Alstott Back; Quarles on the Way Out?

Longtime Bucs fullback Mike Alstott has agreed to terms on a contract with the Bucs, ensuring he'll return for a 12th season in Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Times has learned veteran linebacker Shelton Quarles is leaning toward retirement. More on that later.

Though Alstott has not signed the contract yet, all parties have agreed Alstott will play under a contract almost identical to the one he signed last season, for $1.5-million.

Alstott and his agents asked the Bucs to resolve Alstott's situation before the start of free agency, which begins this evening at 12:01 a.m. So, things clearly went down to the wire.

The timing of Alstott's return last season, when the sides agreed to a one-year contract worth about $1.5-million, was nearly identical. Alstott again is expected to be used in short-yardage situations and occasionally as a receiver out of the backfield.

The decision to bring back Alstott helps the Bucs avoid a likely public-relations disaster. Alstott is arguably most popular player in the franchise's three-decade history. Still, the Bucs may not be done with their fullback lineup. They are said to be pursuing another fullback in free agency, whose identity wasn't immediately clear.

Elsewhere, Quarles, made an appearance Thursday to talk about his upcoming USO tour to the Persian Gulf, but talk quickly turned to his health after playing through an injury-plagued 2006 season. The starting middle linebacker later divulged that he is undergoing a series of examinations by doctors to determine whether it is advisable for the 35-year-old to continue playing.

Quarles was not specific when pressed about the nature of his medical issues. But he did say the concerns were voiced only recently, and not by him. Quarles hopes to have a resolution "inside of a month," he said.

"I've never had a second thought about my ability to play football," he said. "It doesn't have anything to do with me. Trust me."

The Bucs have long envisioned backup Barrett Ruud as the future at middle linebacker. But for the past two seasons, Quarles has been able to outplay the second-round pick from Nebraska. Also, middle linebacker is one of the most critical and mental positions on the defense, with that player responsible for receiving play calls from the sideline and calling the defense in the huddle.

Quarles is entering the final season of his contract and is scheduled to earn $1.3-million in base salary for 2007.

Comments

[Karen]

Mike sucks they shoulda sent his azz to the Falcons

[Mike Creyton]

I am sorry, but Mike Alstott is not even an average player anymore. To give him $1.5 million is absurd. That means he will make more than Galloway, Cadillac, and if Quarles comes back more than him too. This is a PR move, because of all the red necks in this town who would have burned down One Buc if they did the right thing and not signed him. What a waste.

[Jason]

I think Steve Deumig must be Alstott's agent. I hope this doesn't cost us a shot at Justin Griffith.

[Scott Reynolds]

This is a PR move. All the Goobers in Tampa would have torched Gruden's house if Alstott wasn't resigned. Tampa is the 2nd worst sports town in America next to Miami.

[Tony]

Didn't we see enough in the Cleveland and Seattle games at the end of the year. The guy is done. He can't even catch the ball in the flat anymore. This is all about the goobers getting to hear the choo choo train sound at Ray Jay.

[Josh]

I like Alstott. He's a solid player. He isn't the dominate player he used to be but then again, he hasn't really been given the chance with his lack of carries. He's a great blocker and great as a receiver. The train still has some kick left in him.

[Floridafan]

Who cares about Alstott what Tampa really needs is a quarterback that can use the talent that is there. Work on the O-line so that they play as a unit. And help the old defense. If by some chance they end up with C. Johnson in the draft the young skill players are top shelf with the exception of Sims.

[Floridafan]

I think Garcia would be a great fit at Tampa if the Bucs can get him.

[mitchell rose]

dumb, dumb, dumb. Giving $1.5 mill to a part time player who has proven he's not worth it anymore is just plain dumb. We could have used that money to get younger, more promising player. Instead they played into the hands of all the ladies out there who love Alstott. In conclusion, very dumb.

[Andre inNY]

They should have unloaded him when they got rid of Sapp.

[Bradley]

I feel bad for Coach Gruden. Another year of having to hear about how Mike Alstott should get the ball on every play over Caddy and Pittman.

[Jeff]

Its like watching an old boxer step into the ring one time too many. No one wants to see this. I think Mike has been listening to Deumig too much. He's done. Great guy, but its time to move on. Thanks for the memories Mike.

[tom oliveri]

Make this his fare well tour, the Bucs owe him that.I think he should be used more as an H back catching passes out of the backfield. He still has soft hands, and can make d backs pay in the open, but that's about it Mike, last dance.

[Chris]

1.) Alstott still has it, he is just not utilized correctly
2.) $1.5 million these days is basically a slap in the face to Veteran Players. It's basically like paying a superstar league minimum.
3.) If we had a QB that could throw the ball to Mike in the flat, then he would catch. How many times did we see our QB's throw the ball at Mike's feet out in the flat.
4.) You Goobers who get on Alstott and Duemig's relationship are just idiots. They do a show for 6-7 years together, hang out together, and you don't expect them to be friends. Come on folks, Duemig is just getting behind a guy whom he respects, and thinks still has it in regards to his abilities.
5.) Alstott basically enabled the Bucs to get Free Agents in the past that got us to the Super Bowl by continually taking pay cuts so we could get under the cap. Bucs Owe him big time

[Raymond]

He handed the Seahawks the game by fumbling inside our own 10 yard line when the game was still close. He got 22 carries against Cleveland for a whopping 56 yards. He is an average, at best blocker. He dropped over 20 passes this year. People need to stop living in the past. If we used the "we owe it to him" philosiphy. We would still have Lee Roy Selmon at Defensive End. Gruden gives him the ball too much IMO. I think Pittman deserves the carries that Alstott has gotten. His short yardage game isn't even that good anymore. Its over guys.

[Rich]

To all the idiots in the Bay area that believes Alsott was a mistake, Go back up North and root for your own team, You are all a bunch of yahoo's

[Mike]

What about this .... All eleven of the Alstott detractors in the Tampa Bay community are in at the same time. You Goobers go away!!!! Back some other team. You don't have a clue what Alstott means to this team. Maybe not Gruden ... He's a clown. Allen's an idiot. You probably thought John Lynch was washed up too. Lynch, Sapp, and Alstott used to be the heart and soul of the Buc,s As long as Gruden and Allen are running things , the Buc,s won,t have any heart and soul to speak of. Go A-train , Go Buc,s

[Karen]

I love Mike! He's a great player and the team wouldn't be the same without him. He's also great for the community. Besides that he has gorgeous eyes and arms to die for...and he's a really nice guy! Gruden needs to go instead!!!!

[Marvin]

How in the hell are you a Bucs Fan when you're bashing Alstott. I agree that he is not the player he used to be but the man is family and he deserves every penny of that 1.5 mil.

[Raymond]

Speaking the truth is not bashing. I am a Bucs fan first over any individual player. Paying Mike Alstott more than Joey Galloway and Cadillac Williams does not make sense. People let their love affair with Alstott interfere with good sound football business. Mike Alstott hurt this team last year more than he helped. Justin Griffith would have been an upgrade. Instead....we get to hear the choo choo train at Ray Jay. hoo-ray

[kim bartlett]

To the Idiots that think they are head coaches in the NFL . Don't quit your day job. Its obvious why you still swing hammers or have some other big paying job. And have the time to call talk shows all day or write in making stupid comments like forget Mike.
Go back to cheering for your own Teams. Please leave it to the Pros that why they get the big BUCS PS take your azz back to Atlanta They need fans like you

[Todd]

It is crazy how people get upset when the truth is spoken about Mike Alstott. Its like they are blinded by love. Did no one watch the games last year? Outside of a few plays he was awful. One of the worst FB's in the league. It happens to everyone folks. Even Jerry Rice had to retire. This signing does not help improve the team. It actually prevents them from getting a productive player in at the FB position.

[Eric]

Yes Mike is not the player he once was and the Cleveland and Seattle games he did not play well.The best point was probably the relation to the old boxer.But all of you other bashers of Mike (by far the best Buc of all time next to Lynch)how many games did you play one sundays? You couldn't carry his jock!!!!!!!1

[Marc]

I can't believe there are people on here bashing Jon Gruden. ??? He is the reason Jeff Garcia is about to sign here. He has been trying to get to Tampa for 3 years now and the Bucs finally have the cap room to get it done. Jon Gruden is a key asset in Free Agency. Players around the league want to play for him and are willing to take less money to do it.

[Hugh McArthur]

Mike is not the player he once was, this is a PR move. All the Goobers in Tampa would have torched Gruden's house if Alstott wasn't resigned.I can't believe there are people on here bashing Jon Gruden. Scott Reynolds is great!!

[Dave Cutler]

The Tampa Bay area owes Mike Alstott so much for everything he and his family have contributed to this area, both on and off the field. His loyalty has been to the Pewter Pirates, not the almighty dollar and that is an extreme rarity in this world. Yes, I would have protested outside of Gruden's house (as well as lapdog Allen's) had Alstott not been resigned.

Mike Alstott is, without a doubt, the single most popular player in Buccaneers history. No one gets a louder reply when introduced at RayJay on gameday.

Go Mike!
Go Bucs!