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Team thinks Leaf ready to work

By RICK STROUD

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 18, 2001

TAMPA -- No more talk about trades, or the Bucs hope, tirades.

The team has convinced quarterback Ryan Leaf to play in Tampa next season.

On Saturday, he tossed footballs to receivers at One Buc Place and will remain in town to participate in the team's off-season workout program rather than return to the West Coast as once thought.

That's quite a relief for Bucs officials, who admit they didn't know what to expect when Leaf quietly arrived Thursday.

He dined with coach Tony Dungy, took a physical on Friday and spent the afternoon getting acquainted with offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell.

Not even the signing of quarterback Brad Johnson to a five-year, $28-million contract was enough to dissuade Leaf, who was claimed off waivers from San Diego two weeks ago.

"I wasn't sure what was going to happen," general manager Rich McKay said. "We didn't know what to expect. We wanted to sit down and let him talk about it. He's good. He's been excellent."

Leaf currently counts $2.8-million against the salary cap, a figure that includes a $1.5-million base salary and $1.3-million of a pro-rated bonus that guarantees the club's option for 2002 and 2003.

But the Bucs expect to restructure Leaf's contract within the next few days to make it more cap friendly.

While Leaf won't be counted on as a starter, he also is not content with being the No. 3 quarterback behind Johnson and Shaun King.

"You'll like the talent," McKay said. "He's a pretty confident kid. I think he's a competitive kid. I don't think he's intimidated by it. We're not worried about him taking the first snap next year."

But what about about Leaf's bad-boy reputation? The poor work habits, the combustible relationship with the media?

Well, the Bucs expect to keep Leaf on a short rope. But they also are going out of their way to keep him off the front page.

Team officials were told not to disclose Leaf's arrival Thursday night until Dungy blurted it out Friday and the club made note of it on the team's Web site.

LESS THAN THE TRUTH: The Bucs have restructured the contract of receiver/kick returner Karl "The Truth" Williams.

Williams was scheduled to make more than $1-million in salary and bonuses for the 2001 season, his last year under contract with the Bucs. But he agreed to a smaller deal that will pay him a base salary of $550,000 and a $200,000 roster bonus.

NO STEUSSIE: Call off the watch for Vikings free-agent tackle Todd Steussie.

While Steussie has indicated Tampa Bay has an interest in signing him, team officials have made no such proclamations. Not only would Steussie cost more than Tampa Bay is willing to pay, but he is not on good terms with center Jeff Christy, a former teammate.

Look for the Bucs to draft a left tackle and sign one in free agency, probably after June.

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