Carter set to visit Raiders

The Bucs released defensive end Kevin Carter two weeks ago with an understanding every effort would be made to retain him.

While talks continue, Carter remains open to other suitors, including the Raiders, with whom he will visit on Wednesday. We've learned the veteran free agent is in route to Oakland as of this writing for a meeting with the team, one of several to express interest in the 34-year-old. The trip coincides with Carter's trip later this week to Hawaii where union representatives are holding an annual meeting.

The status of Carter's negotiations with the Bucs is unclear. Carter was released on Feb. 27 a few days before he was scheduled to be paid a $2-million roster bonus. He had three years remaining on his deal and was slated to earn $3.8-million in base salary this fall.

The Bucs' interest in signing Carter is obvious. They would have a significant void at left defensive end if the veteran moved on. Gaines Adams is capable of playing there, but he was the starter at right end last season. Greg White, though very successful in his first full NFL season in 2007, has never been a full-time starter and has played almost exclusively at right end. The Bucs also signed Chiefs free agent end Jimmy Wilkerson, but he is expected to be more of a reserve player who will provide depth.

Comments

[ANDY]

We nee to keep Carter on our roster. We need his experience and leadership at least one more year to help and mature our young D Lineman.

[Jay]

I agree that Carter was a deeply needed asset on that line, and his veteran leadership is worth the extra money. Because we have the cap space, I don't see why we didn't restructure his deal for upfront money instead of paying the roster bonus. We run the risk of losing him to free agency, and if there's one thing that a released player can bank on, it's the Al Davis will significantly overpay for no reasons other than his own.

[Bucs Fan]

We need to sign Kevin Carter back for depth because we have no other proven player backing up Gaines Adams and Greg White.

[Vince]

Stephen, who could the Bucs be holding our for? Seems like they would definitely resign Carter and money should not be an issue. Maybe the Bucs are waiting to hear about an alternative?

[DR]

I love Tony Romo, but that doesn't make me gay.

[Kipp]

Personaly I'd like Carter at DT. He seemed to get pressure up the middle in preseason and that's what this defence needs most.

[Raider4Ever]

The Bucs Suck!

[Roger]

Would love for Al Davis to stick it to Gruden, GO RAIDERS!

[Raiderdav69]

This would be a sweet deal for the Raiders. I hope he decides to jump ship...poor Chuckie!

[Lee Bromfield]

Raider4ever, Roger and Raiderdav - 49-21. Thanks for the Superbowl - perhaps best to concentrate on your own laughing stock of a franchise eh?

[Kurt]

I know that every player Gruden picks up tastes good. And what's the big deal about what Steven's did to that girl? I mean, it feels good when that happens to me!

[drdneast]

Raider Fan. What a joke they have become. They will probably ink him for a $4 million roster bonus and $5 million a year for those three sacks he registered last yeat. LOL. With those lofty numbers at age 34 how could we let him go. Oh whoa are the Bucs. LOL.

[Kurt]

Are we already starting this BS acting like someone we are not? A joke is only funny if everyone laughs dimwits. If you don't like who you are then take a gun and relieve us of your presence. The world is overpopulated you know.

Carter is a definite asset unlike DR's shallow, childish comments. If I am going to rag you DR, I will take credit as I always have; you can count on that. Your face probably hasn't healed from all the b@#chslapping I put on you last year and I like taking credit for making you look stupid.

The real Kurt has spoken...

[Joe]

Amazing! You get the Raiders in the conversation and the next thing you know the topic turns gay. I thought you guys were on the other side of the Bay!!! Disgusting little pricks!

Paris Warren.