The latest on free agency

We're not even 12 hours into the signing period, but already news is developing all across the league.

Here in Tampa Bay, the Bucs are busy considering a lot of options. One player they're talking to is San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence, who they have a high opinion of. As of last night, the Bucs had been unable to arrange a visit with him, but those efforts continue. That might be an indication there will be considerable competition for the 27-year-old Ocala native. That story will likely develop further as the day goes on.

There could be another cornerback in the Bucs' sights. A member of the coaching staff reached out to Cowboys free agent Jaques Reeves last night after the commencement of the signing period in an apparent effort to show the team's interest. Though the interest seems very preliminary at this point, the Bucs are likely to ratchet up their pursuit of the 25-year-old Purdue product based on what happens with other cornerback candidates. Reeves, who started 13 games in 2007 and had one interception, is en route to Houston for a visit at this time.

At receiver, the Bucs have taken a look at Seattle receiver D.J. Hackett, but our understanding is there's a feeling inside the organization that he isn't much different from Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall. Indications we're getting are that the team still thinks Clayton can help the team and is certainly the toughest receiver on the roster. You should still expect the position to be addressed somehow, though.

And, as we told you last night, Justin Smith isn't in the plans here. The Bucs aren't convinced his production merits the kind of contract he is seeking. His best recent season was 2004, when he had eight sacks. That would be exactly how many Greg White posted for the Bucs last season.

Comments

[skp]

these aren't the sexiest names around, but particularly on defense i love the approach of getting a quantity of young, talented guys in Free Agency and seeing what one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL can turn them into. seems like every target is 27 or younger!