Spires to the Raiders?
Greg Spires' tenure in Tampa Bay ended unceremoniously when he was released just prior to the start of free agency.
But it appears the 33-year-old defensive end will have at least one more chance to ressurrect his career, as he reportedly has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Raiders.
The news was reported Sunday by the San Francisco Chronicle and comes a little over a month after Oakland made a run at another Bucs free agent end, Kevin Carter. He re-signed with the Bucs days after visiting with the Raiders, leaving Oakland's need at defensive end unaddressed.
Spires is coming off a tough year cut short by a calf injury that limited him to 10 games. He finished with two sacks, his fewest since 1999. Ironically, Spires had one of his most memorable performances against the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, finishing with a sack and a pass deflection.
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First to post, and say thats sucks.
Posted by: First | May 12, 2008 at 07:48 AM
At least he signed somewhere. My only real memory of his play last year happened in week 1. Some time after Gaines Adams somehow got stoned by Walter Jones using only one hand, Spires was inserted into the RDE spot and promptly got a sack. He might still have something in the tank.
Posted by: Quentin | May 12, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Spires is a class act. He was a great Buc! I hope he has success in Oakland. Good luck Greg!
Posted by: John Klopfer | May 12, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I liked Spires and also wish him well. However, Adams did not start until probably the 6th game of the season last year and led all rookies in sacks. He's a definite upgrade.
Posted by: Skylar | May 12, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Bucs signed the wrong vet DE... When Spires was healthy last season he was far superior to Kevin Carter who is just a guy at this point in his career. Spires still has some quickness and is as strong as ever plus his departure leaves the Bucs with just two of the legends from our Super Bowl victory... Ronde and Brooks...where have all the good men gone?
Posted by: Brandon | May 12, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Greg Spires is a classic over-achiever. A third rd pick of N.E., he went to Cleveland and then the Bucs in 2002. Challenged every year, he always proved to win the starting job for one reason: HEART. Spires gave 110% effort 100% of the time. Good guys get older and memories are made by the young and enjoyed by the old. Good luck, Greg and thanks for the memories.
Posted by: CVal | May 13, 2008 at 08:30 AM