Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade Rumors

Buccaneers pick Alex Van Pelt to work with Josh Freeman
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February 2
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Josh Freeman won't have to explain to new Bucs quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt how difficult it was to change offensive coordinators days before the start of the regular season. He lived it. Van Pelt, as Bills quarterbacks coach, was asked to take over playcalling duties from fired offensive coordinator Turk Schonert at the end of the 2009 preseason. It's the same hand Greg Olson was dealt when the Bucs fired offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski 10 days before the regular-season opener. Van Pelt, 39, was hired as the Bucs quarterbacks coach Monday. The Bucs are expected to make a formal announcement this week. The appointment of Van Pelt is considered vital to the development of ..."
Bucs choose Van Pelt for QB coach
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February 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"Alex Van Pelt and Greg Olson were thrown into the fire as offensive coordinators just days before the start of the 2009 NFL season, Van Pelt with the Buffalo Bills and Olson with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, it appears, these kindred spirits will be working together. The Bucs have chosen Van Pelt to be their quarterbacks coach, though an official announcement might not come for a few days when details are finalized. Van Pelt, a former Bills backup quarterback, will be tagged with the critical job of grooming Bucs franchise quarterback Josh Freeman. Van Pelt will assume Olson's former role of working with the quarterbacks, while Olson concentrates on the coordinator job, including ..."
Wilfork would play for Bucs, Dolphins
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January 29
Boston Globe
 
"Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is in Miami for the Pro Bowl. As he has in the past, Wilfork, a Boyton Beach, Fla., native, let it be known to a Dolphins writer that he's open to the idea of playing all of his games in Florida. This time he expanded the field to include not only the Dolphins, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, saying playing in Florida would be "a dream come true." However, he also said "he would love to stay in New England." Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel caught up with Wilfork today and the big nose tackle continued his case for a new contract after being a good solider last year. Wilfork said he has been trying to get a new contract with the Patriots for ..."
Buccaneers defensive assistant Robert Nunn leaves for Giants
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January 28
St. Petersburg Times
 
"For the second straight day, the Bucs let a coach out of his contract so he could go to another team. Defensive line coach Robert Nunn was granted permission to interview for the same job with the Giants, who hired him Wednesday. Nunn, 44, who just finished his 10th season in the league, had shared defensive line coaching duties with Todd Wash. GM Mark Dominik said the Bucs traditionally have had one defensive line coach. But Nunn was hired before last season, in part, because of his familiarity with the system of defensive coordinator Jim Bates, who was ousted after 10 games. Coach Raheem Morris will continue to run the defense next season, which will be a variation of the Bucs' ..."
Bucs let Barry out of contract to take job at USC
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January 26
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to let linebackers coach Joe Barry out of his contract so that Barry can become the linebackers coach under Lane Kiffin at Southern Cal. Barry originally was thought to be under consideration for the defensive coordinator job at Tennessee under new coach Derek Dooley, who was hired after Kiffin abruptly resigned to take the USC head coaching position. The Bucs will replace Barry, who was under contract through the 2010 season, by moving former defensive backs coach Joe Baker into that role. Baker will be replaced as defensive backs coach by Jimmy Lake, another former assistant with the Buccaneers. Bucs general manager Mark Dominik announced the changes ..."
Tennessee Volunteers call Buccaneers linebackers coach Joe Barry about being defensive coordinator
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January 22
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Another Bucs assistant coach could run the University of Tennessee's defense next season. Linebackers coach Joe Barry is a candidate to replace Monte Kiffin as the Vols' defensive coordinator. Barry was contacted by Derek Dooley on Saturday, the same day he was named Tennessee's new coach. "I really didn't know Coach Dooley from the man in the moon until he called," Barry, 39, said. "But he said he really liked what Monte did on defense … and wanted to continue it. He said through all his research, my name was the one that kept coming up." The Vols were close to hiring Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, but he told Dooley on Thursday he was staying. Steele reportedly was offered a ..."
Vols' Dooley contacts Bucs LB coach Joe Barry
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January 22
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach Joe Barry is in demand again. Barry, whom the Washington Redskins wanted as their new linebackers coach, has been contacted twice in the last few days by new University of Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley. Barry said Dooley called him last Friday and again on Thursday and is interested in making him the replacement for Monte Kiffin as the Volunteers' defensive coordinator. Barry said he's interested in the job, but it appears the Bucs still have not decided whether to hold Barry to his contract, which has another year remaining on it. Citing that contract, Barry was recently denied an opportunity to speak to the Redskins about the opening on their ..."
USF interviews ex-Buc Williams; Holtz still top candidate
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January 14
Tampa Tribune
 
"Nearly a week after firing Jim Leavitt, the University of South Florida's search for the second head football coach in school history remains a source of great speculation. East Carolina's Skip Holtz is considered the leading candidate, but Holtz returned home to Greenville, N.C., Tuesday night after talking with USF officials about the opening during his visit to the American Football Coaches Association convention in Orlando. Holtz was in his office Wednesday going about his normal routine amid speculation he was the front-runner. Meantime, former Bucs quarterback Doug Williams, currently Tampa Bay's pro personnel director and a successful head coach at Grambling State from 1998 to 2003, ..."
Mann will interview with Redskins Thursday
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January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann will interview with the Washington Redskins Thursday. The Bucs appear willing to part ways with Mann after eight seasons. General manager Mark Dominik granted the Redskins permission to interview Mann earlier this week. Redskins general manager Bruce Allen worked with Mann from 2004-08 in Tampa Bay. Mann would be part of a new coaching staff being assembled by Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. By letting Mann leave Tampa Bay, the Bucs may be hurting their chance of re-signing free agent reciever Antonio Bryant."
Doug Williams interviews for USF head coaching job
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January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Doug Williams interviewed for South Florida's head football coaching job Tuesday. Williams, the Bucs pro personnel director, interviewed with a search committee hired by USF for 2 1/2 hours in Orlando. The Bulls attraction to Williams is obvious. He has a long association with the Tampa Bay community, was a Super Bowl MVP with the Washington Redskins and the first African American quarterback to win an NFL title. He coached at Grambling State from 1998-2003, compiling a 52-18 record and winning three Southwest Athletic Conference titles."
Bucs WRs coach Mann given permission to interview elsewhere
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January 12
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Bucs plan to part ways with receivers coach Richard Mann after eight seasons. Mann, who also served as an assistant head coach to Raheem Morris, has been granted permission to interview with an undisclosed NFL team. Mann does not have a contract for 2010 and his current deal with the Bucs expires in Feb. Several NFL teams are formulating coaching staffs, including the Washington Redskins. Mann is a favorite of Redskins and former Bucs GM Bruce Allen. The loss of Mann could have a significant impact on the Bucs' ability to re-sign receiver Antonio Bryant, who is an unrestricted free agent. Bryant has a close relationship with Mann, who has served as a mentor to the Bucs' No. 1 ..."
A look ahead to the Bucs' offseason
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January 5
Tampa Tribune
 
"Top Priorities WHERE'S THE BEEF? When you finish last out of 32 teams in stopping the run, it's obvious your defensive line needs an overhaul. Fortunately for the Bucs, defensive tackle may be the deepest position in the 2010 draft, led by Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy. If veteran DT Ryan Sims returns next year, there's no way he will start all 16 games for a front that was pushed around way too often this fall. Look for DE Jimmy Wilkerson to return to his previous role as a versatile, valuable reserve. JUST MY IMAGINATION Greg Olson, who didn't even interview for the vacant offensive coordinator position last January, struggled as a last-minute replacement for Jeff ..."
Buccaneers retain Raheem Morris as coach
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January 5
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Raheem Morris was already making plans for the offseason Monday, looking forward to the draft and planning to build around quarterback Josh Freeman. "I've got a feeling that Year 2 will be a lot less dramatic for me," Morris said at his news conference. For Morris, the suspense ended when he was summoned to the Glazers' office later in the afternoon and learned he would return for the 2010 season. "We are committed to the plan that we began 12 months ago with Coach Morris, and we look forward to building on the pieces that were put in place this season," vice president Joel Glazer said in a statement released Monday night. Morris, 33, had the deck stacked against him when he was named head ..."
Bucs' Morris makes plans; report says Cowher out of mix
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January 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie head coach Raheem Morris began laying out plans for improvement in 2010 on Monday, and signs continue to indicate it will be Morris who leads the Bucs next season. While Morris conducted his post-season news conference, suggesting it will be a couple of weeks before he knows his fate or that of some members of his staff, a new report surfaced suggesting Bill Cowher will not return to coaching in the NFL in 2010. The latest report, from ESPN's Adam Schefter, cites an unnamed source close to the situation as saying Cowher's plans to coach in either Tampa Bay or Carolina have dried up and he has no desire to coach in Buffalo, where he was reported to have "stealth" ..."
Glazer mystery train ready to rumble
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January 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Now the real season begins. Now we wait. It's time for ... Glazer Ball! You know, the game where you never know who's winning, or has the ball, or anything. Will they run it, throw it or fire it! We'd say the Cone of Silence had been lowered, but it's never been raised. The Glazer mystery train left the station after the Bucs' 20-10 loss to Atlanta to end Year One under Raheem Morris, with no guarantee that next season won't be Year One under Bill Cowher. Can we get a little Owner Speak here? Who knows where the mystery train will go. The Glazers lead the league in deep, dark tunnels. The record: 3-13. The number that might matter more is about 20,000 empty seats for the finale at Raymond ..."
Does Bucs' Morris already know his fate?
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January 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris claims to know nothing of the Buccaneers' plans for him beyond this season, but he keeps saying things that suggest otherwise. Case in point: At the end of a comment he made about quarterback Josh Freeman on Sunday, Morris talked like a man who knew he was coming back as coach for what will prove to be a make or break 2010 season. "Josh Freeman will be judged based on what he does next year," Morris said. "So will I." The comments came in the wake of further reports suggesting that former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher is preparing to return to the sidelines. Cowher, who was rumored to have been contacted by Bucs owners in recent weeks, is said to be ..."
15 Bucs could be free agents
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January 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"One thing is certain about this year's Bucs. There is a strong chance that many of the players will not be around next season. Tampa Bay has 15 players scheduled to become free agents in February. Some of the well-known players who could be playing their final game for the Bucs on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons include receiver Antonio Bryant, running back Cadillac Williams, safety Jermaine Phillips, receiver Maurice Stovall, linebacker Barrett Ruud, defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, right tackle Jeremy Trueblood and left tackle Donald Penn. "I will speak to my agent about it. I'll speak to the owners when the time comes," Stovall said. "For right now, I'm just concentrating on ..."
Buc's owners could end Cowher talk, but wont
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December 28
Tampa Tribune
 
"We'll pause for a moment while your head explodes and we wait for a simple, declarative sentence from the Glazers. Either tell us that Raheem Morris is coming back for a second season as head coach, or go sign Bill Cowher and let us know the parade route so fans can show up with confetti. Thus is the state of Buccaneers football after an extraordinary Sunday afternoon in New Orleans. Why do I say that? I mean, the fact the Bucs rallied from a 17-point deficit and beat the Saints 20-17 in overtime at the Superdome would seem to end any discussion about Morris' job security. Maybe it did. We won't know for sure until his bosses say so, though. They maintained their usual "no comment" after ..."
Knee injury could sideline Bucs' Ward
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December 26
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Derrick Ward is battling soreness in his knee and is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against New Orleans. Ward had not previously been on Tampa Bay's injury report, but was limited during Friday's practice. It appears Ward will be a game time decision. In addition, receiver Antonio Bryant (groin), receiver Michael Clayton (knee), safety Tanard Jackson (knee) and center Jeff Faine are listed as questionable for Sunday's game. All participated in practice, but Bucs Coach Raheem Morris would not say if they would definitely play against New Orleans"
It would be a shocker if Gruden doesn't join Allen with 'Skins
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December 17
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Here's a good bar bet: Jon Gruden will be the next coach of the Washington Redskins. In case you haven't heard, the Redskins hired former Bucs general manager Bruce Allen as their top executive to replace Vinny Cerrato, the executive vice president of football operations. Allen has long-standing ties to the Redskins, obviously. His father, George, coached the Redskins from 1971-77. He also grew up in McLean, Va. Gruden recently agreed to a multi-year deal to remain with ESPN's Monday Night Football as an analyst. But if you know anything about Gruden, he longs to return to coaching in the NFL. If you know anything about Allen, he has never held a position of authority without working for ..."
Bucs coach Raheem Morris' future seems shakier than ever
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December 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The apathy is rising. The stadium is empty. The misery is growing. And so Raheem Morris leaves the field in the usual way, quickly and grimly. He is at a full trot as he hits the tunnel, as if he is trying to get away from the carnage as fast as the ticket-buyers. His chin is high, and his lips are tight and, once again, his team is beaten. Once again, Morris' team has lost, and once again, watching it perform has been something like ocular torture. Thirteen games, 12 losses for the Bucs, and this one might have been the worst of them all. It is like watching a franchise scrape the bottom of the barrel as it sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Can Morris survive this ineptitude? Should ..."
Bucs CB Talib questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina
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December 5
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib missed a consecutive day of practice Friday because of a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina. Talib was a limited participant on Wednesday, but apparently suffered a setback. Bucs Coach Raheem Morris is unsure if his starter will play this weekend. "He's kind of been the same way, the same status most of the time," Morris said. "He had more practices the other weeks he's been limited. You never what's going to happen to him when you wake up on Sunday." If Talib is unable to play, backup cornerback Elbert Mack likely will start with Ronde Barber. Morris said his cornerbacks switch coverages so much, Barber ..."
Buccaneers' Aqib Talib misses practice because of hamstring injury
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December 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"CB Aqib Talib did not practice Thursday due to a lingering hamstring injury, putting his status for Sunday's game in Carolina further in doubt. Bucs coach Raheem Morris said the hamstring has bothered Talib for about five weeks, and it caused him to leave last week's game against Atlanta late in the fourth quarter. Morris said Talib, who was limited in Wednesday's practice, is day to day. "We'll just have to see," Morris said. "He's been like that for a while. Hopefully he can suck it up and get out there and play for us. ... You can't have progress when you have an injury like a hamstring. It just kind of lingers and whether you can deal with it or not, it just happens to be.""
Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant wants a bigger role
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December 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Shutting down receiver Antonio Bryant never has been easy, but the Bucs have got that covered. Have him undergo knee surgery in training camp, struggle to get back on the field, change coordinators 10 days before the opener, get caught on the team's carousel of quarterbacks before settling on rookie first-round pick Josh Freeman and catch just 22 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns through 11 games. "Like I say, you can plan a picnic, but you can't predict the weather," Bryant said Wednesday. Bryant, who signed a one-year, $9.88-million contract as the team's franchise player, is upset he hasn't been more of a focal point, particularly in crunch time. Last season, he led the Bucs ..."
Ousted Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Jim Bates continues to ponder next move
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November 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Ousted defensive coordinator Jim Bates still was deciding Wednesday whether to remain with the Bucs in a consulting capacity. Coach Raheem Morris relieved Bates of his duties Monday and will be responsible for calling the defense. Bates, 63, has been extended an opportunity to remain with the team as an adviser, breaking down film and possibly assisting on game day from the coaches box. But Bates has no on-field responsibilities in practice or at games, and he is not expected to accompany the team to Atlanta for Sunday's game. It's possible Bates may elect to leave the Bucs by next week."
Buccaneers likely wonder whether Maurice Stovall warrants a return when his contract expires
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November 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"While many of his contemporaries were dressed in jeans and T-shirts, Maurice Stovall arrived at One Buc Place the day after being drafted in 2006 wearing slacks and a pressed dress shirt. The Bucs receiver walked in the door looking like he meant business. Now, Stovall is about to find out all about the business side of his chosen profession. Since that day, he has experienced a series of highs and lows, bumps and bruises, successes and failures. It all has brought him to this point, where, with his contract expiring after this season, the Bucs likely wonder what they have in Stovall, and whether his body of work warrants a return. The evaluation starts with the physical. At first glance, ..."
Falcons could be without key players against Bucs
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November 26
Tampa Tribune
 
"The heavily favored Atlanta Falcons could be missing three starters Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. LT Sam Baker (elbow), MLB Curtis Lofton (knee/groin) and RB Michael Turner (ankle) were all limited in Wednesday's practice for the Falcons, who have dropped four of five since a 4-1 start. For the Bucs, LB Barrett Ruud (ribs) and TE Kellen Winslow (knee) were limited on Wednesday, but both are expected to play. Turner, who has accounted for 831 of Atlanta's 1,225 rushing yards, was inactive against the Giants last week as the Falcons gained only 90 yards on the ground in a 34-31 OT loss."
Report: Morris relieves Bates from coordinator duties
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November 24
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have demoted defensive coordinator Jim Bates, ESPN reported late Monday night. According to the report, head coach Raheem Morris will take over calling plays for the defense. The move came one day after a 38-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints. This marks the second coordinator the Bucs have let go or demoted this season. The team parted ways with offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski 10 days before the season opener and promoted quarterbacks coach Greg Olson to call plays. Bates and Jagodzinski were hired in the offseason by first-year general manager Mark Dominik and Morris. Bates replaced longtime defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who announced late last season ..."
Bears' Gaines, Bucs' loss?
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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."