Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 1

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik believes his team has spent its money wisely over the past five years. The Bucs have spent the least amount of money on player costs between 2004 and 2008 than any other NFL team according to a recent article on NFL.com. Despite the frugal spending, Dominik insists he has never been ordered by the Glazers, who spent over $1.5 billion to acquire Manchester United in 2005, not to spend money on free agents. "It's never been stated like that, nor have I been under that impression my last six or seven months on the job, or the years prior as Director of Pro [Personnel]," Dominik said. "It's been 'Lets spend our money smart.' "The philosophy I ..."

Freeman emerges among quarterback options

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June 19

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs wrapped up their offseason program last week with the rather surprising revelation that at some point in training camp they may throw rookie Josh Freeman into the mix for the starting quarterback's job. If the Bucs do accelerate Freeman's ascent to the quarterback throne, it will almost certainly have as much to do with the play of the other contenders for that job as it does Freeman. Neither Luke McCown nor Byron Leftwich performed exceptionally well during the recent minicamp, and it's becoming apparent the Bucs have concerns about both. They're concerned about McCown's lack of experience, of course, but even moreso they seem to be concerned about Leftwich's lack of top-level ..."

Rookie Freeman could contend for Bucs' starting QB

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June 18

Tampa Tribune

"As they brought their offseason workout program to a close Wednesday the Bucs sent a seemingly ominous message to quarterbacks Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich: watch out for Josh Freeman. McCown and Leftwich are still the leading contenders for the starter's job, but the Bucs now say they won't hesitate to throw Freeman into that race if he continues to show the progress he's shown in recent weeks. "We discussed the Freeman plan [last week] and decided we'll probably go a week into training camp and revisit it and maybe expedite what he's doing,'' quarterbacks coach Greg Olson said. "We may get him involved earlier than we thought.'' Freeman's involvement to this point has been limited. As ..."

Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress interested in Tampa Bay

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June 17

St. Petersburg Times

"Plaxico Burress is intent on playing in 2009, and it appears he wouldn't mind doing so in Tampa Bay. The former Giants receiver, who is embroiled in a legal snafu and faces weapons charges in New York after an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound last year, reached out to Bucs RB Derrick Ward and others on the team to express an interest in joining them. Coach Raheem Morris made the revelation on Tuesday, the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp. The Bucs are open to upgrading at receiver, and Burress, 31, suddenly is a more realistic option. He is one step closer to returning to the field after his case on Monday was continued until September. If no plea deal is reached before ..."

Morris says Bucs have not discussed signing Burress

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were rumored to be very interested in acquiring former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, but head coach Raheem Morris says that speculation was untrue. Morris was asked about his team's interest in Burress after Tuesday's mandatory minicamp and said there has been no dialogue about acquiring the troubled receiver. "To be honest with you, there was never really discussion about bringing him in," Morris said. "He has close friends on our team [Derrick Ward and Antonio Bryant] and he contacted those guys and showed interest himself. We got no problem with that." Burress faces two second-degree felony charges, which carry a minimum sentence of 3-1/2 years in ..."

Agent says Plaxico Burress could play in 2009

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June 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"Plaxico Burress didn't move any closer to resolving his court case Monday, but his agent ramped up efforts to land a job for the free-agent wide receiver. Burress' trial on gun possession charges was adjourned until Sept. 23, and attorney Benjamin Brafman called it ''inconceivable'' his client could stand trial before 2010, meaning he could be able to play football this season. But the unknown remains how the NFL will handle Burress' case. Traditionally, commissioner Roger Goodell waits to rule on player-conduct issues until after the legal system has done its part. The trick is, Goodell doesn't have to wait for the slow wheels of justice to turn in this case. ''We are also confident that ..."

Plaxico Catches A Break

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June 16

New York Post

"In a sweetheart arrangement that will likely allow him to play for millions of dollars this season, gunslinging ex-Giant Plaxico Burress won't see a felony indictment for at least another 13 weeks -- thanks to a delay approved by Manhattan prosecutors yesterday. Under the delay, Sept. 23, his next court date, is the earliest Burress will learn if he's been indicted after shooting himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun in a crowded nightclub way back on Nov. 29, 2008. By that time, the superstar receiver will likely already be playing for any of the "several" unnamed teams he's already in talks with, said his lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. Meanwhile, a grand jury has yet to even be convened ..."

Bucs still looking at Burress?

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June 15

ESPN.com

"With Plaxico Burress' next court date on his weapons charge set for Sept. 23, ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson says the receiver may play in the NFL this season. Although Burress still faces the possibility of jail time, Munson said it's unlikely commissioner Roger Goodell will suspend him before the resolution of the legal case. That means Burress could be available to at least start this season and the only NFC South team that has shown any reported interest is Tampa Bay. Would the Bucs really go out and sign Burress while there's still the possibility of him going to prison? Anything's possible, but such a move could have only a very short-term benefit if Burress ends up in prison. ..."

Skipping mini-camp could be costly for Ruud

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June 15

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs begin a mandatory three-day minicamp on Tuesday and it remains to be seen whether LB Barrett Ruud will show. He hasn't participated in any voluntary offseason workouts for the first time in his five-year career in an effort to reinforce his wish for a new contract. He is yet to commit to attending this week's required event. He can certainly opt not to come, but that decision could be a costly one. Under the rules of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, teams have the right to fine players a maximum of $8,000 for missed activities, such as minicamps. The club isn't required to assess any fines, but it certainly has the option. The fines are significantly stiffer for training ..."

Bucs GM on Vick: Not interested

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June 12

Tampa Tribune

"Add the Buccaneers to the growing list of NFL teams who are passing on Michael Vick. Vick, the beleaguered quarterback who is completing a 23-month sentence for overseeing a dogfighting ring, was released by Atlanta Friday. "We weigh every option when it comes to players,'' said Bucs GM Mark Dominik, "and I can honestly say we've done our due diligence on Michael Vick and we're not interested.'' Dominik's remarks came during Friday's Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he was accompanied on stage by new head coach Raheem Morris, veteran defensive tackle Chris Hovan and rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, selected out of Kansas State after the Bucs traded up in the first round. "Besides, ..."

Bears players would love to land Plaxico Burress

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June 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Jerry Angelo's door remains open when it comes to adding a veteran wide receiver. Bears players would like to say ''come on in'' to Plaxico Burress. The general manager has not ruled out anything, and in an offseason like none the franchise has seen, everything is in play eight weeks before training camp. That includes Burress, the former New York Giants receiver who remains without a team while the NFL waits to see how his gun charge proceeds in New York courts. Burress could be the final piece in a vast reshaping of the roster over the last two months, keyed by the April 2 trade for quarterback Jay Cutler. It was shortly after the deal that Burress told Bears' radio sideline reporter ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers keeping an eye on receiver Plaxico Burress

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May 29

St. Petersburg Times

"Coach Raheem Morris indicated Thursday that the Bucs will monitor the case of former Giants WR Plaxico Burress. A team representative contacted Burress last week, but there has been no talk of signing the troubled receiver. Burress is due in court June 15 for a hearing on weapons charges as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in November at a Manhattan nightclub. He was released by the Giants in April. If Burress clears his legal hurdles, he still could face a suspension by the NFL. Agent Drew Rosenhaus has said three teams have expressed interest but none wants to be identified. "Plaxico has got to deal with his issue with the league," Morris said. "We'll see how that plays ..."

Morris indicates Bucs will monitor Burress case

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May 28

St. Petersburg Times

"Bucs coach Raheem Morris indicated Thursday that the team will monitor the case of former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress. A representative of the Bucs contacted Burress last week, but there has been no talk of signing the troubled receiver. Burress is due in court June 15 for a hearing on weapons charges that arose from his self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Manhattan nightclub last November. He was released by the Giants in April. If Burress clears his legal hurdles, he still could face a suspension from the NFL. The Bucs and Jets are possible suitors. Agent Drew Rosenhaus has said three teams have expressed interest in Burress but none want to be identified. Morris left little doubt the ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Leftwich may miss Bucs workout Thursday for White House visit

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May 21

Tampa Tribune

"The list of players missing from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' voluntary workouts will probably grow by one on Thursday. Quarterback Byron Leftwich is expected to miss the workout as he joins his former Steelers teammates for a trip to the White House. The Super Bowl champion Steelers are scheduled to receive a guided tour of the White House and then take part in a ceremony with President Barack Obama. The Steelers are scheduled to leave Washington immediately after the morning ceremony but Leftwich is not expected back in time for the Bucs workout."

Barrett Ruud sitting out Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practices

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May 15

St. Petersburg Times

"Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, the centerpiece of a young Bucs defense in the midst of an overhaul, is key to the unit's success in 2009. But Ruud did not participate in either of the voluntary workouts this week - the first of 14 such practices this offseason - even as he spoke Wednesday during a radio interview about taking ownership of coordinator Jim Bates' new scheme. Given his contract status - he is entering the final year of his rookie deal - and because talks aimed at an extension are in their infancy, the reason for his nonparticipation is the subject of much speculation. Ruud was present Tuesday but absent Wednesday. Reached Wednesday, Ruud said "everything's fine" and gave ..."

McCown 'focused' on being Bucs' starting QB

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May 12

Tampa Tribune

"The selection of quarterback Josh Freeman in last month's draft hasn't shaken Luke McCown's confidence that he will win the starting job this fall. "I'm a Buccaneer and I'm getting an opportunity right now, this year," McCown said after Tuesday's OTA session at the team facility. "I'm not worried about what might happen after this year or what might happen during the season. I'm focused right now and I'm going to pursue every opportunity, every day, to be the starter here." The Bucs moved up two picks to choose Freeman in the opening round and McCown was asked if he thought the Bucs were planning to make Freeman sit and learn the position as a rookie. "I learned my rookie year that plans ..."

Griese not expected at OTAs

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May 11

St. Petersburg Times

"You may have seen the last of Brian Griese in a Tampa Bay uniform. The Bucs do not expect Griese to attend the first week of Organized Team Activities which begin Tuesday. The full-squad workouts are voluntary. But team officials and Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, say they do not expect the 34-year-old veteran to begin competing this week with four other quarterbacks on the Bucs roster -- Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson. The Bucs plan to take four quarterbacks to training camp and Griese is not expected to one of them. But Bucs still believe Griese could have trade value and may elect to hold onto his rights through the off-season in case another team suffers an ..."

Patriots Interested in Taylor

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May 1

Boston Globe

(scroll down)

"The Patriots have reached out once again to free agent defensive end Jason Taylor in an attempt to woo him to New England, according to an NFL source. The club did not draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker last weekend, and Taylor could help fill that void. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has said if Taylor, 34, wants to play in New England, it could happen. The team appears to be stepping up its recruiting efforts, as the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported yesterday that the Patriots have "strong interest" in Taylor, who plans to make a final decision within two weeks."

Bucs look for something to build on

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April 25

Tampa Tribune

"First-year Bucs general manager Mark Dominik threw the concept out for all to contemplate on the day he let Derrick Brooks go. In retrospect, it seems Dominik might have overstated the situation. Though change is definitely in the offing at One Buc Place, the Bucs don't really seem to be in the rebuilding mode Dominik suggested. Rather, it seems they're simply remodeling. The next phase begins today with the NFL draft. "The thing about the draft is the players you take there are the players that form your identity," Dominik said. "They're Buccaneers from Day One, and they're hopefully going to be Buccaneers until the end of their careers. "In terms of having holes or filling needs, I've ..."

Expect Tampa Bay Buccaneers to go for a defensive player with the 19th pick in 2009 NFL draft

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April 25

St. Petersburg Times

"Let's begin this story with the appendix. Mark Dominik was having his removed in the hospital one day in January when he learned he was going to be entrusted with the outcome of another operation. The Glazer family had decided to name Dominik general manager and Raheem Morris coach. So there was Dominik, having lost an organ, and he was one of the lucky ones. The Bucs fired coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen and cut ties with both coordinators and, eventually, linebacker Derrick Brooks, their 11-time Pro Bowl player. The reason? A monumental collapse that contributed to four straight losses to end the 2008 season, a seismic stretch that saw the once-proud Bucs defense ..."

Dominik is prepared to make a draft move

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April 19

Tampa Tribune

"Mark Dominik is preparing for his first draft as an NFL general manager, but he is not unaccustomed to making tough decisions on draft day. Under predecessor Bruce Allen, Dominik was in charge of forwarding, fielding and ultimately determining the value of most of the Bucs' draft-day trade proposals. "It evolved to the point where a lot of the trades in terms of moving around in the draft, whether it was moving up or down, I was heavily involved in those decisions," Dominik said. "The question of whether it made sense to move forward or fall back, to determine the risks and the gains, it was on me to recommend it and say, 'Hey Bruce, we have an opportunity to do this.'" The Bucs were ..."

Report: Leftwich, Bucs agree to two-year deal

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April 13

Charlotte Observer

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Byron Leftwich reportedly agreed to a two-year contract on Sunday, according to the Tampa Tribune. Leftwich spent the 2008 season with Pittsburgh, performing as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger after Charlie Batch was shelved with a broken right collarbone. The Marshall product appeared in five games for the Super Bowl champion Steelers, completing 21-of-36 passes for 303 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions."

Bucs, QB Leftwich sign 2-year deal, sources say

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April 12

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs appear to have found their "fourth'' quarterback in former Jaguars starter Byron Leftwich. Leftwich, who visited the Bucs last week, has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Bucs, sources have told The Tribune. Leftwich spent all of last year serving as a backup to Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. The Steelers reportedly offered Leftwich a two-year deal but he turned that down in the hopes of finding a better opportunity elsewhere. He appears to have found it with the Bucs, who are looking for someone to push depth chart leader Luke McCown for the starter's job. Leftwich was looking for a team that would allow him to compete for a starter's position and with the untested ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LT Donald Penn signs one-year contract

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April 11

St. Petersburg Times

"Starting left tackle Donald Penn said Friday that he has signed his restricted free agent tender, locking him into a one-year deal with the Bucs for $2.8 million. Penn, 25, was the only unexplained absence at last week's voluntary minicamp in Tampa. "My agent was in contact with a couple of teams, so it wasn't smart for me to go to mini-camp without being under contract," Penn said. "Anything could happen out there." But Penn was adamant the move shouldn't be considered a holdout. "I want to make it clear: I wasn't holding out," he said. "That's something I want the fans to know. I'm not even that type of person." Penn's options were extremely limited because his high-level contract tender ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers give veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich a closer look

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April 10

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs wouldn't mind building a team in the image of the Super Bowl champions. So on Thursday, they took a closer look at Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich. The Bucs plan to add a fourth quarterback to their roster, but Leftwich's visit did not result in a contract as the team continues to weigh its options. Leftwich, 29, backed up Ben Roethlisberger last season and is an unrestricted free agent. He visited the Redskins last week, and the Steelers have said they are interested in re-signing him. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Leftwich appeared in five games last season and played well for the Steelers, completing 21 of 36 passes for 303 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bucs ..."

Leftwich to visit Tampa Bay

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April 9

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Byron Leftwich, the backup quarterback to Ben Roethlisberger last year, is visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today. Leftwich, an unrestricted free agent, has been told by the Steelers they would like to have him back. He visited the Washington Redskins last week. Both Leftwich and Charlie Batch remain free agents."

Report: Raiders Likely To Sign Ex-Buc Garcia

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April 6

Tampa Tribune

"Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia reportedly will sign with the Oakland Raiders. According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Garcia, 39, will sign with Oakland to back up JaMarcus Russell. The report also stated Garcia could be signed as soon as today. Garcia was Tampa Bay's starting quarterback for the past two seasons. He led the Bucs to a playoff appearance in 2007 and was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, but endured a much rougher time this past year. Prior to the season, Garcia was nearly replaced when Tampa Bay unsuccessfully tried to obtain Brett Favre from Green Bay. Favre eventually was traded to the New York Jets, but Garcia realized Tampa Bay was seeking his ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers could still start their new era with Jay Cutler at quarterback

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April 2

Orlando Sentinel

"Somewhere out there lurks Jay Cutler, maybe the most gifted young NFL quarterback to come available in years. Cutler is on the trading block. The Denver Broncos declared so Tuesday, opening the bidding for a Pro Bowl player already with a 4,000-yard season under his belt just three years into his career. This is the same Cutler, by the way, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went knee-deep into three-way trade talks in an effort to acquire at the start of free agency in February, a development that was not lost on Bucs QB-in-waiting Luke McCown. During minicamp this week, McCown has gone about his business and drawn praise from Coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski while ..."

Redskins Are Pursuing Trade for Cutler

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April 2

Washington Post

"The Washington Redskins were actively pursuing a trade for disgruntled Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler last night, according to NFL sources. One source said the Redskins were trying to complete the deal as quickly as possible although at least two other teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, were also reportedly interested in acquiring Cutler. The two-year starter became available Tuesday night when the Broncos announced they would trade him. Denver officials could not be reached to comment last night. The Redskins are declining to comment. The source said Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder has been pushing for the trade in an attempt to finally solve the team's ..."

Cutler: "I really didn't want this"

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April 2

Denver Post

"Broncoland is divided, angry, depressed, stunned and confused regarding the impending trade of star quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler apparently has some of those feelings, too. After a brief retreat to North Carolina, Cutler was back Wednesday night in his adopted hometown of Nashville, Tenn., where he was spotted sitting in the front row of an Ultimate Fighting Championship event that was televised on the SpikeTV channel. Among those who spotted the Broncos quarterback was a reporter for FoxSports.com. "I was surprised they decided to trade me this soon," Cutler told FoxSports. "I didn't want to get traded. That wasn't me. They had been going back and forth saying things, wanting me to be ..."

Cutler To The Bucs? You Must Be Looney

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April 2

Tampa Tribune

"It was a joke. Only a joke. No kidding. Jay Cutler was not traded to the Bucs late Wednesday for a first-round draft pick, a third-round draft pick and nose tackle Chris Hovan. That's what Fox Sports Radio's Tomm Looney wanted you to believe, though, and he actually did a pretty good job of selling the April Fool's prank. Among those who bought it were John Tournour (aka J.T. The Brick), the host of Fox Sports radio's nationally syndicated late night talk show. Citing a Denver newspaper source, Looney broke the "news" about 15 minutes into 'The Brick's' show, about five minutes before going to a commercial. It wasn't until the show returned from the break, though, that Looney fessed up and ..."

With Cutler On Block, Expect Bucs To Be Involved

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April 1

Tampa Tribune

"Gentlemen, start your rumors. After failing repeatedly in an attempt to mend the broken relationship between Coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jay Cutler, the Denver Broncos have decided to try to trade their disgruntled quarterback. The key word here is try. You can bet the Broncos will place a high price tag on Cutler, one that will almost certainly include them getting a young starting-caliber quarterback in return. That won't be easy to get. To make a deal like that work a team such as Tampa Bay, the New York Jets or Chicago will likely have to work a three-way deal and even then the Broncos may not like what they're getting. Still, the simple fact that Denver has given in to ..."

Competition Will Be 'Cut' Throat

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April 1

New York Post

"The possibility of Jay Cutler lining up behind center for the Jets next season just became more realistic. The Broncos announced last night they will try to trade the disgruntled quarterback -- and you can expect Jet GM Mike Tannenbaum to be in the front of the line. The Jets have inquired about the 25-year-old gunslinger last month but were told by the Broncos that Cutler was unavailable. Things have changed. Bronco owner Pat Bowlen issued a statement saying he and new coach Josh McDaniels had been unable to get Cutler to call them back over the last 10 days, and that Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, convinced them "that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos." Bowlen ..."

Broncos Will Give In To Cutler's Trade Demands

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April 1

Tampa Tribune

"Gentlemen, start your rumors. After failing repeatedly in an attempt to mend the broken relationship between Coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jay Cutler, the Denver Broncos have decided to try to trade their disgruntled quarterback. The key word here is try. You can bet the Broncos will place a high price tag on Cutler, one that will almost certainly include them getting a young starting-caliber quarterback in return. That won't be easy to get. To make a deal like that work a team such as Tampa Bay, the New York Jets or Chicago will likely have to work a three-way deal and even then the Broncos may not like what they're getting. Still, the simple fact that Denver has given in to ..."

Brooks, Toomer could help Raiders restore Pride and Poise

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March 22

Oakland Tribune

columnist Monte Poole

"ONE YEAR after Al Davis gave DeAngelo Hall a $70 million contract, punctuating an offseason in which he seemed to order free agents from a catalog while blindfolded, the Raiders are being more conservative and selective with their spending. This is wise, for an abundance of reasons, not the least of which is it suggests remorse on the part of Al, who had to chew on the disastrous results of his reckless spending. If he's committed to being more careful and constructive, he might want to consider an asset he sometimes neglects. It's called leadership, and it seems of obvious benefit to a team heavily invested in 23-year-old quarterback JaMarcus Russell, 21-year-old running back Darren ..."

Jay Cutler likely out of Buccaneers' reach

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March 22

St. Petersburg Times

"If the Broncos intend to trade Jay Cutler, they likely will begin listening to proposals at the NFL owners meetings in Dana Point, Calif., this week. It's hard to gauge what kind of compensation it would take to land Cutler because there hasn't been a quarterback of similar age and talent traded in recent memory. Drew Brees and Chad Pennington recently switched teams, but Cutler's value is considerably higher. He's 25, led the league's second-ranked offense, has thrown for more than 9,000 yards in his short career and has been to the Pro Bowl. The Bucs are among at least four teams that have expressed interest. But GM Mark Dominik hasn't talked to the Broncos since the failed attempt to ..."

Cutler-Broncos feud heats up, Bucs, Lions and possibly New York Jets in the mix

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March 19

Newark Star-Ledger

"Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, has escalated the tension between Cutler and the club by telling NFL.com today that Denver owner Pat Bowlen promised Cutler after coach Mike Shanahan was fired that the offensive staff would remain in tact. But new coach Josh McDaniels promptly fired the entire offensive staff, includiing offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, whom Cutler was close to. Bowlen has denied making the remarks and he's said to be upset that his integrity is being called into question by Cook. As a result of this latest salvo, it's looking more and more like Cutler and the Broncos are headed to a messy divorce. And trade talks could heat up at the owner's meetings ..."

Bucs, Jets make most sense if Broncos opt to trade Cutler

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March 18

SI.com

"Hold off on the Jay Cutler trade talk -- for now. A source close to one team that has inquired with the Broncos about the unhappy quarterback tells me the Broncos have told them they're hanging on to Cutler and won't entertain discussions for him at this time. That's a natural thing for the Broncos to say. They can't give Cutler or his agent, Bus Cook, a shred of evidence that they want to move him until coach Josh McDaniels is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt the relationship with Cutler is not fixable. But it's probably more likely than unlikely the Broncos will find the situation can't be remedied, in my opinion. So I do expect Denver's tune to change sometime between now and the ..."

Broncos to wait, but not for long

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March 17

Denver Post

"And on the first day at Dove Valley without Jay Cutler, the Broncos began talking about their star quarterback in the past tense. "You knew he was a great competitor," Broncos receiver Eddie Royal said. "You always saw it in his eyes that he wanted to win. He came to practice prepared every day. You knew what you were getting out of Jay." Royal followed up by saying he didn't mean to imply the Broncos quarterback has already left the building. But Cutler's permanent departure is becoming more likely after he was not in the building at 8 a.m. Monday when Josh McDaniels led his first team meeting as Broncos head coach. Cutler has formally requested a trade, primarily because he doesn't want ..."

Cutler May Not Be Worth What Bucs Would Have To Spend

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March 17

Tampa Tribune

"The stuff with Jay Cutler sounds more and more to me like a petulant kid who got his feelings hurt and has gone into full-pout mode. Since sending him to his room without any supper probably won't work, the Denver Broncos may well have to trade him. That seems a little more likely every day, actually, so the logic follows that if Cutler is out there to be had, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to be interested. Wait a minute - they already were. They were inventive, too. The Bucs were involved in a three-way deal that would have sent Matt Cassel from New England to Denver, Cutler to the Bucs, and draft picks from the Bucs to New England. When that fell apart, Cassel wound up in Kansas City and ..."

Cutler-To-Bucs Rumors Have New Life

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March 16

Tampa Tribune

"It was a rough weekend for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they geared up for the start of their offseason program, two of the free agents they've been targeting - offensive tackle Khalif Barnes and cornerback Karl Paymah - signed with other teams. The Bucs also learned over the weekend that another of their free agent targets - linebacker Angelo Crowell - has decided to continue his search for a new team and will visit Buffalo today. Not all the news filtering into One Buc Place was bad, though. The team also learned this weekend that quarterback Jay Cutler remains very unhappy with Josh McDaniels, the new coach of the Broncos, and that he really wants out of Denver. That should get those ..."

If Jay Cutler is on the block, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be bidding

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March 15

St. Petersburg Times

columnist Gary Shelton

"In the eternal search for answers, the first question is always an easy one. It works that way on Jeopardy, and it works that way in life. Say, what would Jay Cutler look like in a Buccaneer uniform? Why, he would look splendid, of course. The red jersey would look dandy, and the pewter helmet would look striking. Given his arm, and forgiving his whine, he would look dangerous, and when is the last time anyone has said that about a Bucs quarterback? Now for the tougher question: Should the Bucs offer their No. 1 draft pick for him? Final answer? Yeah, they should. Okay, okay. Let's be real here. Despite the NFL's loudest snit, despite the team's posturing and Cutler's pout, the ..."

Brooks won't retire, is open to returning to Tampa Bay

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March 10

NFL.com

"Former Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks said Tuesday that he does not plan to retire and he has heard from several teams interested in signing him. Brooks plans to play for at least one more year and added that he is not ruling out any teams, including those that are supposedly rebuilding. Re-joining the Bucs, should they want him, could be an option, he said. Brooks was cut Feb. 25 by Tampa Bay, where he spent his entire 14-year career. "I've still got the Jones to play," Brooks, who turns 36 on April 18, told NFL.com. "I committed myself to playing one more year. I had one more year left on my contract before I was released. I wanted to finish that out and get to 15. Getting to 15 is ..."

Safety Jermaine Phillips visits Seahawks

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March 5

Seattle Times

"The Seahawks have added a big-name free agent in T.J. Houshmandzadeh and a big run-stopper in Colin Cole. Now they've turned their attention to stopping big plays. Seattle hosted Tampa Bay safety Jermaine Phillips for a free-agent visit on Wednesday. Phillips, 29, was drafted by Tampa Bay in the fifth round of the 2002 draft when Seahawks president Tim Ruskell was with the Bucs. Phillips previously visited San Diego before arriving in Seattle. Phillips is regarded as a big hitter, whose strength is defending the run. Deon Grant and Brian Russell were Seattle's starting safeties last season. Both are under contract for next season. The Seahawks are also expecting a visit this week from Mike ..."

Bucs Might Pursue Released DE Jason Taylor

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March 3

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay is in need of a pass rusher and the Bucs might finally have an opportunity to snag one. The Washington Redskins just released DE Jason Taylor only a few days after signing DE Albert Haynesworth. This is something that doesn't come as a surprise considering Taylor's salary, age and tendency to get injured. However, this might end up being great news for Buc fans. We've been hearing from several sources since last week that this move was going to occur, and that once it did, Tampa Bay was going to heavily pursue Taylor. We hear so many rumors that we were hesitant to report it, but there might be something to it now."

Haye Lands With Titans

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March 3

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs missed an opportunity to sign Albert Haynesworth and passed on a chance to re-sign defensive tackle Jovan Haye. Only days after Haynesworth decided not to sign with Tampa Bay to play for Washington, the Bucs did little to prevent Haye from signing with Tennessee on Monday. Haye inked a four-year deal worth $16.2 million ($7 million this season) with the Titans, who also signed Pittsburgh free-agent receiver Nate Washington, a player the Bucs were interested in. "It's just one of those things where I didn't get that feeling I would be part of their Bucs future," Haye said. "I don't have any hard feelings. They found me when I was on the practice squad in Cleveland in 2006. They ..."

Wide receiver Michael Clayton to re-sign with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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March 1

St. Petersburg Times

"Receiver Michael Clayton's first foray into free agency didn't last long. Tampa Bay's 2004 first-round pick agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bucs, who stepped in with a lucrative deal just as Clayton was preparing to make a free agent visit to Seattle. He was 90 minutes from boarding a flight Saturday when the Bucs called and the sides struck an agreement in principle. The deal will pay Clayton $10.5 million in guarantees and could be worth $26 million if certain incentives are reached. The Bucs had been in talks with Clayton, 26, for weeks but were unable to meet his salary demands until Saturday, when it seems they increased their offer. Clayton had a splendid rookie ..."

Broncos QB Jay Cutler rattled by trade talks

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March 1

Detroit News

"Even without serious competition from a backup, the Broncos had themselves a quarterback controversy Friday. Jay Cutler, Denver's starting quarterback, the franchise, the one player who carried all hope for a greater future, believes his days with the team are numbered -- even after a proposed deal that would have sent him to Tampa Bay and Matt Cassel to Denver never materialized. "My understanding at this point is they're trying to trade me," Cutler said Saturday afternoon. "We'll see where I end up at. I liked it here, I liked playing with these guys but obviously they're not going to let me have that opportunity." The deal had Tampa Bay trying to acquire Cutler in exchange for a ..."

Winslow traded to Bucs for draft picks

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February 27

ESPN.com

"The new regime of the Cleveland Browns made its first major move this offseason by trading former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow on Friday for undisclosed draft picks. Winslow, the sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft and son of Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr., played in 44 games and recorded 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Browns are starting over with their roster under a new head coach in Eric Mangini and a new general manager in George Kokinis. "The Cleveland Browns thank Kellen for his contributions to this organization over the past five years," Kokinis said in a statement. "We appreciate his passion for the game and wish him success in Tampa Bay."

Buccaneers Trade Rumors