Running back a priority; Gilmore to sign

The Bucs have begun their pursuit of a couple of free agent running backs.

New Orleans' Aaron Stecker received a phone call after midnight this morning from Jon Gruden and running backs coach Rich Bisaccia, expressing their interest in the 32-year old veteran. Stecker spent his first four seasons with the Bucs before joining the Saints in 2004. No visit has been scheduled and other teams also have inquired about him, but Stecker figures to remain an option until the Bucs make a decision at running back.

They also have an interest in Vikings free agent back Mewelde Moore. The Bucs were engaged in trade talks for Moore prior to the trade deadline in October but opted to deal for Michael Bennett.

In other news, Chicago reserve tight end John Gilmore is expected to visit the Bucs. In fact, the latest news out of Chicago indicates the Bucs have agreed to a deal with him.

Comments

[Jason]

Come on, l like Stecker but if your going bring in a free agent Turner is the guy you want to talk to.
Mewelde Moore... Really!!
When Moore's name came up last season I figured it was out of desperation. We have alot of cap room so it seems to me I would rather sign two or three really good players that have proven they are the best at there postion. Instead of filling the roster with a bunch of second teir backups.
Here's a suggestion FB Neal and HB Turner from Chargers. That's a starting back field.

[aaron]

i agree with jason. if we are going to go all out, lets go for the gold. not gilmore, stecker or moore. come on!

[aaron]

i agree with jason. if we are going to go all out, lets go for the gold. not gilmore, stecker or moore. come on!

[Ty Guy]

Gilmore would strictly be a blocking TE, not a receiving threat, we already have that in Alex Smith. I just have a feeling the Bucs are content with Graham who is a very good RB but we need that other back that will complete our 1-2 punch. That could be Cadillace Williams if he can get over his injury but Turner would definately be my top priority at RB. The only thing is that he wants to start somewhere, which may or may not be here, after Graham's breakout season.

[CW]

Turner will be too pricey for what we need. We don't need an every down RB with Graham and Bennett already on the team. We need another Pittman type, change of pace back who can catch passes and be on the return team - Stecker fits that need at a much cheaper price than Turner. I would rather see the big $$ spent on D-line, corner or WR.

[John Klopfer]

Aaron Stecker????? He was a good Buc. I was disappointed when he left for the Saints. He has made some good plays for the Saints. He is an asset on special teams. However, doesn't it more sense to re-sign Mike Pittman? Pittman knows the system. He has done what is asked of him. He is a loyal Buc. He also is a much better player than Stecker. Aaron Stecker???

[Michael]

To John Above, Pittman wants to test the free agent market, so it isnt likely he will come back.

[Kevin in North Carolina]

Draft Jonathan Stewart!!!!!!

Aaron Stecker would fill our RB quota, but he wouldn't fill up the stands...Jonathan Stewart would be a great move, since they've gotten Faine...If they have the money, they need to sign Asante Samuel and Justin Smith...Draft a few receivers and hope to get lucky with some of them...

[Chuck Valentine Fries]

Mike Pittman wants to remain with the Bucs. It's Gruden that isn't picking up the phone. Besides, he can man the TB or FB spot and is a proven receiver. So, let's bring Mr. Biceps back to the Bucs.

[Kurt]

This happens every year; the team allows free agents to test the water in order to see what their value really is. If Pittman gets a big deal from another team (which he won't) then he'll sign elsewhere. Otherwise, we'll pick him up cheaper in the end. Stecker is a great fit; don't waste high picks on RB as we have a couple of good ones already. DL is our biggest need and should be our largest expense this year.