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3 starters could be leaving

Bucs Middleton, Barber and Robinson likely will not get an offer before becoming free agents.

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By RICK STROUD

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 22, 2001

TAMPA -- At least three Bucs starters expect to enter unrestricted free agency without a substantive offer from the team.

No talks are planned on contracts for guard Frank Middleton and cornerback Ronde Barber prior to the March 2 signing period. And safety Damien Robinson is expected to join them on the free agent market.

Middleton, a three-year starter at right guard, will be replaced by Cosey Coleman, a second-round pick from Tennessee in 2000. Robinson, who had a career-high six interceptions last season, could be allowed to leave. Dexter Jackson likely would take over.

"It's a situation that seems odd to me," said Ed Cunningham, Middleton's agent. "I thought, from a football perspective, it makes a lot of sense for Frank to be there. The hardest thing is being able to afford him.

"I think it's a different philosophy. It has nothing to do with Frank as a player."

Robinson's agent, Jim Gould, said he will meet Saturday with Bucs general manager Rich McKay at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

"Do I think they'll close on this opportunity? Not necessarily," Gould said. "But we'll tee it up and see how far apart we are."

Barber, the starting right cornerback, might be the most coveted of all Tampa Bay free agents.

Among cornerbacks scheduled to become free agents, he is rated just behind Atlanta's Ray Buchanan, the Giants' Jason Sehorn and the Titans' Denard Walker. Wednesday, Buchanan re-signed with the Falcons. He had been seeking a five-year contract worth $28-million.

"When you're managing a salary cap, it's like juggling 47 balls at one time," said Ethan Lock, Barber's agent. "I'm not insensitive to their situation, but at this point I wouldn't expect us to get anything done before (the free agency signing period).

"Markets go up and down. People like playing for certain people. I'm not prepared to say that once the (signing period) starts, we won't talk again."

If history is any indication, the Bucs can expect to lose all three if they enter free agency. Linebacker Hardy Nickerson and quarterback Trent Dilfer left via free agency last season.

With only 10 days remaining before the free-agent signing period, the Bucs have made re-signing starting right tackle Jerry Wunsch their priority. With Jason Odom retiring, the Bucs cannot afford to lose Wunsch and leave themselves with only George Hegamin and Pete Pierson at tackle.

"I plan to talk to Rich," said Ralph Cindrich, Wunsch's agent. "We have a good relationship with the organization and Jerry wants to stay in Tampa. But nothing is in hand right now."

Bucs coaches and scouts will turn their attention today to the NFL Scouting Combine, where they hope to find a left tackle to select in the first round. Draft guru Mel Kiper projects Michigan tackle Jeff Backus to be Tampa Bay's choice with the 21st overall pick.

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