Bucs nearing deals with remaining picks
Three of the Bucs' four un-signed rookies said today they expect to reach contract agreements with the team in the next few days.
Receiver/kick returner Dexter Jackson (second round), offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah (third round) and quarterback Josh Johnson (fifth round) said they did not anticipate any delays reporting to camp Friday.
First round pick Aquib Talib, a defensive back from Kansas, also remains unsigned.
Adam Heller, the agent for Johnson, said an agreement may take another day or two because, "we're trying to get a little creative.' Johnson is not expected to be active for many games as a rookie.
Bucs general manager Bruce Allen has never failed to sign a draft pick prior to the start of training camp since coming to the team in 2004.
"I'd love to get it done as soon as possible,' Jackson said. "I'm just waiting. It should be done, hopefully, before camp. Maybe by Thursday I can officially be a Buc.'
That process was made easier when special master Stephen Burbank ruled in favor of the NFL Players Association when he found fully-guaranteed salaries in uncapped years of 2010 and beyond will not be allocated to the first or second year for salary cap purposes.
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.
Doo Dah, Doo Dah!
Posted by: Valrico Rick | July 21, 2008 at 06:19 PM
So Cato June is going to have a new dance partner twice a year. Shockey in a Saints uniform, "what's wrong with this picture?" This is a much more interesting storyline than the nothing news about the rookie players getting signed. Maybe they will, and maybe they won't! Just tell us when they do!
Posted by: Valrico Rick | July 21, 2008 at 06:27 PM
You're totally right, Valrico, instead of wasting time on articles that are extremely important we should just have no articles about the team unless they fall under the special "Valrico Rick" criteria. You just submit the ideas for articles that you want to see and then we can all wait around and get no news unless it is about something that you desired.
Posted by: Brandon | July 21, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I think these new players coming on board could really be a problem for some of the veterans. Espically WR's because Today WR and Rb's are fast and healthy. Iam really looking forward to the Pre-Season and the regular saeson.
Posted by: George L Hicks | July 21, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Is Nicholson still glowing?
Posted by: Greg | July 22, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Nicholson is glowing from the tasering he recieved this past weekend.
Posted by: AEverhart | July 22, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Can we just get rid of Gruden
Posted by: Sue | July 22, 2008 at 01:24 PM