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The Bucs agree to multiyear deals with the two free agents.
By RICK STROUD
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 10, 2001
TAMPA -- At some point, the money is supposed to run out. The teller window is supposed to close in free agency for a team.
But on Monday the free-spending Bucs found room to make two more important transactions, reaching agreements with starting right tackle Jerry Wunsch and cornerback Ronde Barber.
Wunsch and Barber were unrestricted free agents pursued by other teams. But a saturated market was instrumental in the Bucs' ability to squeeze them under the $67.4-million salary cap.
Wunsch, 27, agreed in principle to a five-year, $13-million contract. Barber, 26, is expected to sign a six-year, $18-million deal.
Retaining both players was a priority for the Bucs when free agency began. What made it more remarkable was they accomplished it despite signing quarterback Brad Johnson, defensive end Simeon Rice and acquiring backup quarterback Ryan Leaf off waivers.
Now the Bucs would do well to go as deep in the playoffs as they did in owner Malcolm Glazer's pockets this off-season.
"I think this off-season worked out better than they ever imagined," said Ralph Cindrich, Wunsch's agent.
In a less-heralded move, the Bucs signed former Packers linebacker Jude Waddy to a two-year contract. The third-year pro spent training camp last summer with the Green Bay Packers but was released before the start of the season. He started eight of the 14 games he played for the Packers in 1999, finishing with 73 tackles and one sack.
But Waddy missed the Packers' final two games in 1998 and the first two in '99 after being suspended by the NFL for testing positive for steroids.
Barber and Wunsch visited the Cincinnati Bengals. On Monday, just before reaching an agreement with the Bucs, Barber received a one-year offer from the Seattle Seahawks. Both players have maintained their first option was to remain in Tampa Bay. Their signings will enable the Bucs to be more flexible in the NFL draft April 21-22.
Tampa Bay expects to lose right guard Frank Middleton to free agency and replace him with Cosey Coleman, the team's second-round pick in 1999.
The Bucs have lost two unrestricted free agents: tight end Patrick Hape signed with Denver and linebacker Don Davis signed with St. Louis. Six Bucs free agents, including Middleton and starting safety Damien Robinson, are unsigned.
The return of Wunsch, who started the past 29 games at right tackle, will give the team some continuity on the line. Barber is coming off his best season with 82 tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defensed. He led NFL cornerbacks in sacks with 51/2 last season.
"Absolutely, everybody knows what I wanted do," said Barber, twin brother of Giants running back Tiki Barber, who signed a six-year, $24-million deal last month. "I'm not stupid. I know how the market went. You've got to take what you can get. The best offer available is the one I'm going to take and that's with the Bucs.
"Don't think I'm down about it. I'm happy as anything. The intangibles, the quality of life is all here."
Wunsch, who also considered the Bengals, said he was glad for a chance to possibly play his entire career in Tampa Bay.
"I wanted to stay in Tampa Bay," Wunsch said. "I've put a lot of work in here for four years, and I wanted to continue that and have the opportunity to possibly retire as a Buccaneer. That also played into the decision, particularly given the opportunity to keep playing for Coach (Tony) Dungy and remain a part of this organization."
Wunsch and Barber are expected to sign their contracts before a news conference scheduled for this afternoon at One Buc Place.
"We feel very fortunate to be able to retain both Jerry and Ronde," general manager Rich McKay said. "These are two players that have started a lot of games for us and are the type of quality individuals who make positive contributions not only on the field but off of it as well."
Cindrich credited McKay for his ability to maneuver around the salary cap and said the Bucs shrewdly took advantage of a buyer's market while appeasing their own free agents.
"What I don't understand is what the other NFL teams are thinking, especially the ones that have room (under the salary cap)," Cindrich said. "It has never been better from a club perspective. It's like the bottom of the stock market. Chances are it's not going any lower. Rich knows how to throw you a bone that doesn't cost real money to them. He's very versed in negotiations. He listens to what the other guy's troubles are and responds to them."
GLAZER GIFT: The Glazer Family Foundation will contribute $75,000 to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which focuses on bringing amateur and youth sports activities to Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.