McFarland Traded for Draft Pick

The Bucs on Tuesday traded defensive tackle Anthony McFarland to the Indianapolis Colts, ending McFarland's eight-year run with the team that drafted him.

The deal, which came just before the NFL's 4 p.m. trading deadline, nets the Bucs a second-round pick in 2007.

   When reached Tuesday night, McFarland said he was looking forward to being reunited with Colts coach Tony Dungy, who was responsible for making him the Bucs' first-round pick in '99.

   ""First, let me say this: Tony was a guy I've always looked up to, somebody that was part of a staff that brought me to this league, and getting a chance to be back with him is special,'' McFarland said. ""I leave a lot of friends in the Bucs organization and everybody treated me very well. But it's time to turn the chapter in  my professional career. I'm an Indianapolis Colt now and I'm moving ahead.''

   McFarland said he learned of the trade after being telephoned by Bucs general manager Bruce Allen shortly after the 4 p.m. deadline.

   ""I don't look at it as a re-start,'' McFarland said. ""From the standpoint of being a defensive tackle in the NFL, it's just the continuation of something that's been built.''

McFarland often was seen as underachieving in the Bucs' Cover 2 system that relies heavily on pressure from interior defensive linemen. But McFarland remains capable of big plays and recorded several in Tampa Bay's victory against Bengals on Sunday.

McFarland's salary likely was a contentious issue for the Bucs. His base salary of $4.5-million was somewhat difficult to justify based on production. But for the Colts, the glaring need for a pass rush makes paying McFarland worthwhile.

The deal reunites McFarland with his first coach, Tony Dungy.

"It's a great situation," McFarland's agent Karl Bernard said. "He's going to a team where he and his coach have a great relationship. And they have remained in contact over the years. He also has a chance to go to a team whose needs fit. I think he'll do well there."

McFarland's departure likely presses backup lineman Ellis Wyms into a full-time starting role for the first time in his career. Wyms has been invaluable as a backup, recording two sacks against Cincinnati.

"I'm ready to do whatever they ask," said Wyms, who expressed shock when informed of the news by a reporter. "I guess we'll have to wait and see if they sign somebody else."

In other news, former first-round pick Phillip Buchanon, released by the Texans on Monday, signed a one-year deal with the Bucs on Tuesday, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told the St. Petersburg Times.

The cornerback will provide depth at a position that has been thin of late because of the absence of starter Brian Kelly, who is dealing with a case of turf toe and has missed three of the past four games.

Buchanon, a 26-year-old in his fifth season out of the University of Miami, was considered an underachiever and injury-prone in Houston. But the Bucs hope a new start will motivate Buchanon to reach the potential most believed he had when he came out of school.

"It's a great fit for him," Rosenhaus said. "He's from the Fort Myers area, so he's close to home, and he has a real chance to help the team as a cornerback and as a punt returner. They haven't promised him anything, but they will definitely give him an opportunity, which is all he wants."

Buchanon was drafted by the Raiders and Bucs general manager Bruce Allen, then the Oakland GM. Buchanon played sparingly this season, recording two tackles, but in his best year, 2003, he recorded a season-high six interceptions.

Photo of Booger McFarland by the Times' Bill Serne.

Photo of Phillip Buchanon by the Associated Press.

Click photos to enlarge.

Comments

[Mike T]

I must say I am thrilled with the decision to get rid of McFarland. Now, I'm not going to bad-mouth the guy now that he's gone, but he has never lived up to the hype that was placed on him when he was drafted. He was supposed to be Sapp's replacement, despite the fact that he's a run-stuffer and Sapp's a pass-rusher. He has been extremely injury-prone, and on more than one occasion this season has failed to register a statistic. With his salary, that just won't cut it.

[MA]

They should have re-signed Sapp and let this injury prone deadbeat go when they had a choice, next up on the chopping block is our prime offensive line weakling: Kenyatta Walker - sooner the better.

ur right sapps doing great in oakland u loser

[Mike T]

No, the Bucs should not have resigned Sapp. Although it would have been nice, his 6.5 million dollar-a-year salary was too much - especially with his production. I think that's evident in what he has done in Oakland. But his past accolades alone drew double-teams, freeing up the other linemen.

[Raymond]

A second round pick is a steal for a guy who is not helping us... lets face it the Bucs need to prepare for the future and an extra 2nd round pick will help.... a sure sign that we just gave up on this year !!!

[Mike]

Good Decision. Bucs need push up the middle and some playmaking from their D-Line. Wymms will do fine and that will help White, Sim, and Hovan. Picking up Buchanan for a min contract may prove to be a fruitful move. How many times have the BUcs signed a player to a one year deal and had it pay off. A move at this time of year may seem desperate, but I would rather the Bucs get something of value for an underperforming player. The move also creates an urgency to perform to the defense.

Hey, they may as well trade Booger, Gruden has this team at 1-4 after 4 years of his leadership, and they are in perpetual "rebuild" mode. He hasn't turned the offense around, and he's allowed the defense to age. Now he's traded one of the younger Buc defensive talents, when he should be lining up replacements for the aging Brooks, Barber and Quarles.

Are you kidding, why are you calling this team perpetually rebuilding. They won the division last year. That is not rebuilding.

[Matt]

If anything, I am getting more and more excited in a down year as I watch Bruce G get great experience. He's a good fit for the offense and the right side of the O-Line with Joseph and Trueblood looks good for year's to come. Kenyatta will be gone, and a #2 pick and cap relief are a coup at this point in the season. There are reasons to be optimistic (Clayton showing signs of life as well)

[larry d.]

Maybe Buchanan can put some bling into the league's most boring group of kick returners.