Becht off to St. Louis

Got a call earlier from free agent tight end Anthony Becht.

He's signed a two-year contract with the Rams to be largely a blocker. He had hoped to return to Tampa Bay, but the Bucs didn't offer him much of a contract. And with John Gilmore -- the Bears free agent tight end Tampa Bay just signed -- now onboard, it appears there really wasn't a spot left for Becht. Moving on after three seasons in Tampa Bay will be tough, Becht said.

"I wanted to stay here, but I had to do what's best for me and my family," he said.

The Rams have Marc Bulger under center, who coincidentally played alongside Becht at West Virginia.

"I get reunited with my college quarterback," Becht said. "He called me and he was really pumped up. It's going to be fun. They have a great running back (Stephen Jackson) who I'm looking forward to opening holes for, and whatever happens in the passing game is a bonus."

The 30-year-old Becht, started 34 games in three seasons with 39 receptions and three touchdowns.

Comments

[Stephen Blackehart]

I guess it's okay. I liked Becht as a blocker, but he never really fit into the passing game here.

ESPN is reporting that the Bucs just signed TE Ben Troupe to a 2-year deal. Maybe he'll be a goodie. Sammy Davis apparently re-signed, too.

[Staggie]

No loss here. Becht had his moments, but took too many plays off. Gilmore is a huge upgrade. Buc fans, don't second guess Allen & Gruden, they know what they are doing. We have a lot of young talent, especially on the offensive line. Allen & Gruden are building a strong foundation. Who wants to be in salary cap hell, like Rich McKay put is in a few years" back? Raise your hands and talk among yourselves.

[epbuc]

finally signed one of our fa visitors. maybe one that buc fans wanted the most but maybe this will start something...

[epbuc]

meant to put didnt want the most but did want

[Jay]

Sammy Davis resigned...

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

[Don]

Hey thanks for clearing that up Staggie. I had no idea that McKay signed Garner, Steussie, Deese, et al to those nifty contracts. Whew. I thought for a second Bruce Allen might've had something to do with that. I feel SO much better having gotten that straightened out in my mind.

In all seriousness, every GM makes good decisions and bone-headed ones. McKay had his share, Allen will have his share, and so will the next guy some day. I live in Nashville and saw this with the Titans too. Floyd Reese lost his job in large part over the Pacman Jones situation. Yet Floyd was also the guy that drafted Keith Bullock and Vince Young and signed free agents like Frank Wycheck, Craig Hentrich and Kevin Mawae. Floyd also signed Yancey Thigpen and Carl Pickens to ridiculous end-of-career contracts. It's not a perfect science and these guys make the best decisions they can based on the information they have at the time.

I happen to agree that Gruden/Allen is building a solid foundation. Keep in mind, however, that all it takes is over-paying to keep a few players in house and a change in the CBA (which is likely to happen) and the Bucs could be where they were just a few years ago. it happens.

[Kipp]

I hear you Jay...

Definatly an upgrade from Becht to Troupe.

[BT]

Kipp, learn to spell if you are going to post. You have written these winners: "sence", "definatly" etc., it makes you look like a moron even with good comments.
There is some truth in all these posts. Gruden-Allen way overpaid with bad contracts when they first came here: Garner, Deese, Steussie et. al., so they may be in FA shock, and this years group was not strongother than3-4 guys. Look at next years class of FA and we will all be glad if we have cap space.
That does not mean you don't try this year, but it is smart to lock up your own guys first-it works pretty well for the Colts who have the best overall record in the NFL over the last 5 years--and then be smart in FA.
The draft this year is very heavy with good RBs and WRs so the Bucs should be able to land at least one quality player at each position. Don't forget Paris Warren in IR I think he has good potential.
The Bucs can also pick up some real speed for the return game in the 3-4 th round by drafting one of those kids in Houston who both run under 4.4. With all that being said, the big question for the Bucs is who is our future QB going to be. Is it Mcown-if not we need to draft one this year and start grooming him because Garcia may last one year or two that is it. Go Bucs.

[Kennedy]

Thank God! You know Kenyatta Walker may have made the most bone headed penalties, but Becht wasn't far behind. I don't know why his name wasn't cursed more in the press or on sports radio.