Others' needs may keep Cunningham from Bucs

By ERNEST HOOPER

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 7, 2000

TAMPA -- The necessities of other teams may put former Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham out of the Bucs' price range.

The Bucs have four quarterbacks on the roster, including backup and former NFL starter Eric Zeier. Two teams reportedly interested in Cunningham, Dallas and Detroit, are not as loaded.

The Cowboys, who have Paul Justin and rookie Clint Stoerner behind starter Troy Aikman, have made a concerted effort to get Cunningham to Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones and several coaches met with Cunningham in Las Vegas last weekend.

Detroit coach Bobby Ross would not quantify his team's interest in Cunningham on Tuesday, but the Lions may be the most desperate after learning that starter Charlie Batch will be sidelined for about three months with a knee injury sustained Monday (Ross wouldn't rule out Batch missing the season). Former Steelers backup Mike Tomczak becomes the No. 1 quarterback and journeyman Steve Stenstrom the backup.

"We're going to get the very best player we can get regardless of who it might be," Ross told reporters in Detroit.

Cunningham clearly is one of the best available. Initially, the Bucs were believed to be his top suitor, but after speaking with Cunningham late Monday, Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy said that rumors the Bucs would immediately sign him were short-sighted.

"People were very premature on this," Dungy said. "A lot of people felt that soon as Randall Cunningham gets released, he's going to be a Buccaneer. We never felt that way, and I don't think Randall felt that way."

Dungy said his conversation with Cunningham was a discussion, not a negotiation, but conceded that financial considerations are a factor. To play for the Bucs, Cunningham likely would have to accept a backup role and a contract that would fit under the salary cap.

"Obviously, you're talking about a very talented guy, a guy who's won a lot of big games," Dungy said. "The thing you have to understand is that having 53 great players doesn't necessarily make you a good team. ... Everybody has to be good at the role that's there."

If Detroit and Dallas are willing to pay more than Tampa Bay, the Bucs' chances may decline. The Lions and Cowboys also may offer Cunningham a better opportunity. In Detroit, he likely would start at least until Batch is healthy.

With a vertical passing scheme and high-priced receivers Joey Galloway and Rocket Ismail, Dallas' passing attack fits Cunningham's skills better than the Bucs' controlled scheme.

ET CETERA: Receiver Keyshawn Johnson did not practice Tuesday, but Dungy reiterated it was just a precautionary move and if this was the regular season, Johnson would practice. ... Defensive end Chidi Ahanotu (stomach flu) missed his second day of practice. ... The team has two days remaining in its off-season workout program.

-- Information from other news sources was used in this report.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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