Plummer Deal Dead; Petitgout, Harris Next Targets
It's back to the drawing board for the Bucs.
After working feverishly during the past 24 hours to execute a trade that would have netted disgruntled Denver quarterback Jake Plummer, the deal now is reportedly dead because of Plummer's decision to retire.
The news, reported by NFL.com, follows a series of events that began unfolding late Thursday, when the Bucs learned Plummer was less than thrilled with the prospect of coming to Tampa Bay. Plummer has said privately he does not envision himself as a backup and is not interested in competing for a starting job. Meanwhile, the Bucs almost certainly envisioned him going to training camp having to earn the job in a position battle with Chris Simms.
Late Thursday, Bucs coach Jon Gruden was believed to be trying to reach Plummer to smooth things over, but this latest news indicates that effort was unsuccessful. The news isn't a total shock: Plummer had been considering retirement in recent weeks.
Now, the Bucs likely will refocus their efforts to land a veteran quarterback on Eagles free agent Jeff Garcia and Vikings free agent Brad Johnson -- a former Buc.
In other news, the Bucs are nearing an agreement on the terms of a contract with Giants free agent offensive lineman Luke Petitgout, who underwent a physical in Tampa on Wednesday, and Vikings free agent linebacker Napolean Harris. Harris was a first-round pick of Bucs general manager Bruce Allen in Oakland in 2002. Harris was scheduled for a visit and things appear to be heating up.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
anybody is a fool that believes brad johnson has a chance to come back here. marino has a better shot coming out of retirement than sucky brad coming back to tampa!!!
Posted by: ryan | March 02, 2007 at 01:55 PM
What where the bucs thinking trying to get Plummer. He just isn't that good. Yeah Garcia is the hothand right now and would fit better in the system the bucs have and is more mobile. Don't give picks away in the draft when we need to start building a defense with you guys. Another great back wouldn't be bad. If Johnson is gone in the draft take Quinn and build the franchise around him and in 2 years it will be like old times at ND. QUINN TO STOVALL TOUCHDOWN BUCCANEERS!
Posted by: Michael Singleton | March 02, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Sucky Brad took us to the Superbowl, you moron. We havent done a damn thing since.
Posted by: Danny | March 02, 2007 at 02:27 PM
LOL Danny..that was years ago....he's not gone on to do anything useful since then...stop living in the past.
Posted by: Me | March 02, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Come on John, If Plummer is so good why was he benched for a rookie? Shannahan knows something about offense,and Q backs, maybe you should follow his lead and draft someone good!
Posted by: tom | March 02, 2007 at 02:57 PM
Hello Again, This is George from Dallas. I don't think anybody is saying now that Tampa Bay Is standing still. I think it is a very aggresive stance that the Bucs are doing right now. It's been a few years that Tampa had persue FA at this Hot Pace-Go Bucs
Posted by: George L Hicks | March 02, 2007 at 08:36 PM
My point is/was that nobody has done anything since Johnson took us to the superbowl. Most players nowadays will play just about anywhere just to make a million or 2. I know I would. I dont care about winning. Just show me the money.
Posted by: | March 03, 2007 at 04:01 PM