Graham agrees to new deal with Bucs

Earnest Graham's patience finally paid off.

Big time.

Graham has agreed to a four-year deal worth $11-million, ending any possibility of a training camp holdout.

The agreement was first reported Sunday night by NFL.com. Graham, 28, did not participate in  Organized Team Activities or the off-season workout program, presumably because he wanted a contract extension. He did participate in the Bucs' mandatory minicamp.

Terms of the deal have not been released, so it's unknown how much of that $11-million is back-loaded or what is guaranteed.

Graham emerged as a starter for the first time in his career last season after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman. He saved the day and possibly the season for the Bucs, rushing for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

While Graham took the silent approach, quarterback Jeff Garcia has been very vocal about his disgust over the lack of progress in his talks with the Bucs on a contract extension. Now that Graham is in the fold, maybe the Bucs will turn their attention to reaching an accord with their 38-year-old quarterback.

There's still plenty of time before the team reports to training camp July 25.

Sapp retirement party to benefit cancer center

   Warren Sapp always gave the fans their money's worth. He could be loud, bombastic and controversial, but for the nine seasons he played for the Bucs, he set the standard at the defensive tackle position.

   He finished his career with 96.5 sacks, eight Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl championship.

   Sapp is retiring after 13 NFL seasons, the last four in Oakland. He says his retirement party Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a gift to Tampa fans.

   Tickets are $75 and available on TicketMaster and on-line at www.QBKilla.com. Proceeds will benefit the Tampa Children's Cancer Center.

    ""They always said I wasn't a social guy,'' Sapp said. "So let's get together and have a social gathering and give the money to the kids. They always say I never interacted with the fans. I swear I did. I know I used to stand on my feet and they would stand on their feet at Raymond James Stadium. I put on a show for a long time and I want to say, "Thank you.' So let's throw a nice party.'

   I had an interesting discussion with Sapp about his career and his future that was posted earlier today. As always, there were some surprises, like the news that he is considering an offer to appear on Dancing with the Stars!

   If you want to send No. 99 out in style and contribute to a good cause, check out his party Saturday night.

    

Bucs release training camp schedule

The Bucs report to training camp at the Celebration Hotel on Friday, July 25. Their first workout at Disney's Wide World of Sports is Saturday, July 26 from 8:30-11 a.m. Coach Jon Gruden has thrown in a night practice on Aug. 7 from 7:30-9:10 p.m., which is open to the public. 

Plenty of Bucs fans make the short ride on I-4 to Lake Buena Vista to watch training camp. Admission is always free. But be sure to check beforehand because schedules are always subject to change. Here is the workout schedule released by the club Monday.

Sat. July 26  8:30 - 11 a.m. and 2:45-4:55 p.m.

Sun. July 27 8:30 - 11:05 a.m. and 4:00-5 p.m. (walkthrough inside tent; closed to public)

Mon. July 28 8:30 - 11:10 a.m and 2:45-4 p.m. (4:00-5 p.m. walkthrough closed to public)

Tues. July 29 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45-3:55 p.m. (Special teams)

Wed. July 30 8:30 - 11:05 a.m. and 2:45-3:55 p.m. (4:00-5 p.m. walkthrough closed to public)

Thur. July 31 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:45-3:55 p.m. (Walkthrough)*

Fri. Aug. 1 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:45-3:55 p.m. (Special teams)

Sat. Aug. 2 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. (No afternoon practice)

Sun. Aug. 3 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:45-4 p.m. (4:00-5 p.m. walkthrough inside tent; closed to public

Mon. Aug 4 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45-4 p.m. (Walkthrough 2:45-4:25 p.m.*)

Tue. Aug 5 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45-4:30 p.m.

Wed. Aug. 6 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45-4:30 p.m.

Thur. Aug. 7 9:45 - 10:55 a.m. (special teams) and night practice 7:30-9:10 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 8 Walkthrough 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Sat. Aug. 9 Tampa Bay at Miami preseason opener, 7:30 p.m., Dolphin Stadium

Sun. Aug. 10 Players day off

Mon. Aug. 11 No morning practrice; 2:45-4:45 p.m.

Tue. Aug. 12 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45 - 4:30 p.m.

Wed Aug. 13 8:30 - 11:10 a.m. and 2:45-4:30 p.m.

Thur. Aug. 14 8:30-9:55 a.m. Camp breaks

*Possible practice inside tent, which is closed to the public

      

Bucs sign FSU's Hayes

   Bucs players and coaches are taking a much needed break, but general manager Bruce Allen and his front office staff are working hard at locking up their rookies to long-term deals.

  The team announced the signing of Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes this morning. Hayes was a sixth round pick by Tampa Bay, the 175th player selected overall in the 2008 draft. In three seasons with the Seminoles, he recorded 156 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

   Hayes will have to battle to make the final 53-man roster, but if his speed and tenacity enables him to stand out on special teams, he has a pretty good shot to practice alongside his idol, Derrick Brooks, this fall.

   Hayes is the third draft pick to sign with the Bucs, joining running back Cory Boyd, a seventh-round pick from South Carolina, and defensive tackle Dre Moore, a fourth-rounder from Maryland. 

 

Fourth-rounder signs; Jackson, others, released

The Bucs have done still more roster shuffling.

First, they have signed fourth-round pick Dre Moore, a defensive tackle from Maryland, giving them two picks under contract with more than a month remaining before training camp (seventh-rounder pick Cory Boyd is the other).

We've learned that Moore's contract is a four-year deal, one that includes an escalator in the final year of the deal.

Meanwhile, in their continued effort to eliminate players and reach the 80-man training-camp limit, the Bucs released a few more players. Among them were former USF receiver Amarri Jackson, an undrafted prospect who was signed after a strong showing in a post-draft tryout in May.

The Bucs also released receiver Charles Spiller (Alcorn State) and fullback Carl Stewart (Auburn).

Chukwurah, Heinrich among first cuts

The Bucs have begun to whittle their roster for training camp.

Defensive lineman Patrick Chukwurah (left), tight end Keith Heinrich, defensive lineman Marquies Gunn and linebacker Leon Joe were all released Thursday.

Coach Jon Gruden cancelled the final mandatory minicamp workout Thursday as a reward for the club's hard work during the off-season.

The Bucs must trim about 13 players to reach the 80-man roster limit by the start of training camp July 25. Still unknown is whether quarterback Chris Simms will be among the players released to achieve that goal.

[Brian Cassella, Times files]

 

Subtle pre-camp reminders from Gruden

The Bucs wrapped up their offseason program today, meaning the next time they convene, it'll be the real thing: training camp at Disney.

But between now and then, coach Jon Gruden asks two things of his players: stay in shape and out of trouble.

"They know what to do," Gruden said. "They have to take care of themselves, obviously, stay in shape, and they've got to get some rest and at the same time, they've got to get away from it some and get rejuvenated. They have to remember you're living in a glass house, so be smart. Enjoy the time, because they've really invested a lot. They've put a lot into this and don't blow it now. Come to training camp where you can showcase your best stuff, because that's what we're going to need to win."

The part about staying in shape is critical. The Bucs won't spend any time conditioning once they get to camp. Players must be ready to go when they report. By Day 3 or so, they'll be donning pads and going at it. Those who didn't stay will conditioned will be easily exposed as the heat index climbs well above 100 degrees.

Equally important is the part about player conduct. This is the time of year when there is more opportunity to get out of line as players will return to their hometowns and take some needed time off. The last thing the Bucs, or any team wants, is a late-summer surprise in the discipline department.

Things will quiet down around here now that things are wrapping up, but when time allows, I'll be back to take a look at some areas where the Bucs will have to make some tough calls to reduce the roster to the 80-man training camp limit.

Bucs cancel final day of minicamp

The Bucs have decided to call off the final practice of their three-day minicamp scheduled for this morning.

This was to be the team's final workout before breaking for the remainder of the summer. The next time they regroup as a team will be on July 25 when players report to Celebration for the start of training camp.

Players will have to work out on their own between now and then, ensuring they report in optimum shape.

Off the field, the Bucs still have to work to do, too. They must manage to sign the remaining six draft picks who haven't yet agreed to deals. Only seventh-round pick Cory Boyd is signed so far.

Defense wins the day

It's Day 2 of minicamp, and the Bucs made a detour from their training facility to nearby Raymond James Stadium for this morning's workout. (See audio slideshow)

The Bucs typically spend at least one day of minicamp at the stadium in order to give the new acquisitions a chance to get familiarized with their new home field.

"We have a lot of new guys who are getting acclimated to the surroundings," coach Jon Gruden said. "This is where it all happens.  This is a good way to kind of wind down -- right here at home."

As for what actually happened on the field, most of Wednesday's highlights came on the defensive end. The defense had the upper hand throughout, as even Gruden admitted. It didn't help that the execution wasn't always solid from the offense, with quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese making a handful of errant throws. Griese was picked off by Cato June on one redzone play, getting his fingers underneath the ball just as it was about to hit the turf. Had it have been an actual game, June likely would have scored on the play.

Some of this might sound disconcerting, but Gruden actually didn't mind it.

"I'm happy," he said. "Sometimes the defense executes, too. The two-minute drive on offense was good. The second time around, the defense stopped us. There were some good patterns and plays in the redzone on both sides. I don't expect it to be a lopsided butt-kicking -- ever. I like the defense to dominate here and there."

Not everyone on offense was out of sorts. We continue to see fullback B.J. Askew utilized in the passing game, which has been a long time coming. He told me earlier this week he has been politicking for more passes to be thrown his way, and Gruden seems to be coming around. The coach said Askew is likely to see the ball more this season and has told the player as much.

You can read more about that in tomorrow's St. Petersburg Times. Also in Thursday's paper, look for some details on Ike Hilliard and his thoughts on the receiving corps. You'll learn he's not nearly as concerned about the talent level as some observers are.

One last note: the Bucs will take a break from the meeting room this afternoon and head to a local bowling alley for some camaraderie. It's a mandatory event for players, many of whom, Gruden said, haven't had much opportunity to get to know one another. Of course, they'll get more than enough of each other when they're confined to training camp for three weeks. Check out video of the Bucs bowling (and, oddly enough, eating) by clicking here.

Graham on contract: "It needs to get done"

Bucs running back Earnest Graham speaks to the media about his contract situation after morning practice. [Brian Cassella, Times]

Running back Earnest Graham made his first appearance of the off-season at the Bucs' mandatory minicamp Tuesday and expressed optimism that he will have a new contract soon. (See audio slideshow)

But he stopped short of a guarantee that he would report to training camp on time if talks have not produced a new deal by the July 25 reporting date.

"What has to be done sometimes has to be done,'' Graham said. "I'm here today for the mandatory (minicamp). We're going to break after this minicamp and all get ready for (training) camp. I'm doing the same thing I've always done. I'm working hard in the off-season and getting ready for camp. That other thing will take of itself.

"Right now, whatever our reporting date is, I'm going to be there. Like I say, hopefully something will get done before then. I won't say anything whether or not (I'll be there). I'm being optimistic about it. Like I say, I don't know.''

Graham, who became the starter at running back following injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, rushed for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns last season in leading the Bucs to an NFC South title. He has one-year left on his contract that would pay him a base salary of about $605,000 in 2008.

"I think a lot of people stood up and played well,' Graham said. "I think a lot of people benefitted from what happened last year and I think everybody will be taken care of.'

Coach Jon Gruden said Graham reported to minicamp Tuesday in good physical condition.

"He's always in shape, you know Earnest,'' Gruden said. "He's going to be ready to go. These matters have a way of working themselves out."

Graham said he has no timetable for reaching an accord with the Bucs.

"It needs to get done. I'm not really stressing the time frame or anything like that. It just needs to get done. They know that, I know that. And I think because of that, it'll happen.

On Tuesday, Graham split reps with running backs Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett. He says he's not worried about falling behind on the depth chart.

"I don't usually think about that,'' Graham said. "Even in past years, I've kind of taken off as far as off-season workouts and worked myself out and tried to improve on the things I need to improve on. I've been in this offense for five years, so just me coming out, getting back into the verbiage, it's pretty simple for me. I welcome all the guys.

"I've been here through a lot of great players: Thomas Jones, Michael Pittman, Mike Alstott, Charlie Garner -- so it's just another year...I'm very anxious for what I think we can do as a team. I think we let a game get away from us there against the Super Bowl champions. I think we all need to improve certain aspects of our game. Me personally, I'd like to be there and get significant playing time, whether it's starting or not, at the beginning of the year.''

Graham shows; Simms stays away

As we speculated earlier today, quarterback Chris Simms did not report to the Bucs' mandatory minicamp, which began this morning. (See audio slideshow)

Simms, who has missed the club's voluntary workout program and wants to be released, is now subject to a fine.

As expected, running back Earnest Graham is participating in the three-day minicamp and was one of the first players on the field for stretching.

Simms still undecided about minicamp

Chris Simms said last night his flight from New Jersey was delayed three hours due to bad weather. His arrival to the Bucs three-day mandatory minicamp may also be late. Or postponed.

Simms said he was undecided whether to attend any of the four workouts scheduled today through Thursday. Last week, the Bucs' beleaguered quarterback put those odds at 50 percent.

Judging from his tone, don't expect Simms to show up this week. He will be subject to a fine. Unlike the Organized Team Activities, these workouts are not voluntary.

The Bucs would like to at least evaluate Simms' physical condition. He claims to be 100 percent healthy.

But Simms has some distrust of the Bucs' organization and you get the feeling he doesn't want them to entertain any ideas of keeping him much longer.

Simms reiterated that he will report to training camp if he still is on the Bucs' roster. In many ways, it's probably best for Simms and the Bucs if he stays away from the club this week. His appearance would just create more distraction.

General manager Bruce Allen has said he wants Simms to compete. The Bucs have five quarterbacks on their roster and it's appearing more likely they will only take four to training camp. If so, that final spot would belong to either Simms or fifth-round pick Josh Johnson.

Frankly, I can't remember a draft pick under Allen being released before training camp. The Bucs feel Simms has some value and would like to trade him for a draft pick or perhaps another player. But the 80-man roster limit for training camp this year is pretty restrictive and keeping five QBs wouldn't make sense.

Last week, Simms said he could no longer play for Gruden. Allen has suggested that it was a ''PR stunt," presumably orchestrated by his agent, Tom Condon. Simms says he simply wants to be released and could no longer keep his silence on the matter.

"I'm not backing down," Simms said.

One player who has not attended the Bucs' off-season workouts will be at the mandatory minicamp today -- running back Earnest Graham.

Graham has missed OTA's before, but it's hard to believe his absence is not somewhat contract-related. What he will discover this week is that Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett have benefitted from the extra reps they received this off-season. But the competition at the running back position is certainly better with Graham in the mix.

Bruce Gradkowski glad to be moving on

Bruce Gradkowski was claimed off waivers by the Rams last week and he's now getting down to business in St. Louis.

Talking to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, he admits Tampa wasn't the place for him given his fall down the depth chart and the team's number of quarterbacks. Click here to check out the article.

"I kind of wanted something to happen," he said. "I had two years there, but I knew as an opportunity, that wasn't the spot for me right now as a young guy. I was happy to get out of there."

He added: "Things didn't go as well as I'd planned, but it was a great learning experience. I think it helped me tremendously, just getting a feel for the game, how things work in the NFL, the speed of things, getting used to being in the huddle with the guys. . . I know I can play in this league, for sure."

Five QBs in training camp? Perhaps not

Bruce Allen just spent a few minutes answering questions before a Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Buccaneers luncheon that is underway right now, and among his comments were some intriguing statements about the quarterback lineup.

I asked Allen whether he still felt the team was comfortable taking five quarterbacks to training camp as he's said in the past. This time, Allen allowed that other factors, mainly injuries, will impact whether there is adequate room among the 80 players to be heavy at quarterback. As a result, perhaps there is a chance Chris Simms will get his wish of being released sooner rather than later.

Allen said when he stated the team planned to bring five quarterbacks to camp, he was operating under the assumption the NFL would expand training camp rosters. It ultimately decided not to.

On a related subject, Allen said he was surprised at Simms' comments earlier this week criticizing Jon Gruden for his handling of Simms' situation. Allen said he was taken aback by the comments because they differed from statements made to Allen by Simms in private conversations.

Allen went as far as saying Simms' statements were little more than a publicity stunt by his agents. That's a comment that isn't likely to sit well with Simms.

Asked by an audience member to address Simms, Gruden said, "I like Chris Simms. I don't necessarily agree. But I'm going to coach the quarterbacks who are here."

Allen on Graham: "I'm sure it's going to work out"

Bucs general manager Bruce Allen appeared optimistic Friday when discussing the current contract saga involving running back Earnest Graham, who skipped the team's series of voluntary workouts as hopes for an extension.

Allen, speaking in front of about 200 fans at a breakfast for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce in Palm Harbor, responded to a question about Graham by saying that both sides have made offers, while later adding, "I'm sure it's going to work out."

Graham is expected to attend next week's mandatory minicamp, Tuesday through Thursday.

"Earnest Graham performed very well for us last year," Allen said. "We had addressed Earnest's situation two years ago because we loved the kind of leadership he provided for us in special teams and his work ethic. As with any negotiation, we made an offer, they made an offer, and we haven’t agreed. But I think Earnest is looking forward to this season, and no matter what happens, (he) will give us his best effort..

When asked if he expects as training camp - and the season - grow closer, if it will impact the talks, Allen responded:

"Right now in the league, it's not a unique situation for people to discuss these type of things in the offseason. And that’s fine. Earnest is a great young man and I’m sure it’s going to work out."

Allen, coach Jon Gruden, along with three players - Barrett Ruud, WR Maurice Stovall and CB Aqib Talib - attended the breakfast at Innisbrook, which featured Q&A with fans.

As for the other elephant in the room - the status of quarterback Chris Simms, who made his frustrations with Gruden and the Bucs public this week - his name wasn't mentioned once. Though Gruden did talk about the rest of the quarterbacks, including draft pick Josh Johnson, whom Gruden labeled a "project" with "a long way to go."

Though Jeff Garcia is the unquestioned starter, Gruden raved about Brian Griese and Luke McCown, who went 1-2 as a starter for the Bucs.

"We’ve got three quarterback that have won for us," Gruden said. "And we’ve got one guy (Johnson) in the laboratory right now."

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Former Buc Spurrier drops by

The Bucs had a famous visitor today in South Carolina coach (and former UF coach) Steve Spurrier.

The Ol' Ball Coach was in town for a reunion of 1960s-era Florida players this weekend at Innisbrook. But first, the one-time Bucs quarterback took a little time to take in this morning's workout at One Buc Place. He came away impressed.

"The Bucs have a good looking team," Spurrier said. "Of course, I played for them way back, so that's the team I pull for, as well as the 49ers (who he also played for). Hopefully, they'll meet in the Super Bowl."

One thing Spurrier and Bucs coah Jon Gruden have in common in their one-on-one work with quarterbacks. Asked who is harder on them, Spurrier grinned and said he couldn't say.

But Spurrier did allow this: "I haven't watched Jon coach a lot until today, and I understand why his voice is a little hoarse most of the time. He yells and screams. Boy, I tell you. I admire the passion he has for this game. And he does it year round. I'm a little different from him. In the offseason, I need to get away from football. But I think he could do football 12 months a year and never get tired of it....The NFL is a good 11-month job. Ours, we get about two or three months off to do some other things in the offseason."

Spurrier has several former players with the Bucs, including Ike Hilliard and Kevin Carter, both of whom played for Spurrier at Florida. Another of his former players hasn't been around in a while, running back Earnest Graham.

"Hopefully Earnest Graham will get his butt back out here," the coach said. "I haven't called Earnest, but he would expect me to say what I said."

Ike Hilliard's on his way back

Caught up with receiver Ike Hilliard today for the first time in a while, and he updated us on his comeback from a recent shoulder surgery.

Hilliard underwent a procedure on April 9 to remove bone spurs and repair a damaged bursa sack, and was told it would take some time before he got back on the field. Not for Hilliard.

"My shoulder is doing a lot better now," he said. "I've been cleared (to practice) for about two weeks. It was supposed to be a six- to 10-week process, but I came back early."

You might remember shoulder pain limited Hilliard late last season, rendering him less than 100 percent for the last several games of the season.

It's too early to say where he'll factor in what should be a competitive battle among the team's receivers in training camp. But despite turning 32 in  April, Hilliard looks and feels good. Regardless of whether he re-claims his starting job or not, his attitude is, and likely will remain, exemplary.

"I just have a few pounds to lose to get back where I want to be before I get to camp," he said. "I feel good. I just have to go out and compete. Nothing's been giving to me. There's competition at flanker. Okay. I'll deal with it. I've been here."

Plummer's case is closed

It's a done deal.

The Bucs and retired quarterback Jake Plummer have reached a settlement in a grievance filed by the Bucs that sought to recover $7-million of a signing bonus paid to the player for a contract he failed to fulfill.

Instead of the full sum, we've confirmed the sides have settled the case for roughly half, or $3.5-million. Wednesday's hearing before an arbitrator in New York has been canceled. Plummer faced an uphill climb had the case gone before the arbitrator given the precedent set by other cases.

The Bucs filed the grievance last summer when Plummer failed to report to training camp after his trade from the Broncos earlier in 2007. The Bucs continued to have conversations with Plummer aimed at convincing him to join the team, but Plummer declined and remained retired.

The contract, re-negotiated with the Broncos in 2005, called for Plummer to play through 2009. The trade from Denver to Tampa Bay gave the Bucs all the rights provided under his contract, including the right to enforce its forfeiture clause.

Also, the Bucs confirmed today what we told you some time ago: The team will in fact receive a 2009 salary-cap credit for the amount recovered, in this case, $3.5-million.

Simms breaks silence: I feel like I'm being held hostage

Chris Simms, right, watches alongside Chas Gessner during the Bucs game against the Houston Texans last season. [BRENDAN FITTERER | Times (2007)]

Chris Simms says his relationship with Jon Gruden is beyond repair and has been told he will not be with the team in 2008.

But with no trade on the horizon, the Bucs' forgotten quarterback wants to be released immediately, bringing an end to his career in Tampa Bay that seemed inevitable after missing nearly two seasons following surgery to remove his spleen.

"I feel like I'm being held hostage,'' Simms said. "I hate that all this has happened. I love Tampa. My family loves it here. But I've been quiet long enough. I feel like it's time to let everybody know why I'm not out there.''

Click here to read more from Simms' Monday interview with the Times, including why he has not attended the Bucs' off-season workout program.

Here's how Plummer payback could help cap

I figured this might happen.

I had a column in today's newspaper that outlined the grievance that has been filed against Jake Plummer, whose story I am not going to retell in the interest of not boring everyone to death.

Anyway, in that column, I made reference to the fact the Bucs could receive some salary-cap relief if they are successful in recouping money from the player in a hearing to be heard on Wednesday. Some have emailed asking why this is contradictory to much of what has been reported in the past by other outlets.

Let me say this: I got this information from a VERY well-placed NFL source whose identity I am not at liberty to disclose. This individual is in position to know intimate details about this case (I did not state this in the column because it is the policy of the Times to not use anonymous sources).

Furthermore, even without the source, the answer is in the collective bargaining agreement. Buried in Article XXIV of the agreement is the following: "In the event that a team receives a refund from the player of any previously paid portion of a signing bonus . . . such amount as has previously been included in team salary shall be added to the team's salary cap for the next league year."

You could argue that the money was not included on the Bucs' cap but on the Broncos', and that would be absolutely correct. But my understanding is that the Bucs' position is they assumed all of the rights of Plummer's contract when they made the trade with Denver. And there is no language in the CBA that I'm aware of that makes this particular case exempt from the previously noted subsection.

If anyone has questions that are more technical than this, I readily admit that I might not have the answers given the fact I'm not an attorney. But hopefully this clears up most of your questions.

Some nuggets from this week's OTAs

I've been pretty busy the last couple days considering it's the middle of the summer. Wednesday felt like Jerramy Stevens day and, today, I spent the afternoon writing a Sunday column that will tell you a little more about the Jake Plummer situation.

Now that I finally have a little time to spare, thought you might like to hear a few details about Thursday's practice, which was open to the media (we're permitted to watch roughly one per week).

It was a good day to watch as there was extensive work done in the passing game in both the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 portions. We got to see a lot of emphasis on deep routes, with Luke McCown hooking up with Antonio Bryant for a couple of impressive strikes. I get the feeling that Bryant will be given every opportunity to shine during training camp as coaches appear very intrigued. Also saw rookie Dexter Jackson make at least two nice catches in traffic, which is definitely promising considering his smallish body of work as a receiver at Appalachian State.

One thing I thought was interesting was the number of reps given to McCown. He probably got more snaps (I didn't count, okay) than Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese, though it's hard to know whether that means anything. The Bucs have been sort of staggering their quarterbacks' workloads since there have been so many of them. I kind of expected Griese to get more work because he has been away for awhile and certainly is a strong candidate to get the No. 2 quarterback job, but perhaps that's not a forgone conclusion. Chris Simms, as you know, hasn't been attending voluntary workouts, and Josh Johnson still has some more work to do in the classroom before he gets under center. They're clearly taking their time with the youngster.

Defensively, the Bucs are experimenting with all kinds of combinations along the defensive line. I saw everyone from Jimmy Wilkerson to Kevin Carter taking turns at defensive tackle. Whether they'll have a formidable pass rush is hard to say, but they definitely have some real versatility, for as much as that's worth. Both of those guys have been defensive ends most of their careers even if they have spent time on the interior, too. Gaines Adams is firmly entrenched at right end. Greg White, meanwhile, is making a bid to grab the job at left end, though that is far from a done deal.

In the secondary, things should be real interesting come training camp. I felt linebacker was the strength of the defense last year. Now, I'm not so sure that can't be said about the defensive backs. Aqib Talib has star potential, which he showed when he turned in a leaping pass deflection of a McCown deep ball. But Phillip Buchanon and Eugene Wilson are getting loads of work, too, and they're veterans with a mental edge on the rookie. At safety, Sabby Piscitelli is bringing excitement, though I don't know whether there's a place for him given the play of Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson.

Hope this little peek gives you a sense for what's going on with some of your favorite players with less than two months remaining before the start of training camp (and the end of my life as I know it  :) .

Bucs sign seventh-round pick

The Bucs sealed their first rookie deal today when seventh-round running back Cory Boyd agreed to a contract.

Boyd's addition came at the expense of center John Rochford, a rookie free agent out of Miami who was released to make room on the roster.

Boyd, a 6-1, 213-pound prospect from South Carolina, will compete in a crowded backfield for a backup spot or, more realistically, a spot on the practice squad. The Bucs presumably will keep Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett at tailback, then will likely retain a pair of fullbacks: B.J. Askew and another to be determined.

Gradkowski to the Rams

We've learned Bruce Gradkowski, released by the Bucs on Friday, has been claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Rams. We're still awaiting official confirmation from the league.

That means the Rams will take on the final two years of his deal, which is set to expire after the 2009 season.

St. Louis currently has three quarterbacks on its roster: starter Marc Bulger and backups Trent Green and Brock Berlin. Gradkowski would seem to at least have an edge over Berlin for the No. 3 spot behind Green, assuming Green is in good health.

Gradkowski was reportedly drawing interest from several clubs who were considering making waiver claims for the third-year player out of Toledo.

Garcia was referencing 2009 season

Quarterback Jeff Garcia made reference in an interview Wednesday to retirement being an option if his contract stalemate with the Bucs isn't resolved.

But I feel it necessary to point out some important context that has been made clear to me this afternoon: Garcia was talking about 2009 -- not this fall. That was just emphasized to me by a person in position to know.

Garcia was asked by Sirius NFL Radio hosts Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan what might happen if the dispute wasn't dealt with and Garcia became a free agent after this season. It was at that point Garcia made reference to possibly retiring. Remember, he has gone on record saying it is his intention to play this fall regardless of the outcome of his negotiations. He has never technically threatened to hold out from training camp, and he continues to show up for voluntary workouts, with perfect attendance to date.

For the record, here's a portion of what Garcia said: "If a contract is not presented as far as a renewal and a chance to finish my career here, then I will seriously think about . . . what my alternate options may be. It may come to not even playing football anymore.  And I'd hate to even say that, but I feel like when you mistreat people there comes a time when it doesn't matter how much money you're going to be paid. If you're not being treated the right way it's going to lead to some drastic decisions and those decisions may just take me away from the game."

Of course, this clarification doesn't change the fact that Garcia is downright angry about the team's inability to offer the kind of deal he considers acceptable, although his contract demands are believed to be reasonable for a starting quarterback. There apparently has been almost no progress of late toward a new deal, and it's beginning to look like the Bucs have no intention (at least currently) of coming to terms with him. Garcia is looking for a deal he thinks is more in line with his contributions  to the Bucs in 2007 and gives him a little security for 2009.

As it stands, Garcia is still bound to a contract that will pay him $2-million in base salary plus $750,00 for a roster bonus that has already been paid. But whatever the case, rest assured Garcia is not threatening to walk out on the Bucs, at least for this season.

Jeff Garcia's at it again

Just when you thought quarterback Jeff Garcia was done making public comments about his contract dispute with the Bucs, he ratcheted up the rhetoric today in an interview with Sirius NFL Radio.

According to excerpts provided to us by the network, Garcia told hosts Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan that he might resort to drastic options -- retirement? -- if he and the team can't come to terms on a deal.

"It would be really difficult for me to go through the season and not have something done," Garcia said. "I would really like to see the appreciation put out there.

"For me to go into this season and if it doesn't work itself out, if a contract is not presented as far as a renewal and a chance to finish my career here, then I will seriously think about . . . what my alternate options may be. It may come to not even playing football anymore.  And I'd hate to even say that, but I feel like when you mistreat people there comes a time when it doesn't matter how much money you're going to be paid. If you're not being treated the right way it's going to lead to some drastic decisions and those decisions may just take me away from the game."

For what it's worth, we at the Times heard long ago that Garcia was making such claims in conversations with his teammates. But it being second-hand information, we didn't throw it out there. Now that he has broached the subject himself, perhaps there is some credence to this.

Garcia has to be enjoying the ride as the unquestioned starter in Tampa Bay after several rocky seasons elsewhere. But he also seems to be driven by principle, so who knows if that's enough to convince him to respond radically to the team's reluctance to increase his salary?

Garcia is slated to earn $2-million in base salary this fall, a paltry figure when compared to other starting quarterbacks on playoff teams. But the Bucs have shown no willingness to renegotiate his contract, at least in part because of his age (38) and, arguably, because of concerns about Garcia's potential for injury.

I can't predict where this thing is going, but I seem to recall saying it would get worse before it got better. I'll resist the urge to say, "I told you so."

[Brendan Fitterer, Times photo files]

NFL puts Stevens on notice

As I mentioned in the previous post, Jerramy Stevens will have to serve another suspension because his last arrest involved two separate charges. This one was made official with the NFL's announcement just a little while ago. Check out the stern language in which Stevens is warned that any funny business between now and the start of the season will result in a third game being added, plus the possibility of future discipline.

The statement reads, "Jerramy Stevens of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been suspended without pay for the team's first two regular-season games of 2008 and fined an additional game check for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy. However, if he has any further violations of either the Substance Abuse or Personal Conduct policies between now and the start of the 2008 regular season, Stevens would be suspended without pay for the team's first three regular-season games and face additional discipline for the new violation."

Can you say, "Last chance?"

[Brian Cassella, Times photo files]

Clarifying Jerramy Stevens' status

Okay, I think we're just about sick of Jerramy Stevens, but I want to clear up some misinformation about his status with the league.

General manager Bruce Allen told the St. Petersburg Times today that the NFL will soon announce a suspension of at least two games for Stevens, but this one is totally unrelated to his one-game suspension served last season.

When Stevens was arrested in March 2007 in Scottsdale, Ariz., he was charged with both a DUI and possession of marijuana. Last year's suspension was for the marijuana violation. That case was dismissed but only after Stevens completed a drug diversion program, according to a court official in Maricopa County, Ariz. He also was convicted on the DUI charge but was not immediately disciplined because the case was being appealed. Now that the case has run its course in the judicial system, Allen said the NFL is expected to announce an additional suspension of at least two games. The Bucs anticipate the league will reserve the right to add a third game to the suspension depending on Stevens' "behavior", though it's unclear exactly how all that will be determined.

Stevens was suspended and docked two games' pay by the league in November for the marijuana offense. He said today he had no knowledge of the league's plans to assess further discipline. He also, according to a league official,  has no say in how and when his suspension is served.

Allen said Stevens in all likelihood will miss the first two games, at New Orleans and at home against the Falcons.

Jerramy Stevens responds

Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens faced questions today for the first time since re-joining the Bucs on Friday, saying much of what has been alleged against him in terms of the 2000 rape investigation is false.

He also is well aware of the firestorm that has resulted from his signing and isn't totally shocked by it.

"I don't feel it's a good use of my time to focus on (the reaction)," he said. "So, I'm doing everything I can to try and go forward. It's not surprising to me."

Regarding the rape allegations detailed in January's revealing Seattle Times story, Stevens said, "I didn't read the story and I don't have any reaction to it. I've dealt with that. That's something in my past and that's where I'm going to keep it. I'm not going to backtrack eight or nine years to talk about things I've already moved past. I don't know what the point of that article was, but it's not something that I've been concerning myself with."

Stevens later added, "This is all in my past. None of this is new. A lot of if is false. It's not a new issue. The issue has been addressed. When I got drafted, all of that was addressed then. This isn't anything new to me. I don't know what caused this to get dug up, but it's all things that I've moved past."

Bruce Allen speaks on Jerramy Stevens

General manager Bruce Allen just addressed the widespread criticism of the Bucs' decision to re-sign Jerramy Stevens in light of details of an alleged rape and other offenses published in a story earlier this year.

Among his statements was an admission that the Bucs, along with every team, was aware of the rape allegations long ago when Stevens was drafted out of Washington in 2000. Charges were later dropped, though Stevens reportedly settled a civil suit filed by the victim for $300,000.

Regarding the public outcry about a story that has dominated sports talk radio all week, Allen said, "I apprecicate our fans' feelings. But we do take into account everything we believe. These issues, obviously, as we said last year, were well documented in the past. We knew them in 2000. Every NFL team knew in 2000 before he entered the NFL."

Asked whether any of the eye-opening, graphic details contained in the Seattle Times article were new to him, Allen said, "There were some comments from the police detectives on their individual feelings. But obviously, if charges are brought in any case, there is some sense that a policeman or some type of investigator felt some wrongdoing was there. When the district attorney cleared him, I'm sure that's why Seattle ended up taking him in the first round.

"Before the draft, every team does their own investigation and the league does an extensive investigation. The charges were dismissed, but we knew about the accusation. You had the information, you had the district attorney's comment and the lead prosecutor and why he dismissed it."

We addressed this with Jerramy last season beforehand, as I'm sure the Seahawks did when he was on their team when that settlement was done, I think in 2004."

Commentary: Some dignity lost

Columnist John Romano wrote: "In case you weren't paying attention as the weekend was dawning late Friday afternoon — and I suspect the Bucs specifically chose that moment to sneak in under the radar — Tampa Bay announced it had re-signed troubled tight end Jerramy Stevens."

Read his column here.

Nothing fishy to Gradkowski story, Bucs say

The Bucs say they aren't playing games with Bruce Gradkowski, despite a suggestion making the rounds on the Internet today.

A story posted today by noted NFL reporter Howard Balzer suggests the Bucs might be trying to use a ploy by announcing on Friday that Gradkowski had been waived but not immediately placing him on waivers with the league office. That could perhaps open the door to a last-minute trade possibility. And, sure enough, Gradkowski was not on the daily waiver wire circulated to NFL teams Friday afternoon.

But general manager Bruce Allen, through a team spokesman, explained to us that the Bucs were unable to request waivers on Gradkowski before the end of business on Friday because they wanted to inform him personally before making his release official. By then, Allen said, the league offices were closed. As a result, Allen added, Gradkowski will be on today's waiver wire, which will be released shortly.

It sounds like a reasonable explanation. But there's a reason this whole thing got my antennae up. It was just last week that the Vikings announced the release of defensive end Erasmus James, only to rescind the action over the Memorial Day long weekend, then executing a trade with the Redskins in which the player was exchanged for a draft pick. We all know the Bucs aren't afraid to try to anything when it comes to personnel moves (just ask Jake Plummer). And, if I understand things correctly, a team has the right to rescind a waiver up until the point the player clears waivers. In the end, I think it's unlikely anyone will give up anything of value for Gradkowski, but that doesn't mean the Bucs won't try to trade him anyway.

We'll get into the particulars of the waiver wire another time, but I hope this is an adequate explanation. If you have questions, mention them in the comments section and I'll address them later, as always.

How do you like Michael Pittman now?

When Michael Pittman signed with the Broncos last week, I wonder if he knew then what we know now: That Denver planned on releasing starting running back Travis Henry.

That's the latest out of Denver, where Pittman could shoot to the top of the depth chart after the Broncos decided to part ways with Henry today, less than a year after his well-publicized battle with the NFL over a disputed failed drug test.

Pittman got no love with the Bucs after he made it clear at the outset of free agency he would attempt to find work elsewhere in part because he was dissatisfied with his role in Tampa Bay. He looked to be set to be a backup in Denver when he inked his deal last week, but this move changes everything.

All Pittman will have to do now is beat out Selvin Young and former USF star Andre Hall and he'll be at the top of the depth chart.  Pittman's no All-Pro, but if he can assimilate to the Broncos' unique blocking schemes, perhaps he can have a great deal of success in Denver like so many backs over the years.

And don't forget: the Bucs play at Denver on Oct. 5.