Adams nears deal with Bucs

   Here's the latest on first-round pick Gaines Adams: first the Bucs have to pay him, then they can decide where to play him.

   The Clemson defensive end may be nearing an agreement with the Bucs.

   General manager Bruce Allen met with Adam's agent, Fletcher Smith, at Fleming's Steakhouse Saturday night, six days before players report to training camp in Orlando.

   The two sides exchanged proposals and were close enough for Smith to come to town in hopes of finalizing a deal in the next few days.

   Earlier Saturday, Allen completed the signings of all the Bucs' second day draft picks by announcing an agreement on a contract with Alabama running back Kenneth Darby, a seventh-round pick.

   An agreement with Adams could go a long way toward getting all the Bucs' draft picks into camp on time, since his deal will account for most of the rookie salary pool.

   Also unsigned are two second-round picks -- Tennesee guard Arron Sears and Oregon State safety Sabby Piscitelli - and linebacker Quincy Black, a third-rounder from New Mexico.

   Adams, the No. 4 overall pick, is expected to compete at right defensive end with veteran Simeon Rice, who missed the final eight games after undergoing shoulder surgery.

   At the very least, Adams will be used on passing downs, much the way the Bears utilized rookie Mark Anderson last season.

   The Bucs have a good history of getting rookies into camp on time. The last rookie to hold out was defensive tackle Anthony McFarland in 1999, but he reported to camp just a few days late.

   Check back later for an update.