No Tank you
There's been some speculation that the Bucs might pursue Tank Johnson now that the defensive tackle is on the free agent market.
Well, we checked it out for you and we've learned that Tampa Bay has not made any overtures to Johnson.
The tackle was released by the Bears three days after a DUI arrest last month in Arizona. It was announced this week that his blood-alcohol level was not above the legal limit.
But Johnson isn't out of the woods. There's still that little matter of the eight-game suspension that looms over him. He'll have to serve that with his new team, which makes it difficult for a team to commit to signing him.
At some point, we're convinced someone -- maybe even the Bucs -- will take the plunge. It just might take a little time.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for 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.
Why wouldn't the bucs make a run at this guy? He knows it is shape up or ship out time. He is young and a beast in the middle.
Posted by: Rob | July 07, 2007 at 07:58 AM
Tank Johnson was a mediocre at best player with the Bears. With all the off season additions to the Bucs , the last thing they need is even the possibility of trouble from Tank. Plus the Bucs tend to get little respect in the League, can you imagine the firestorm that the press and fans would lay on us for taking him?
Posted by: Larry | July 07, 2007 at 09:45 AM
If the new additions to the defensive line do not pan out by about game 4 OR there is a significant injury along the defensive line, the Bucs will take a serious look at Tank Johnson if he is still available. I don't anticipate the Bucs will entertain the possibility of working him out until after the season starts. Still, as Buccaneer fans, we have to brace ourselves for the possibility that Johnson will be part of the team.
Posted by: Jesse | July 07, 2007 at 06:25 PM
We should have went after A Brown while we had the chance. He's got numbers that rival J Peppers, has never missed a game, has no off-field problems and we could have stolen him for a possible second rounder. Now the Bears won't even think about letting him go! Tank is a real jerk (blaming his off-field problems on racism instead of his own stupidity!) No class.
Posted by: Kurt | July 08, 2007 at 04:32 PM