Bucs center of QB reports

If the subject is quarterbacks, the Buccaneers are always in the conversation.

There's been various reports this week that could have an impact before training camp.

The Ft. Worth-Star Telegram reported there is increased speculation in Dallas that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not satisfied with his team's backup quarterback situation behind starter Tony Romo.

The speculation is that the Cowboys have an interest in trading for Chris Simms, who obviously wants out of Tampa Bay.

Simms played collegiately for Texas. The Cowboys may be willing to part with receiver Terry Glenn, who underwent two knee injuries last season. The Cowboys have offered Glenn a $500,000 injury waiver if he re-injures his knee and is lost for the season.

The Bucs have said they could add another veteran receiver before training camp. If healthy, Glenn would make some sense. It would enable the Bucs to unload Simms via trade, much the way they were able to swap Keyshawn Johnson for Joey Galloway. Both players were about to be cut by their respective teams.

Simms insists he will report to Bucs training camp if he still is on the roster July 25. Passing a physical shouldn't be an issue since he was able to do that under much worse circumstances last year. But it's hard to fathom the Bucs bringing five quarterbacks to training camp when NFL teams are restricted to an 80-man roster limit.

One way or another, don't expect Simms to spend much time in training camp with the Bucs. It's hard to get three quarterbacks reps, let alone five. It may take a little more time, but Simms will likely be traded or released. The Cowboys scenario makes some sense.

But if Simms is traded to the Cowboys, he would likely be the No. 3 quarterback behind Romo and Brad Johnson. The Cowboys flirted with signing Marques Tuiasosopo, but he was told it would be as the No. 3 quarterback and opted to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

The other headline getting attention is the possible return of quarterback Brett Favre to the NFL this season.

Favre, who had a tearful retirement from the Packers in March, is expected to make his intentions officially known in the next week or so.

The Packers have spent the off-season preparing to move forward with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Frankly, they hope No. 4 stays on the riding mower in Mississippi. But how could they keep him out of Green Bay?

At 38, Favre is coming off one of the best years of his career, having led the Packers to the NFC Championship game. He passed for 4,155 yards with 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also completed 66.5 percent of his passes, a career-high.

If the Packers release Favre, in addition to a huge public relations nightmare, they run the risk of him going to an NFC North rival: Minnesota, Chicago or Detroit.

And yes, there's plenty of speculation that Tampa Bay would be a good spot for Favre. He's well-versed in the west coast offense and has a relationship with Jon Gruden, who coached in Green Bay. The Bucs even have enough salary cap room for his $12-million per year salary.

Everyone knows Gruden is fond of collecting quarterbacks and it might be impossible to resist a chance to put Favre under center. But it would probably mean an immediate departure for Jeff Garcia, who has worked hard all off-season trying to improve in his second season with the Bucs.

In the end, Favre will probably either remain retired or return to Green Bay. But in early July, when most coaches and executives are on vacation, it's fun to ponder Favre in pewter and red.

Comments

[Krutch]

I think Favre would make our receving corps look REALLY good, but Gruden runs a tough offense for a QB to master and to have him for only one year (presumably) would be for exhibition only. We won't grow as a team. Then again, we won't be growing much with Garcia either. At least he's going into his second season in the offense.

[Skylar]

So much temptation with Favre...I do like trading Crissy Simms for Glenn though. We could finally put an end to that chapter of Buccaneer lore. Glenn still has plenty left in his tank...if he can stay healthy. Florida grass has a way of healing bad knees.

[Stephen]

Simms going to another team to try a fresh start would be in his best interest as he knows that being a starter for this franchise is a long shot. I do not see the benefit being a cowboy as he will be a back up there as well. As far a Farve coming to Tampa it would be a good PR move but what real benefit would he provide that Garcia currently doesnt provides us?

[Vince]

Wow, what will the Times do if those stupid Bucs are actually able to offload Simms for a player or a pick? Didn't the Times advocate for setting Simms free because he was "being treated unfairly?" The Bucs still might release Simms for nothing (thank McKay for the good return on that investment), but it appears we should all rest assured that the Buc's brain trust is named Allen/Gruden and not Stroud/Romano/Holder.

The Bucs will not pick up Favre.

[DR]

I hope Simms doesn't go to my 'Boys because he has nothing to offer. He will not be a starter ever again, and if he is, that team has no shot of going anywhere.
The Favre thing makes me sick. Who cares? I thought it was fitting that he ended his career with an overtime interception, but if he choses to come back, i'm glad my team doesn't have a shot at getting him. He's lost more big games than he has won. 6 INTs against the Rams in a playoff game, the horrible high school throw in overtime against the Eagles, and last year, a bad throw against the Giants in OT. There are more games. In my opinion, he's the most overrated QB of all time. Don't get me wrong, he's a HOF QB, he just isn't in the Top 5, maybe 10, of all time. I don't see him putting a team over the edge and in the playoffs next year.

[Steve L]

Enough already. Brett Favre is the most annoying man in football. We don't need him building upon his all time INT record (which will likely never be broken in our lifetime, whereas the TD record- which he clearly stayed in the league during his several years of futility before the fluke of last year to break- should come down in a few years via Manning) in Tampa. The Packer’s were last in the SuperBowl during the Clinton Administration so I don’t see any tangible benefit beyond what we already have. Garcia clearly outplays Favre at this point in their careers and is far more professional and prepared. Favre needs to take his silly handoff with the fake jump pass self and ride off into the sunset like other greats (like Marino- who in retirement still has a greater TD to INT ratio- +168 to Favre’s +154). He can hock Wrangler’s and Viagra for a paycheck (as if he needs one) and perhaps spend some quality time with his sick wife and kids. He has a multitude of avenues if he chooses to stay near the game. I admire his skill and tenacity but if I see another clip of his MNF performance the day after his father died (this had to have been shown on ESPN over 100 times when he “retired”) I’m gonna barf. Enough with the deification. In closing, he needs to take a page out of The Book of Sapp. Warren knew how to retire just like he knew how to play. He needs to sack Favre one last time and keep him planted.

[Duane]

Trading Simms for Glenn would make sense if Glenn is really ready to play .. Bucs will investigate and act accordingly. Maybe they would take Glenn and a future mid-round draft pick.

As for Brett Favre, it is really hard to imagine any true fan of the game having such a sour attitude toward this cinch Hall of Famer, as does Steve L. It was the right thing for Favre to retire from the Pack and let them move on ... whether it makes sense for him to play for another team ... even the Bucs ... it all depends on the specific situation. But he could definitely play for the Bucs and be at least as productive as Garcia was with just one training camp under his belt.

Could be interesting!

[DELdaBULL]

No one would or should give the Bucs more than a 6th rounder for Simms. THe kid just can't play. Ask Major Applewhite

[Steve L]

Duane, longevity does not equate to greatness. See DR's post above for more evidence of this. That said, I never said Favre isn't a HOFamer; clearly he is (if for nothing else his stats and his likeable blue collar demeanor). My major point was the Bucs absolutely do not need his services. My minor point was no one else does either, with the exception of perhaps his family. Hopefully you can imagine it now because I am a true fan of the game and not a hater. And you have to know that Favre would be a media hogging stop gap at best for ANY team. There would be no legitimacy in his playing at this point. His ability to still throw a football with velocity is belied by the incredible selfishness it would take to throw his hat into any teams ring at this point.

[James]

Krutch, we shouldn't get Favre because a QB can't be successful in his 1st year in Gruden's system? That's not only a completely stupid reason, it's ignorant as hell too...

Brad Johnson went 15-4, won the Super Bowl and had the Bucs' best single-season QB performance ever... all of this in his 1st year under Gruden in 2002.

Btw, Garcia threw an astounding 12 TD's last year in 13.5 games. The least in the NFL among QB's with 10 or more starts. I'd be fine with a rookie puting up those numbers but having a 37 year old veteran "Pro Bowler" doing it is pathetic and it makes him that much more replaceable.

Krutch should leave the football talk to the grown ups.

[CobraJ]

WHAT! Brett Favre returning to the NFL? NOOOOOOOO!
Now, why isn't that not surprising?
It's just a marketing tactic by his agent(s) to get them to pay him more because without Brett, the Packers are just a mediocre team at best.
I'm sick of hearing this retirement junk story. Just play the dang game till you die Brett!

[Tom]

Terry Glenn would be a great addition to our team. DR, Simms would be better in the Boys' vertical passing game. He's not suited for the West Coast Offense. He's not going to unseat Romo, but would be a very nice backup.

I'm getting tired of Favre also. His selfishness is getting old. Although it's hard to imagine the Packers better without Favre, this IS a team game and his actions are selfish.

[Adam]

Simms for Glenn would FINALLY give the team another receiver who is more than Training Camp Fodder.

[JoeBuc]

Simms for Glenn, sounds good !

[Joe Ball Coach]

Wonder when the Dilfer chat will start?! Simms would be a good fit in Dallas. Strong arm should look good in a vertical scheme. Hope T.O wears his gloves! Favre in Tampa? That's ridiculous. While I see our O-line as very much improved over 07', I doubt Mr. Favre does!

[shane]

on the farve situation lets look at it this way you've played football for 35 years of your life and you just retired about 4-5 months ago, you know football season starts in about a month and its hard to think about sitting at home or in the stands watching a football when you've played the game(and became one of the best) for the majority of your life. how do you cope with that situation, just give Brett some time and he'll quiet down and stay retired after a good talk with the owner and the coaching staff.

now to the simms trade. i've got two words for ya: do it!(now on to the rest of my rant) simms is garbage here in tampa(Cadillac/Griese were responsible for that '05 season) and glenn is still a playmaker and hopefully he has the same remarkable healing process that joey had. theres a thought galloway, glenn, and jackson all three are speed demons and with jackson being a rook he should be in single coverage most of the time due to the double coverage on either joey or glenn.

[Common Sense]

We here in Dallas refer to to the Fort Worth Star Telegram as the STARTLE-GRAM. Not a reliable source by any stretch. I guarantee there has been no mention whatsoever of Chris Simms in the Dallas newspaper, on radio sports talk shows or in TV coverage of the the Cowboys.

This is just more publicity courtesy of Simms' agent. Not a word of truth to it.

[R-ROD]

i think they should've stuck with Gradkowski, but then again we need to win. Im just hoping that if Favre does come back and does'nt get something done with the bucs that he goes somewhere in the AFC.(so we can win the NFC).

[Rudy LA BuCkAnEer]

Go for it. Trade Simms to the Cowboys but don't get Glenn in return. Instead get a player that we can use like a Safety: R.Williams there an impact player or a Defensive End like M.Spears.I hope we don't just settle for Glenn. Then everyone will say we are collecting wide receivers next. Sayonara Simms.

[Greg]

Enough with the wild speculation, Farve is not coming to Tampa. He is either done for good or going one last round at Green Bay. The only way he would go somewhere else is if he thought he had a lock on getting the ring he so wants!

Simms for Glenn? That could be, but can Glenn bring a walker on the field?

[DR]

You guys can have Glenn, but we don't want Simms. We'll take a box of balls instead. A Simms for Glenn trade would be one of the most irrelevant and worthless trades in football history. Gleen's career is over and Simms career ended in college. Had his chance and didn't take advantage of it. I'd rather see a Glenn for Clayton trade. Garrett would be able to utilize Clayton's skills correctly, unlike that moron who runs the Tampa offense.

[nick]

If Garcia keeps crying about his contract, dont be surprised if Allen and Gruden kick him to the curb and make a play on Favre. These guys don't give any old players extensions or more money. Ask Keenan McCardell.

[JC]

A retired Favre is better than a healthy Garcia. I'm not knocking Garcia's accomplishments last season, however, if Tampa had the ability to add Favre albeit for one season, I say "do it!" Trading Simms for Glenn is a wash. I don't think you'll get much from Glenn. If you trade Simms for a young receiver, say, Patrick Crayton, or any young, up and coming receiver for that matter, there's a higher ceiling for success as opposed to trading for Terry Glenn, who has two bad wheels.

As for Garcia, the guy is making $5 million this season and he wants a bigger and better contract at age 38. The wise business move is to make him honor his contract and assess the situation at the end of the season. Remember, we had to play McCown and Gradkowski last year because of Garcia's injuries.

[jay]

FIRE JON U SUCK GRUDEN!!!!!!!!!

[Bucs Fan]

Glenn is only 33, you guys act like he's coming out of retirement. His legs have been battered, so what? He is more likely to contribute to this team that crybaby Simms.

[DR]

Simms for Crayton??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! That would be a lopsided trade. Simms is horrible and he would only get a 7th rounder or a washed up player for him. The Cowboys are probably asking for Simms and a draft pick for Glenn.

[raw_as_fuq]

BREAKING NEWS

Brett Farve just asked the Packers to release him!!!! I know he probably wont get picked up by the Bucs, but its still BIG news!

[Jay]

Ok, all the sudden, I don't think I'd mind seeing Favre in a Bucs uniform. Nothing against Garcia or Griese, but the guy is a LEGEND, and would guarantee at least some level of excitement and coverage from the national media.

[JP]

Signing Favre would be a complete waste of time. And one more minute of Chris Simms on the roster is also a complete waste of time.

Garcia went to the Pro Bowl last season people. Why in the world would you want to lose him. The problem is not at QB. The problem is at WR.

[Bucsfan]

Garcia sneaked in to the pro bowl, and seriously...they're both 38...who who you rather have on your team? Favre or Garcia? Gee let me think......

[Bucsfan]

DR, What are you doing here if you are a cowgirl fan?

your thought and input dont really mean nothing to us.

Go chat about jessica and your team that has not won a playoff game in 14 years.

[DT]

DR sounds like the only one with any sense here. Shoulda realized he wasn't a Bucs fan. Bucs fans are, for the most part clueless. The intellect in this area is ZERO. The pathetic press doesn't help, they just prey on the simple-minded.

[Jaeden]

Garcia played tough last year, and I do think if he remains our starting QB he needs a raise. But year of age for year of age, Brett Favre is the man. I mean, the Bucs have gotten to the #3 QB each of the last 3 years due to durability issues - how about a QB who hasn't missed a game since Clinton's first term?

Yes, he throws the wild interception at times. He tries too hard. But the man has passed for 35 miles of offense. Pair him with somebody like Joey Galloway, with Brett's long ball, and you're talking Greatest Show on Surf.

We do need to find a QB of the future, though, and unless it's McCown or Josh Johnson, it's not on our roster - Griese and Simms are not the answer, and Garcia or Favre have about 3 years combined in them.

You have to admit it would be ironic winning a Super Bowl with Brett Favre at the helm, after all the butt whoopings he dealt us throughout the 90s.

Re: Simms... I'd love to see the Bucs get a WR in trade for him - its the only position I am concerned about depth on. But everybody knows Simms won't make the final roster so I don't see why any team that wants him wouldn't wait for him to be cut, unless they want to trade some player they were going to cut anyway. Maybe we can trade him to the Giants, for whom his dad starred, for the WR who made the helmet catch in the Super Bowl, Tyree. ESPN reports he likely won't make their roster.

[Jaeden]

One thing that does concern me though - if people keep up with this Bruce Allen / Favre dinner chatter, it's only a matter of time before the Packers slap us with tampering charges like they did Minnesota.

If I'm Allen, I offer GB a conditional draft pick based on Favre's stats and playing time and whether or not he lasts more than 1 year. I'd ask Brett for a commitment of 2 years before I traded for him.

Then, I'd commit to picking a QB in the 1st or 2nd round next year to try to prepare for the future. These late-round flier guys (Simms was really a 4th round pick, Gradkowski was a 6th) are not working out so well - think, every team passed on them 3 or more times for a reason. Hopefully Josh Johnson makes a liar out of me.