Jovan Haye still unsigned

Defensive tackle Jovan Haye, ranked second on the team last season with six sacks, tells us he hasn't yet signed his restricted free agent tender.

Haye attended today's first voluntary offseason team activity session (OTA), so there doesn't appear to be any animosity between him and the team. But the player is still seeking a longer-term commitment than the one-year RFA offer currently on the table.

Thing is, he has a limited amount of time to sign the offer, which is worth about $2-million. RFA tenders must be signed by April 18. There aren't really any good options for the player unless he can find a team willing to extend an offer sheet, which the Bucs would then have seven days to match.

Whatever ultimately happens, it appears things will get worked out.

"Everything's cool,"Haye said. "I'm just playing football and enjoying life right now."

One thing to keep in mind: the sides could continue talking through the offseason and even after the start of the season while Haye plays on the one-year deal. That's likely where this is headed.

Comments

[Bill]

solid player. great attitude. get him signed

[Ty Guy]

i don't see why there's a hold up here. the guy can play ball. he's looking for a longer deal, not a richer, per year deal. give him a 3 year deal with an option for a 4th year or something and keep our young guys together. haye, jackson, adams, ruud, phillips, and june are the future of this defense.

[Skylar]

The front office is being smart and allowing the market to dictate the value of his future services without overpaying him.

[Alex]

sign him...why? let him compete with a dt in the draft for the starting position and put yourself in power position concerning negotiations for next year... Haye-solid player-absolutely...could there be something better...maybe. the draft isn't too deep at dt so this could play into the hands of Haye better than the front office thinks. I mean, they didn't sign coleman, so I assume they think something else is better out there... ormaybe Haye is just that good. we will see

[GH]

Sign him now!!!

[DW]

Why hurry to sign him? He's good, but not one is giving up their 1st round pick for him. The Bucs can take their time and should.

[BUKS]

We want to see if he can be consistent before we extend him.Smart move Bruce.Sign the offer sheet Haye,2 mill is good money!!!

[Nate Dogg]

"Everything's cool,"Haye said. "I'm just playing football and enjoying life right now."
_________________________________

Great attitude...truly sounds like a man who really appreciates where he's at in life.

We love ya, Haye!

...play your butt off for a second year in a row and I'm positive management will give you an extension worth solid $$. It would seem like they don't want to commit to a possible one year wonder...prove em' wrong!

[DEVIN]

WE SHOULD WAIT 2 SEE WAT HAPPENS BUT ALL IM SAYING IS THAT THE GUY PUT UP BIG NUMBERS FOR SACKS AND REMEMBER THAT THIS GUY WAS A PIZZA DELIVERY GUY THEN HE CAME OFF THE PRACTICE SQUAD HE HAS TALENT LETS PURSUE HIM

[LionSunBlock]

Let him go. I know we Lions fans would see him in Honolulu blue this season. :) No offense meant or anything. In Rod we trust. Regardless, he's a good player.

[lions r gay]

lion fan go to your own teams site and quit hangin with the big boyz

[AO]

There are so many good D-lineman in the draft. I like him, but if nobody else is making him offers, let's see if we can sign him for less.