Sports: Brooks may have a deal next week

Brooks may have a deal next week

By DARRELL FRY and ROGER MILLS

TAMPA -- Derrick Brooks could have a new contract as early as next week, agent Roosevelt Barnes said Wednesday.

After ending a 10-day training camp holdout, Brooks gave the Bucs until the season opener, Sept. 9, to work out a deal.

"I'm hopeful it'll be done in a week or so," Barnes said, adding he would talk to the Bucs today.

Brooks, a four-time Pro Bowl player who has led the team in tackles the past three seasons, is scheduled to make about $3.5-million a year over the next two seasons.

But the Bucs promised late last season to renegotiate. He is seeking a deal that will make him the league's highest paid linebacker. He is currently fifth.

DUNN DEAL: Like Brooks, running back Warrick Dunn has two years left on his contract, but he might want to think twice before seeking a new deal considering the status of his agents.

He is represented by well-known Leigh Steinberg and David Dunn (no relation to Warrick), whose partnership is going through a nasty split. Clients are essentially having to choose sides.

"It's uncomfortable for me, not only from a business situation but from a personal standpoint," Warrick Dunn said.

WHO IS THE NEW GUY?: With guard Russ Hochstein (broken left foot) expected to be out for two more weeks, the Bucs signed former Florida State lineman Eric Thomas to a one-year deal. Thomas played in NFL Europe and in the Arena League. The Bucs want to use him at center and guard, coach Tony Dungy said.

INJURED AND OUT: Wide receiver Frank Rice was placed on injured reserve. Rice tore his right ACL last week and is out for the season.

DEFENDING A DEFENDER: Safety Eric Vance was in position to intercept Miami's desperation pass in the final seconds of Monday night's game but let the ball get through his hands and into Robert Baker's hands for the winning touchdown.

Some think Vance should have tried to bat the ball away, but Dungy disagrees.

"With nine seconds there, if he just knocks the ball down, they get one more play. And any time you have a chance to catch the ball, that's always the safest thing," Dungy said.

Dungy did, however, poke fun at Vance, who intercepted a pass in the end zone in the final seconds of a preseason game against Kansas City in 1998. He fumbled on the return and the Chiefs recovered for the winning touchdown and a 17-13 final.

Quipped Dungy: "We just have to keep Eric off the field on the last plays."

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH: Keyshawn Johnson is the primary receiver, Jacquez Green is the incumbent backup, Reidel Anthony is the former No. 1 pick, and Frank Murphy is the rising star. Fine.

But Karl "The Truth" Williams finds a way to make an impression.

Playing against the Dolphins' second unit, Williams was the Bucs' most productive receiver. He teamed with Shaun King for three catches and 25 yards, one of which was an 8-yard touchdown.

"The window of opportunity is very, very small," Williams said. "When the ball is thrown your way, you have to make a play because you never know when it's coming your way again."

INJURY REPORT: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp (sprained ankle) sat out both practices but is expected back today. Fullback Mike Alstott (strained left hamstring) began running again but will not play Saturday at Cleveland. Green returned to practice. He missed much of training camp with a left hamstring strain. Punter Mark Royals (right knee) probably will start kicking again early next week. He could return by the New England preseason game Aug. 25, Defensive end Joe Tafoya (strained left leg), defensive end John McLaughlin (right hip fracture) and cornerback Terrance Parrish (abdominal hernia) are not expected to play. Running back Rabih Abdullah (strained left hamstring), running back Jeff Chaney (sprained right knee), defensive tackle Mike Mackenzie (sprained left ankle) and cornerback Anthony Midget (strained left hamstring) are questionable. Cornerback Corey Ivy (sprained left big toe) is probable.