Buccaneers Trade Rumors

"Like a kid on Christmas Day, Jon Gruden immediately latched on to his new toy, rookie quarterback Josh Johnson, for Tampa Bay's minicamp this weekend. So what about the old toy? While Gruden was watching Johnson spin spirals all over the club's immaculate grounds, the Buccaneers' version of a discarded G.I. Joe was gathering dust as he sat ignored in the corner of the closet. Time to do the right thing, Bucs. Donate Chris Simms to the Salvation Army."

"For sale: Left-handed quarterback, 27, with starting experience in the NFL. Hasn't played in 20 months. Good pedigree. Plenty of guts. Missing spleen. Must be willing to pick up $2-million salary. Any draft pick or best offer. No team is buying what the Bucs are selling. At this point, it's very unlikely any will trade for Chris Simms. Tampa Bay shopped Simms and Bruce Gradkowski during the draft last weekend with no success. General manager Bruce Allen denied a report that two teams offered the Bucs a sixth- or seventh-round pick for Simms."

"Chris Simms no longer conjures the image of a valiant fallen warrior. With his spleen injury now nearly two years into his past, he seems more like a wounded deer aimlessly wandering the woods. It's gotten to the point where you sort of wish someone would just come along and put the poor thing out of his misery. Finally, mercifully, the Bucs may get around to doing that this week. There are plans for the Bucs brass to gather early this week at One Buc Place, perhaps as soon as Monday and most likely with Simms' agent on hand, and discuss Simms' future. For Simms' sake, let's hope the Bucs pull the trigger and move him."

"Despite a flurry of rumors and even inaccurate media reports, the Dolphins in fact did not trade Jason Taylor on Saturday. The Dolphins didn't even field calls for Taylor, according to general manager Jeff Ireland."

"Not long after the 6-foot-7, 312-pound Long calmly held up a Dolphins jersey with a No. 1 on it and shook the hand of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York's Radio City Music Hall, reports began circulating on the Internet that Taylor had been traded to the Tampa Bay Bucs for three draft picks (a second, fourth and a sixth). However, the rumor was shot down by Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland in his first-day draft wrapup late Saturday night in team headquarters."

"A trade was in the works, according to Internet buzz, sending J.T. to the Bucs in exchange for three unspecified draft picks, and one South Florida newspaper went so far as to report the deal as near-fact on its Web site. False start, as it turned out, because the Bucs made a trade with Jacksonville instead."

"Cornerback Lito Sheppard, barring some unforeseen development, will become a member of another team, and we'll all get to see what he brings in return. Early yesterday evening, it was the New Orleans Saints' second-round pick that qualified as the best offer on the table. A league source said five teams had made offers for Sheppard. The St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were among those teams, and the source said the Eagles were still hopeful when they went to bed last night that some team would improve its offer today."

"Could the Eagles trade down from 19, draft Phillips at the end of the first or high in the second, and pick up an extra draft pick, as they did last year? (The third-rounder they got from Dallas ended up being Stewart Bradley, penciled in as this year's starting middle linebacker.) Sure, they could, but they enter draft weekend with 11 picks and more expected, assuming they finally consummate a Lito Sheppard trade."

"There's a chance the Bucs might not need to address cornerback in this weekend's draft after all. Tampa Bay has had preliminary conversations about trading for Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard. And talks could heat up as the weekend nears and Philadelphia pushes to get extra picks. Sheppard, named to the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2006, long has been rumored to be on the trading block with the Eagles' acquisition of Asante Samuel in free agency leaving him in a tenuous position."

"For the second time in a week Thursday the Bucs found themselves smack dab in the middle of the rumor mill's hottest byproduct. The rumor this time had Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard visiting the Bucs in what could be a precursor to a draft-day trade. The only problem was, Sheppard's visit wasn't with the Bucs who have the authority to pull the trigger on a trade."

"Lito Sheppard said last night he just happened to be in Tampa this week and checked in on some old friends. A source close to the situation, however, confirmed Jay Glazer's report on Foxsports.com, which said Sheppard "was in Tampa on Wednesday to visit with the Buccaneers, who have emerged as the front-runner for the two-time Pro Bowler.'' The Eagles, who certainly would object to apparent tampering if they hadn't given their permission, raised no objection. They said they had no comment."

"As for the Sheppard saga, he remained a member of the Eagles for another day yesterday, although a league source said he had visited several teams and undergone physical examinations in case he is traded. Foxsports.com reported that he had visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The source said the Eagles had received some late-second-round offers but were still seeking something more."

" Great guy, Chris Simms. Smart, funny, immensely likable. As awkward as his time in Tampa Bay has been, he has always handled himself with grace and dignity. So I sincerely hope he gets the opportunity to move on and continue his career elsewhere. Yet, having said that, the Buccaneers would be wise to hang on to him for now. It's a touchy situation, I know. Simms has stopped attending voluntary workouts and would be very happy to sign his playbook over to any draft picks heading to town this weekend. But I just don't see an upside to parting ways now. "

"Tampa Bay defensive end Greg White has temporarily backed away from possibly asking for a trade after the Bucs said they would be interested in offering him another contract. Jack Bechta, White's agent, previously stated if Tampa Bay did not extend his client a new contract before Saturday's draft, he would ask for a trade. When reached late Thursday night, Bechta said he had dialogue with the team and cautiously added, "We won't be pushing for a trade right now.""

"Tampa Bay standout defensive end Greg White might ask for a trade today if the Bucs do not offer him another contract. White is an exclusive-rights free agent, meaning Tampa Bay is the only team that can negotiate with him. The Bucs offered White a contract of $370,000 in February, a slight improvement on the $285,000 base salary he earned last season. However, White is seeking either a long-term deal or an incentive-laden short-term contract, before this weekend's draft. If it is not offered, he will ask for a trade."

"A looming Dolphins issue: With so many needs elsewhere, should they invest the first pick of the second round on a quarterback? Or should they instead wait to take one much later or sign Chris Simms if Tampa Bay cuts him, as some expect?"

"Trading Jared Allen might be the smart thing to do. Once Clark Hunt decided to retain Carl Peterson, the chance for the Chiefs to retain a happy, productive Jared Allen nearly evaporated. At least for one more year, we’re stuck with The Artist Formerly Known as King Carl, so we might as well contemplate the idea of unloading Kansas City’s best football player for draft picks and whatever else the Vikings, Buccaneers or Team X is willing to give up."

"The predraft rumor mill was really cranking Thursday, and the Bucs were in the middle of what was being cranked out. Along with the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs are one of two teams who appear to still have interest in possibly trading for disgruntled and sometimes troubled Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen."

"The Bucs might be considering trading at least their first-round pick in next weekend's draft — and possibly a player — to the Chiefs for 2007 sack leader Jared Allen. Kansas City's franchise player said Thursday that he thinks a deal with the Bucs or Vikings could get done before the April 26 draft. "

"Jared Allen could soon be getting his wish. The Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have expressed an interest in acquiring the disgruntled Chiefs’ Pro Bowl defensive end, a source said. Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season, has wanted out of Kansas City since negotiations for a long-term contract broke down last year. Allen could be in Minnesota visiting with the Vikings as soon as Friday, the source said. A visit to Tampa could follow."

"The Vikings might not have to wait until draft day to find a pass rusher. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen is scheduled to visit Winter Park today and hopes to be traded before the April 26-27 NFL draft. Whether the Pro Bowler gets his wish, and how soon, remains to be seen. As an unsigned franchise player, Allen, who is tentatively scheduled to visit Tampa Bay next week, has the right to meet and talk to teams, but the Chiefs have offered no assurances that they would trade him. "

" This is just what Jeff Garcia needs — another reason to be cranky. The Bucs quarterback has been unappreciated for most of his career, so feeling underpaid might just put him over the edge. "

"Garcia said Tuesday that he's disappointed the team hasn't been willing to tear up his contract and reward him with a new deal that would enable him to finish his career with the Bucs."

"Despite the presence of Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski on the roster, Allen still won't publicly discount the possibility of free spirit Jake Plummer adding even more intrigue to the mix."

"If Chris Simms believes boycotting offseason workouts will be his ticket out of Tampa Bay, he might want to reconsider. General manager Bruce Allen indicated he has not talked to any teams about trading Simms at the NFL owners meeting, nor given Simms' agent permission to begin that dialogue. "

"Regarding quarterback Chris Simms, who said last week that he was opting to skip optional offseason workouts because of his unclear status with the club, Allen said he hasn't engaged in talks about trading the player."

"If all goes well for the Carolina Panthers, there's a decent chance D.J. Hackett could be heading back to Charlotte today -- and this time to stay."

"Seattle free agent receiver D.J. Hackett declined to act on an offer Thursday from Washington because he wants to make his visits to Tampa Bay and Carolina, according to a source close to the situation. Hackett was due to arrive in Tampa Bay early Thursday evening to visit the Bucs. He's scheduled to arrive in Charlotte late today, with his visit here continuing into Saturday."

"The Carolina Panthers will host a visit Friday from free-agent receiver D.J. Hackett, formerly of Seattle. Hackett, 26, is considered by many experts to be one of the best two available receivers, along with Arizona's Bryant Johnson. There is competition; Hackett visited Washington on Wednesday and was to visit Tampa Bay today."

"Buccaneers defensive end Kevin Carter met with team officials, including owner Al Davis, on Wednesday, a league source familiar with the talks confirmed. Carter was let go by the Bucs last week in a cost-cutting move but was expected to re-sign with the team. The Raiders persuaded the 13-year veteran to come to Alameda, and they managed to keep him in the building into the evening."

"The Bucs have a shot at landing either Cardinals playmaker Bryant Johnson or Panthers speedster Drew Carter. Jets speedster Justin McCareins also could wind up in Tampa."

"Whether Simms is one of those five depends largely on how he performs during the offseason workout program. If Simms looks like his old self during the voluntary workouts, he'll likely earn a ticket to training camp. If not, he could be let go before camp begins."

"In what proved to be one of the busier days of the free-agency signing period, the Bucs signed three reserve linebackers and opened dialogue aimed at possibly signing running back Julius Jones (Dallas). The additions are Teddy Lehman, a four-year veteran who has played his entire career with the Lions; Leon Joe, a five-year vet who has played for Arizona, Chicago and Buffalo; and Matt McCoy, a three-year vet who has played with the Eagles and Saints."

"The Bears are expected to release quarterback Brian Griese today if they are unable to trade him rather than pay him a $300,000 roster bonus Tuesday. Tampa Bay is believed to be the only team to express interest."

"Safety Eugene Wilson visited the Buccaneers yesterday. Wilson is scheduled to visit the Steelers today and the Jets tomorrow. The Tennessee Titans also were in the process of attempting to arrange a visit with Wilson."

"The Bucs might be waiting for more players to shake out of the tree. Broncos receiver Javon Walker was released Friday. The Falcons plan to release running back Warrick Dunn as soon as they find a replacement. "

"The thinking is that if Turner signs with Atlanta, former Buc Warrick Dunn will be released. If that happens, the Bucs could make a play on Dunn, whose loss has been lamented by Bucs coach Jon Gruden since it happened seven years ago. Another top-level player on the Bucs' radar is wide receiver Bryant Johnson (Cardinals). "

"There was optimism about defensive end Kevin Carter's chances to return after he was released Wednesday in an effort by the Bucs to avoid paying a $2-million roster bonus. But the longer the veteran remains on the market, the more the Bucs expose themselves to losing him. "

"OK, so it wasn't exactly the haul of playmakers Bucs fans were hoping for. And, yes, the Bucs did spend rather extravagantly, giving $37.5 million over six years to Jeff Faine, now the highest-paid center ever... As for those playmakers the Bucs were believed to be looking for, it seems receivers Devery Henderson and D.J. Hackett may be the biggest names currently on their radar."

"The Bucs also offered a bit of mystery as vague reports surfaced linking the team to Bears free-agent linebacker Lance Briggs... Among them is cornerback, where the team is targeting three of the better free agents on the market: San Diego's Drayton Florence, New England's Randall Gay and Dallas' Jacques Reeves each received early phone calls from the Bucs."

"Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf sent his personal jet to California to retrieve Berrian, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The sides will meet today at the club's facility and potentially work on a huge contract... A source linked Briggs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, to Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Cleveland, with Denver called a ''dark horse.''"

"Some key players from recent seasons -- such as Super Bowl hero Pittman, along with Wade and Becht -- will be allowed to test the market. . . . Kelly is gone, having bought out the final year of his contract and leaving the Bucs with nearly $4 million more in cap space."

"The Lions are expected to target Brian Kelly, a 10-year veteran with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

"Giving perhaps the clearest indication the Bucs don't expect to have running back Cadillac Williams next season, the team has targeted DeShaun Foster, who was released Thursday by the Panthers."

"According to two sources close to the situation, Denver is in the exploration process of looking at Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers... Tampa Bay is among the teams showing interest in Walker. The Jets, who could make linebacker Jonathan Vilma available, also could be in play for Walker."

"The first day of testing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis provided at least one rumor involving the Bucs. In an effort to solve their need for another impact wide receiver, the Bucs are believed to be talking to the Denver Broncos about a deal that would land them disgruntled wideout Javon Walker."

"The Bucs, though not saying so publicly, have had discussions with the Broncos about trading for receiver Javon Walker. The Denver Post also has reported the Broncos have expressed interest in dealing with the Bucs for Walker."

"The stress of worrying about the franchise tag burdened Bernard Berrian for weeks. He finally was able to relax Thursday, when the Bears opted not to place it on their No. 1 receiver... Oakland and Tampa Bay are just two of the many teams that have a strong interest in Berrian."

"Tight end Alge Crumpler, who battled through injuries last year and was released by the Falcons after his seventh NFL season, plans to meet with several teams in Indianapolis beginning Friday... Crumpler listed at least seven teams that he might meet with: Green Bay, Buffalo, Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Tennessee."

"The Bucs might not wait until the official start of the free-agency signing period to sign their first free agent. In a move that could eventually bolster their pass rush, the Bucs were expected to enter into negotiations with the agent for former Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman late Tuesday."