Stecker, who rushed for a career-high 448 yards last season, re-signed. The Bucs had interest in him. Also, free-agent defensive end Bobby McCray, a former Jaguar, agreed to a five-year deal.

TITANS: The Tenneseean and ESPN.com reported that the team is expected to sign tight end Alge Crumpler. But his agent, James Williams, told TitansRadio.com that there was no agreement in place. The Bucs have shown interest in Crunpler, released by the Falcons last week.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder and Times wires contributed to this report.

[Last modified March 2, 2008, 22:39:37]