Bucs sign Stevens, release Gradkowski
The Bucs, looking for players capable of providing an offensive spark, have re-signed tight end Jerramy Stevens and parted ways with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.
The move to re-sign Stevens was not a complete surprise, but the release of Gradkowski is the team's first effort to whittle down its stable of quarterbacks, which now stands at six including the retired Jake Plummer, whose rights the team still own.
The team could elect to go to training camp with the five active quarterbacks remaining with the team: Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, rookie Josh Johnson and Chris Simms, who has been boycotting voluntary offseason workouts. General manager Bruce Allen has said the team planned to take no more than five quarterbacks to Disney when camp begins in July.
Gradkowski had a rocky stint with the Bucs since being drafted in the sixth round in 2006. He started 11 games in place of the injured Simms as a rookie in 2006, finishing 3-8 in those contests. Gradkowski must now clear waivers before he becomes a free agent because he is a player with less than four years of experience.
Stevens, meanwhile, emerged late last season as a important option in the passing game, as coach Jon Gruden made a concerted effort to feature the 6-7 veteran. His addition might be the biggest indication yet the Bucs aren't thrilled with their three top tight ends: Alex Smith, John Gilmore and Ben Troupe and are hoping to increase the level of competition in the unit.
Stevens served a one-game suspension last season for a DUI conviction in Arizona stemming from an arrest in March 2007.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
Great news! Bruce has no potential, however Stevens has great potential!
Posted by: Caleb | May 30, 2008 at 07:25 PM
So the Bucs Re-Sign Jerramy Stevens. I guess character doesn't matter anymore. Just another example of Star Athletes being put on a pedestal and not having to own up for their transgressions. Bad choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's organization. Click my name for a link to the story on what Jerramy did in college at UW.
Posted by: Tom | May 30, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Tom hit it right! The Bucs don't care about character as seen by the signing of Stevens. Anymore bums out there for Allen to sign up? Gradkowski was a sure bet to leave.
Posted by: Bernie | May 30, 2008 at 07:35 PM
the defining moment of last season was when Stevens caught a lob from McCown to take a win over N'Leans and secure the South. The defining moment of our terrible season in 2006, Grad starring over Ratay when everyone got hurt. This has nothing to do with character, as neither player is the face of this franchise. If you want to complain about character look at the faces of this franchise, Brooks, Barber, Garcia, Williams, Rudd, and now once again Dunn. This move is about results. Steven produces Grad does not. Now we need to cut this gilmore kid and make sure all our athletic tight ends make a serious impact in the passing game.
Posted by: Bill | May 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM
"I guess character doesn't matter anymore. Just another example of Star Athletes being put on a pedestal and not having to own up for their transgressions."
Tom, where have you been for the past 30 years of professional sports? You're just now realizing athletes can be jerk-offs and still get jobs? Nothing gets past you does it?
Posted by: Bill | May 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Hey Bill, character doesn't mater anymore, for ANYBODY! Jerramy Stevens is the best football player of these two for sure. His upside is tremendous! Leave character to the Cowboys, Raiders, all the Florida universities, and the NBA!
Posted by: Chris | May 30, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Gruden/Allen will regret the move to release Grad. Gruden ruined another good QB! He will be back in Tampa one day to light it up against the Bucs. Gruden will be gone soon. He only likes 80 year old QB's. He has no clue or guts!
Posted by: Ziggy | May 30, 2008 at 08:40 PM
The character argument gets a little stale after a while. Every team has some form of personnel issue. Dungy is known for having locker rooms of good morals and character, but is Indy going to release Harrison since he was tied to a shooting in the off season?
Posted by: Joe | May 30, 2008 at 08:42 PM
I have no problem with them cutting Gradkowski. I just think after what came out this spring that they would have decided to cut ties with Stevens. I am fully aware of the Positive Role Models on this team (Barber, Brooks, Dunn, Garcia, Rudd, etc.). They are excellent examples of what an NFL player should be on and off the field. I just feel that I would rather see them sign someone else, than reward Stevens again.
Posted by: Tom | May 30, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Tom,
Dude i clicked on your name and read the article. WOW!!!! I already knew a few things about this a** hole, but damn. This guy really is a problem. I would be worried if he lived on the same block as me. I know that it is the press repoting this stuff, but still it is disturbing to read. I encourage all of you to read this article that Tom has provided. Just click on his name, he is the second post on the page. Its a well done article depicting a total "low life". Love the bucs and always have but when if this guy is on the field and he contributes whether it is a block or a catch it will be hard to celebrate. It just would not feel right. PLEASE CHECK THE ARTICLE OUT!!!
Posted by: | May 30, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Innocence until proven guilty folks, innocence until proven guilty. There is a reason that Mr. Stevens was not charged with r@pe. The reason? Innocence. That's right, innocence. He was accused, as are all men, of many things, but he continues to produce on the field for the Bucs and is a pillar of the Hillsborough County family. Mr. Stevens, you have the support of your Tampa family! We love you, just produce on the field!
Posted by: Gerardo | May 30, 2008 at 08:51 PM
forget the raype charge, the dui is the one that kills people and the reason that he should be in a federal prison and not a football field!!
Posted by: madd supporter outraged | May 30, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Gerardo,
You are joking, Right?
Posted by: | May 30, 2008 at 08:54 PM
FORGET THE R@PE CHARGE?
Posted by: | May 30, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Stevens past is troubling, but most of the accusations are from over 8 years ago. That doesn't make him a better guy, but he was 18 at the time.
The Bucs have plenty of character guys, and if those guys disliked Stevens so much, they would have told the team not to re-sign him. I take his re-signing as evidence that his teammates think he is not as bad of a guy as people think.
I do think its unfair that people think this regime doesn't care about character. There are a lot of good guys on this team, and I'm sure many of them did things in college they aren't proud of.
Posted by: Rob Russell | May 30, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Innocent because the prosecution chose not to press charges because they wanted to win the Rose Bowl. The DNA evidence was a match and Stevens settled the civil suit.
I have a daughter and I shutter to think something like this could happen to her when she leaves home and goes to college.
Posted by: Tom | May 30, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Gerardo, you're an idiot. You must not have read the piece in the Washington papers. So do you believe that the woman really wanted anul sexx in the alleyway with this scummbag?? Unreal. Shame on the Bucs. A LOUD shame on the Bucs for this shamelss signing. Unbelievable.
Posted by: Terry | May 30, 2008 at 09:03 PM
The Bucs front office proved their ineptness years ago by firing Dungee. Tony has won two Superbowls, one he coached with the Colts and the other by a team he built for the Glaser idiocracy -- that just happened to be coached by Mr. Gruden.
Posted by: Pass the Buc | May 30, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Rob, Sorry man but do you actually think that the players have anything to do with the player personnel? Its a straight management decision just like the draft. Maybe a little input hear or there from the coaches and players but not too much. And he was older than 18. This guy has a very consistent criminal record. Read the article, man. It tells all!!!!
Posted by: Buc Fan 1 | May 30, 2008 at 09:04 PM
You guys are crazy. I never liked Gradkowski. He was inaccurate, not a great throwing arm and could never lead our offense. I believe this gives a great moral booster for Chris Simms showing that the Tampa Bay Buccaneer organization still believes in him, so hopefully this will convince him to attend training camp. This move with Jeremy Stevens was a great one. He's a huge target and the West Coast offense requires a tight end of his stature. Alex Smith should be the starter, but I would like to see competition between Stevens and Ben Troupe. Forget about his record, he says he's changed and the Bucs must have a reason to trust him. He hasn't caused any trouble yet and I'm hoping it will stay that way. Anyway, great move by the Bucs. GO BUCS!
Posted by: Kevin | May 30, 2008 at 09:06 PM
The crazy thing is that people try and say bad things about Stevens because of allegations...he had a DUI and yes, I agree that that is a terrible crime that should carry a 2 or 3 year prison mandatory...but he did it once, ONCE!!!...when he was in college he probably did some stupid stuff but big deal didn't we all?...those days are done and the bottom line is even if he did that which he was accused he hasn't done it since so why not let him play?...the guy has a huge upside and can carry us into the playoffs and beyond...
Posted by: TJ | May 30, 2008 at 09:23 PM
The Storm should sign Bruce. He might learn there and get back to the NFL as a backup soon. As for Stevens, it is all about production. If he were so bad recently, wouldn't he be in the spotlight with Vick, Pacman, and the like? People change when they cut out the booze as I understand he has?
Posted by: Chris | May 30, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I can't wait to go to Whiskey Park and see Stevens raping, oops, having consensual sex with some girl in the parking lot. Great job Bucs!
Posted by: Scott | May 30, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Stevens is a TURD
Posted by: gary | May 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
This is unpopular, but I'll put forth what the Glazer's and most of us are thinking: I don't care if this guy is Ted Bundy or BTK or Jeffrey Dahmer, I want him to contribute to the team's success. Period. Again, if he's sexxually assaulting grandmothers, who cares? The bottom line is -AND THE GLAZERS AGREE- can he help us win? When his career is over, then let him rot in a prison cell for his evil deeds, but until then, let's get past the first round.
Posted by: Joey C | May 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
No way Stevens should have been resigned!
Posted by: Another Joe | May 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I am appalled by the Bucs signing of this creep, and I will NEVER root for them again unless there is new ownership. This requires an explanation, and an explanation we'll never get. Stevens is a RA-P-IST!!!!! I cannot believe the Bucs signed this repugnant waste of life. I would have more tolerance for an Osama bin Laden signing than Stevens. I will NEVER cheer for the Bucs again. A despicable act by an even more despicable organization. I hope they go 3-13, the pieces of GARBAGE.
Posted by: BOYCOTT THE BUCS | May 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I want to hear what Steve "DoucheBag" Deumig has to say on Monday about signing Stevens. Cause he said he would go APESH!T if they resigned him. So will he continue to kiss Allen's A@@ or stick to his guns.
Posted by: Ben | May 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
im with most here and think its a bad signing as i can live with duis and burglarys and whatnot but rrape is indefensible. i cannot believe that the powers that be made this decision without thinking of the consequences.
Posted by: koolaid | May 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Who cares? Stevens has an IQ that renders him borderline retarded, if not fully, but the question is can he help us win games? If so, then I'm in favor of signing John Wayne Gacy for crying out loud.
Posted by: Peaches | May 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
worst QB EVER!
Posted by: drew | May 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
bruce was in way over his head. stevens is pretty good with good potential. sometimes the bad guy image works, and he should play it to the maximum. appeal to the angry and disenchanted and he can walk all the way to the bank with tons of endorsements for the angry and disaffected and thugs stuff.
Posted by: Jerrammy FAN! | May 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
The Bucs continue to amaze me.. This is a new low .. and those of you who blow this off as no big deal, just imagine YOUR daughter being drugged and raped by someone. Then get back to me about it being no big deal.. I ashamed to be called a Bucs fan ...
Posted by: Tim | May 30, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Boycott the Bucs: Is this your first season as a fan, or did you follow and cheer for Tampa Bay last year? If you are a new fan, then welcome. If you cheered for the Bucs last year, what changed from last year to this year that suddenly makes you mad about Stevens. We knew about his stuff when he signed. He was an experiment, for I believe the league minimum that worked last year. He lived on a tight leash and survived.
Gradkowski: Alright, I don't get why we have to bash someone to make ourselves feel better. Gradkowski is a heck of a QB! He took minimal talent and physical strength and size, and fought like a warrior. I think he clearly has the smarts, leading a Gruden offense, with a bad O-line, and questionable receivers as a ROOKIE. He played his heart out and gave us everything he had. I thank him for his contributions.
Now, here's the truth though. He just wasn't good enough. He couldn't connect on the deep ball, struggled with some accuracy, and just didn't have enough tools. Hold your head high Grad! You gave us everything you got!
Posted by: vikingdan | May 30, 2008 at 11:24 PM
i'm not gonna go crazy and swear off the bucs for life because they are in a real tight spot. have of the fans are complaining for results on the field and want any player who will help us(stevens should) and the other half wants a high character team. the sad reality is that sometimes in this league you have to turn the other cheek and look past a players mistakes sometimes no matter how disgusting they are. Steven's proved last year that he can go a year without trouble so that shouldnt be a problem this year. I just hope that he doesnt make the final cut.
Posted by: JR | May 31, 2008 at 01:15 AM
Great moves, one more QB to be released and as long as Steven is not in jail he has the right to live and play football because if he had done any of these accusation he would have been around.
Posted by: Bucsfan | May 31, 2008 at 02:43 AM
Everyone complains about everything until a Superbowl has been won, then Steven will be a saint, Gruden will be the hero and all you football geniuses and just plain whiners will have to find something else to complain about!
Posted by: maarnold1775 | May 31, 2008 at 07:45 AM
The Bucs are playing a game of odds... and the odds are better that Stevens can stay out of trouble over Gradkowski ever being a decent QB.
Bruce will get picked up by somebody that runs the WCO (Minnesota, Philly, Seattle) or a team that suits Bruce's strengths like handing off and predesigned movement (Tennessee)to compete for a team's 3rd QB spot.
Posted by: Brandon | May 31, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Stevens has been in no trouble since joining the Bucs. Besides, with all the tight ends on this roster (troupe, Smith, Gilmore)is he guaranteed a spot?
Posted by: Mike | May 31, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Garcia is next on the list. Gruden doesn't want disgruntle old men running his offense. Simms will be the starting QB again, Griese backs him up along with McCown. Lets not forget Simms was 7-0 when protected. With a much improved OL and using him out of the Shot Gun formation Simms will lead this team to the SuperBowl this year. What a great story line for you reporters. Gonna shut you all up when you say Gruden can't develop a young QB, seems we all forgot about Simms. He is the best QB on this roster hands down.
Posted by: Nick | May 31, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Good move by the Bucs. Like it or not, guys, Stevens caught a vital touchdown for us vs. NO last year. The guy has shown he can produce, and since he's been in Tampa colours he's been a model citizen.
Gradkowski never had the arm strength or accuracy to succeed as our quarterback. Maybe in 5 years he will, but right now that's the right move by the Bucs.
Posted by: Oliver | May 31, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Easy on the Bruce bashing. He wasn't exactly surrounded w/talent when he was given the keys to the beater, known as the Bucs, evidence by the fact you couldn't read his name on the back of his jersey and it's damn near 10 letters.
Young QB's aren't a good fit w/Gruden do to his system and verbage-Gruden himself loved the toughness in the guy. The Bucs have scrapheap qb's in camp. They'll, once again, try and win w/Defense.
Hang in there Bruce.
Posted by: Joel | May 31, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Innocent? Are you kidding? Do you know how the court system works??? Just because you are not convicted, that doesn't mean you are innocent. OJ Simpson was found not guilty, he was not found to be innocent. Because evidence wasn't presented good enough to 12 morons, OJ was let free. Any intelligent person would realize that the evidence was there to prove beyond a doubt that OJ was guilty of murder. Everybody likes to dog the Cowboys for signing trouble makers but the players they have signed, Tank Johnson, gun charges- is that really a problem? , and Pacman Jones, who didn't pull the trigger, well those two guys at least have talent. Jeremy "Stephanie" Stevens is a joke of a TE. He's got size but he's soft. He killed the Seahawks in their chances of winning a super bowl because he sucks. Stephanie is certainly not worth picking up again. The sissy better make sure he stays out certain bars in Tampa, thats for sure.
Posted by: DR | June 01, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Stevens is a r@pist. Google the Seattle Times story about him. Innocent until proven guilty? There's plenty of evidence, but this guy has skated by thanks to slick lawyers and people kissing his @ss. He deserves a jail sentence, not a new contract. There is nothing "alleged" about this. He got off scott free. Only in America.
Posted by: CW | June 01, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Great! We went from 7 QBs to 6 TE. WHOOA! I've never been so confused in my life. We should never have this much cap room again.lol. Bruce Allen, your killing me.
As far a Gradkowski goes, I liked him. He was a 6th rounder who got thrown into a starting position. He wasn't suppose to play that season. What did you expect? Same thing happened to Shaun King. Took us to the playoffs and lost..next season he's gone.
Regardless of the crazy all the crazy offseason activity. I couldn't cheer for any other team...lol.
Posted by: Larry | June 01, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Evidently, DR is still a tool. I mean, to turn this into a Cowgirls rally is pititful. Jerry Jones leads all NFL owners (maybe Cincy is close) in signing dipsh!ts. Why? Becase they have talent...plain and simple. Off-field issues aren't important in our society (at least, not when it comes to choosing leaders...right?) So, as long as he keeps his nose clean here, (as it's all heresay until proven guilty,) then how's it our business anyway? Good luck Grads...
Posted by: Rerun | June 02, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Didn't Tank Johnson have some other issues before/after the gun charge; maybe a couple of DUI's, all strung in a row? Typical DR argument...leave out the important facts which derail your biased point if view.
Rerun is right, we allow our leaders who have criminal records free run with the largest aresenal in the world, yet we place an inordinate amount of hypocrisy on athletes? For whatever reason, Stevens was not charged/convicted of the crime. Why didn't the defendent prosecute Stevens? Isn't that an injustice on her part for not pursuing the charge? I mean, she was right to do so, correct? Maybe she was the one who pursued a settlement. Who knows? But it does seem baseless to me to take a bribe in a situation that degrades humanity and one's own dignity, don't you think?
Thus far, as a Buc, he has made the best of a second chance and I personally hope he learns something from our esteemed, elite corps of professionals and rights his life by them.
Posted by: Skylar | June 02, 2008 at 11:55 AM
So true Skylar. I agree; if you are not offering solutions, then you're part of the problem.
Thanks for you efforts Grads; you just became a casualty of the Simms debacle. Best of luck in your new NFL uniform (except against us of course!)
Welcome back Stevens! Keep up the good work and make sure you visit the dean's office (DB) twice weekly! Don't let the negativity keep you from being a better person now as this is your last stop.
Let's be the first to win a superbowl at home...GO BUCS!!!
Posted by: Kurt | June 02, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Skylar, you miss the point as usual. Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson have proven that they are talented and make things happen on the field. They have TALENT! Jeremy Stevens is a worthless TE. He's flat out horrible. He isn't worth giving a second chance, or tenth chance, or whatever chance he is on. His skills don't make the risk worth it.
You must not know the court of law. The DA determines if there is enough evidence to continue to prosecute a person. The girl had no choice in the matter. the evidence is then displayed in a trial to a jury and the jury determines if it is enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. Just because someone is found "not guilty" or isn't even prosecuted in the court of law, that doesn't by any means, prove his/her innocence.
Stevens hasn't sued any newspaper for slander and hasn't defended himself to the sick allegations put in the Seattle papers. To top it all off, he is not liked around the league. He's a cheap shot type player. He embarrassed himself and the Seattle organization in the Super Bowl years ago. He will get his in due time. I hope he enjoys his free ride on this earth because he doesn't have anything to look forward to after its all over with.
Posted by: DR | June 02, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Hey Dr. How many Cowboy fans does it take to change a lightbulb?
Five
One to change the lightbulb and four to sit around all day talking about how great the lightbulb was in the 90's.
Posted by: Ben | June 02, 2008 at 02:04 PM