Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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October 17

Chicago Sun-Times

"Turns out all the rumors about Terrell Owens coming to the Bears were a bit misplaced. The Bears did swing a deal for a high-profile player, but it was defensive end Gaines Adams, the fourth pick of the 2007 draft, who should immediately help a pass rush in need of a boost. Adams stopped short Friday night of saying a new start was what he needed -- because he didn't feel like his career was headed in the wrong direction with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The talented pass rusher is excited to pick up three wins in the standings by flying to O'Hare today to join the Bears as a new option for their front seven and a building block for the future. General manager Jerry Angelo traded his ..."

Bears trade for Gaines Adams

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October 17

Chicago Tribune

"Bears assistant head coach Rod Marinelli fell in love with Gaines Adams in 2007 when Adams came out of Clemson and Marinelli was the head coach of the Lions. Now Marinelli gets a chance to work with the player he once coveted. The Bears acquired the 6-foot-5, 258-pound Adams on Friday, four days before the trade deadline, sending the Buccaneers a second-round pick in 2010 for the promising defensive end. With the Bears surrendering next year's first-round pick to the Broncos in the Jay Cutler deal, they might not have a pick in the first two rounds for the second consecutive season, unless they acquire one before the April draft. Although the Bears have improved their pass rush under ..."

Dungy not interested in front-office gig

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October 13

ESPN.com

"Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said Tuesday he is not currently interested in taking on a front-office role. "No, probably not," Dungy told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. "I mean, you never say never but I had a great job in football [that I left] to pursue my mission right now. That's my focus. There was a reason I stepped down from my job with the Colts. And I had an opportunity to stay on board there in a front-office capacity." With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winless through five games, Fox Sports Radio host Chris Myers speculated that Dungy's name was being discussed within the Bucs organization. Dungy is a former head coach in Tampa who went on to win a Super Bowl ..."

Bucs working out WRs, including ex-Jag Jones, ex-Giant Tyree

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October 13

Tampa Tribune

"Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones is working out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN.com. Jones is one of four receivers working out for the Bucs today. The others include former New York Giants receiver David Tyree, best known for his "helmet" catch two years ago in the Super Bowl, and former Detroit receiver Yamon Figurs, who spent 2007 and 2008 with Baltimore. Tampa Bay (0-5) is seeking help at receiver after three dropped passes by Michael Clayton on Sunday at Philadelphia. Jones had 65 receptions for 761 yards and two touchdowns last season but was released from the team because of problems off the field. He was arrested and charged with one count of cocaine ..."

Sources: Jones to work out for Bucs

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October 13

ESPN.com

"With almost a half-dozen teams expressing interest in Matt Jones in recent weeks, the former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver will work out Tuesday morning with the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to league sources. Jones, who caught 65 passes in 12 games in 2008, has been considered by teams that are looking for a big target at receiver, capable of picking up first downs and creating matchup problems in the red zone. Jones is 6-6, 228 pounds and was a first-round pick by the Jaguars before encountering off-field problems that led to his release in mid-March. Jones had been jailed just days before for violating the terms of his plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008. ..."

Bucs S Jackson will play against Eagles

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October 9

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson will play against Philadelphia on Sunday. Bucs coach Raheem Morris made the announcement after Friday's practice and said Jackson would be activated this weekend after serving an NFL mandated four-game suspension for violating the league's substances of abuse policy. "He looked good this week," Morris said. "He came back in shape. He's been doing the right things, obviously. He had no problem with the heat." As a result of Jackson's addition to the 53-man roster, Tampa Bay will be forced to cut a player prior to Sunday's game. Morris said he is unsure if Jackson will start on Sunday, but expects him to receive plenty of playing time. Tampa Bay's ..."

Redskins DT Haynesworth: 'Tampa really came after me hard'

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September 30

Tampa Tribune

"To hear defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth tell it, the Washington Redskins are saddled with as many early-season problems as the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Washington falling to 1-2 following a 19-14 loss at Detroit, Coach Jim Zorn's job security has been called into question heading into Sunday's home game against Tampa Bay. The Redskins have been outscored 37-13 in the opening half and opponents are converting third downs at an absurd 51.2 percent clip. "We're not playing like we should,'' said Haynesworth, a two-time Pro Bowler in Tennessee before signing with the Redskins in March as a free agent. "With all this talent, we haven't even scratched the surface. We're really ..."

Reid expecting McNabb to be back for Tampa Bay

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September 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Donovan McNabb could return Oct. 11 when the Eagles play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their bye week."I think he will, but we'll see how it goes," Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday after his team's 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.McNabb's return from a fractured rib will likely have a domino effect, with Kevin Kolb resuming his backup role and Jeff Garcia getting sent back to the unemployment line.Reid made it clear that there isn't going to be a quarterback controversy even though Kolb threw for more than 300 yards in each of his two starts."Donovan is the quarterback of the team," Reid said. "That's not a problem. I don't think it's a problem with Kevin, and I don't think ..."

Bucs' Ward to start against Giants, his former team

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September 26

Tampa Tribune

"With Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham struggling with injuries, Coach Raheem Morris said running back Derrick Ward will make his first start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday against the Giants. Williams (knee) and Graham (hamstring) are listed as questionable, but both said they expected to play as the 0-2 Buccaneers attempt to upset the 2-0 Giants at Raymond James Stadium. "It's a lot better than it was a few days ago,'' Williams said of a left knee that became swollen and painful two days after a 33-20 loss at Buffalo, where the Bills play on artificial turf. "The way I'm feeling now, I should be good to go.'' Ward, averaging 4.5 yards per carry through two weeks, signed in March ..."

Williams' knee sore from turf

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September 25

Tampa Tribune

"Bucs RB Cadillac Williams did not participate in Thursday's practice because of soreness in his left knee. Williams' injury is not related to his two previous season-ending knee injuries, according to Coach Raheem Morris, who expects Williams to start against the Giants on Sunday. "(He's) sore after the turf game (in Buffalo) with the knee," Morris said. "(It's) nothing to do with the surgery, nothing like that, just the first time on the turf. (He's) a little sore, but expected to play." Williams, a fifth-year pro, has 162 total yards during an 0-2 start, becoming the first player in league history to overcome torn patellar tendons in both knees. Although Morris does not seem concerned ..."

Bucs' Morris optimistic WR Bryant will play against Giants

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September 23

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris was optimistic receiver Antonio Bryant might be ready to play against the New York Giants on Sunday. Bryant was limited in Wednesday's practice because of a bone bruise in his knee. "Obviously, you know that (Bryant) wants to play," Morris said. "I've got a great feeling about it. I'm sure he does, as well. I'm going to believe in A.B. and what he can do, and we'll try to get him out there as quickly as we can and as quickly as he can go." Although Morris was optimistic about Bryant's return, he is concerned about three other players. Defensive tackle Roy Miller (ankle), center Jeff Faine (triceps) and receiver Maurice Stovall (knee) did not ..."

Bryant's status is in question

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September 18

Tampa Tribune

"It appears that Bucs WR Antonio Bryant has taken a step back in his recovery from preseason knee surgery. Bryant did not participate in the team's workout at One Buc Place on Thursday, and his chances of playing Sunday at Buffalo are in question. "I'm not in the business of anticipation," Coach Raheem Morris said when asked if Bryant would be ready for Sunday's game. "I'm in the business of guys showing up for work and playing." Bryant had arthroscopic surgery in early August to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and he left the season-opening game against Dallas early because of knee fatigue. Bryant said after that game that he expected to play at Buffalo. "It's not an injury," ..."

Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant misses practice, might sit out Sunday's game

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September 18

St. Petersburg Times

"WR Antonio Bryant missed practice Thursday and is in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game at Buffalo. Bryant, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in August and returned to practice about three weeks later, was ineffective late in Sunday's opener against the Cowboys because of discomfort in the knee. Now the pain hasn't subsided. Swelling also is an issue and likely will continue to be. Coach Raheem Morris declined to describe what Bryant is experiencing as a setback. "It's not an injury," he said. "He's just hurt right now. "Obviously, we want Antonio to play for us. If he's not there, the next man has to step up. That's what happens on every team. Everybody is losing starters every ..."

Derrick Brooks joins ESPN2 but says he still wants to play

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September 16

Tampa Tribune

"Derrick Brooks has settled on the next phase of his career, at least temporarily, by joining ESPN2 as an analyst on the show "First Take." Brooks is the most celebrated linebacker in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, but he was released by the team after last season. He talked with the New Orleans Saints and, earlier this week, the Chicago Bears about continuing his playing career but never received a contract offer. "While I still feel like I can play in the NFL, I'm excited to be a part of ESPN's NFL coverage where I have a lot of former teammates," Brooks said in a news release from ESPN. "I look forward to the exposure this opportunity will bring as I share my knowledge and perspective of ..."

Report: Bucs have most salary cap room in NFL

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September 13

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have $30 million of cap space entering the 2009 season, far more than any team in the NFL, according to a report on FOXSports.com. The Web site said the Packers rank second in cap room with $17 million to spend, followed by Kansas City at $16 million and the Bears and Browns, each $15 million under the cap."

Buccaneers trade quarterback Luke McCown to the Jacksonville Jaguars and cut kicker Matt Bryant and several others

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September 6

St. Petersburg Times

"Luke McCown's two touchdown passes at Jacksonville three weeks ago didn't help him earn the Bucs' starting quarterback job. But he did win over the Jaguars, who traded an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to the Bucs on Saturday night in exchange for the 28-year-old quarterback. Terms of the deal, contingent on McCown passing a physical, were not released. But the Bucs are expected to receive a conditional sixth-round pick that becomes a fifth-rounder based on McCown's playing time. He will be the Jaguars' No. 2 quarterback behind starter David Garrard. Meanwhile, kicker Matt Bryant was among 21 players cut by the Bucs, enabling them to trim the roster to one below the 53-player limit. The ..."

Once starter decided, Tampa Bay Buccaneers might deal a leftover quarterback not named Josh Freeman

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August 27

St. Petersburg Times

"Luke McCown believes he has gotten a fair shake in Tampa Bay's prolonged quarterback derby, even though he has made one start and Byron Leftwich will be making his second tonight. "We've all had opportunities to go in," he said. "I played well last week; played well the first week. You can't ask for more." Still, there continues to be speculation that the loser of the competition for the starting job - or fourth-stringer Josh Johnson - could wind up on the trading block. Coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that such talk is par for the course this time of year. "Everybody in this league, all 32 teams, around this time starts calling other front offices," he said. "I can't control who calls ..."

Report: Bucs gauging trade interest in their quarterbacks

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August 26

Tampa Tribune

"NFL.com is reporting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are calling teams to gauge interest in trading for Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown or Josh Johnson. Citing an anonymous source, the report said the Bucs are willing to deal any of their three quarterbacks, which would make deciding a starter much easier. Bucs coach Raheem Morris initially said he would name a starting quarterback this week but backtracked a few days ago and said he was unsure when that decision would be made."

Ex-Buc Derrick Brooks gets audition with Saints

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August 11

Tampa Tribune

"Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks finally has a line on a new gig. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed Tuesday that Brooks is one of two linebackers who will arrive today for workouts. "Typically we wait until they're here to comment on them, but Derrick will be one of those guys that we'll work out and Derek Smith will be the other one that we work out," Payton told reporters at the team's facility in Metairie, La. The arrivals of Brooks and Smith were prompted by an injury to linebacker Mark Simoneau. Simoneau will be sidelined for at least several weeks with a torn triceps. Brooks, 36, has played 14 NFL seasons, all with Tampa Bay, and has been named to 11 ..."

Leftwich takes early lead in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback derby

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August 9

St. Petersburg Times

"You probably can't win a starting quarterback job during the first week of practice, but you can lose one. So as we examine the race between Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich - sorry, Josh Freeman, your time will come soon - understand that both avoided catastrophe. But Leftwich was better. He made more plays, got the ball in the end zone more consistently and basically converted more believers in the locker room. Still, it's too soon to order a No. 7 jersey. "I just think those guys are playing really well right now, and I don't think I can judge either one of them until we get some pads on them and let them go get hit," coach Raheem Morris said. There's a reason Bucs quarterbacks wear neon ..."

Bucs Campbell impresses before injury

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August 7

Tampa Tribune

"One step up, two steps back. That's the way things seem to go for WR Kelly Campbell, a free agent signed by the Bucs in February after spending last year putting up big numbers in the Canadian Football League. The most prolific receiver in Georgia Tech history pulled up with a quadriceps injury during Thursday's practice, ending his day abruptly after he turned in several impressive receptions. "You see K.C. flash down the field, then he pulls a quad," said Coach Raheem Morris, adding a shrug. Campbell, 29, played 37 games for the Vikings from 2002-04, but he's been out of the NFL the past four seasons because of injuries and personal issues that scared off potential suitors. According to ..."

Source: Bucs, Freeman agree to deal

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July 31

ESPN.com

"Hoping to be able to win the starting quarterback job in training camp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick Josh Freeman made sure he made it on time. Freeman agreed Thursday night to a five-year, $36 million deal, according to a source. Included in the deal is $10.245 million in guarantees, the source said. The Bucs report to camp Friday morning, but Freeman headed to team headquarters Thursday night to sign the contract around midnight. He wanted to sign it so he can be available for everything the team is doing on Friday."

Is anyone interested in Derrick Brooks?

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July 9

St. Petersburg Times

"The days pass. The phone does not ring. We are two weeks from the start of the opening of training camps, and Derrick Brooks, a linebacker all his life, does not have a job. How can this be? Has the NFL reached the point where it has 250 or so better linebackers than Brooks? Was the tape on Brooks from last year really that bad? Is Brooks' agent holding out for a really, really big offer from the newly formed United Football League? Or, perhaps, has time caught up to the fastest linebacker of his generation? That, of course, is the last thing you want to consider. Around Tampa Bay, the easiest thing to believe in always has been Brooks. By now, most of us agree that Brooks is the finest ..."

Bucs GM defends team expenditures

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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

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"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."

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