Talib nears agreement
Cornerback Aqib Talib, the Bucs' first-round pick, is nearing a deal with the team.
An announcement could come within the next few days, and he is expected to report to training camp Friday at the Celebration Hotel.
The Bucs have four rookies who remain un-signed - Talib, receiver Dexter Jackson (second round), guard Jeremy Zuttah (third round) and quarterback Josh Johnson (fifth round). Zuttah is expected to sign as early as today. Under Allen, the Bucs have never failed to sign a rookie prior to the start of training camp.
The club also is expected to place running back Cadillac Williams on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from knee surgery. Williams would not count against the 80-man roster limit and can be activated any time during camp.
General manager Bruce Allen may address some training camp issues today or Wednesday. Among them may be the status of quarterback Chris Simms, who still plans to report to camp Friday.
Simms made it clear in June that holding out was not an option. The Bucs have not had a chance to evaluate him medically. If he is among the 80 players the Bucs take to camp, he will have to take a physical.
What happens after that is anyone's guess. The Bucs have five quarterbacks on their roster and could hope that an injury facilitates a trade before the start of the regular season.
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.
Get the draft picks signed...then work on Garcia and White
Posted by: Joe Smoo | July 22, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Right on Joe?
Posted by: john | July 22, 2008 at 12:25 PM
f-Garcia
Posted by: | July 22, 2008 at 01:24 PM
This is no surprise as high draft picks are always working to great lengths to get the most out of the 1st contract. Garcia has no leverage and the Bucs know his best opportunity to win is here. Winning cures all issues most of the time and if this team's off line shows up I think we can make a splash this year. I can't wait for the season to start as the NFL channel has been showing all these replays and my mouth starts watering. LOL!! Tampa @ New Orleans, what a game out the gate!
Posted by: Stephen | July 22, 2008 at 01:43 PM
It's not the Buc's fault that Garcia did not make sure to get a stipulation requring that if healthy and forced to sit, he still gets paid the bonus. That is the fault of Garcia and his agent. The Buc's front office can't sit down with everyone to go over everything line-by-line to see if they "get it."
Posted by: Wade | July 22, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Once Talib is signed, the other dominos will fall into place quickly, as each tries to grab the remainder of the salary cap pot. I predict we'll see Garcia or Simms, but not both.
Posted by: Troy | July 22, 2008 at 02:03 PM
The collective bargain agreement, that was unanimously shot down by the owners, is the main reason why these rookies aren't signed yet. As of yesterday, only 4 of the first round picks were signed.
Posted by: DR | July 22, 2008 at 02:22 PM
does any know how many guys our on our roster? how many cuts (if any do we need to make to get to 80?
Posted by: mike | July 22, 2008 at 03:35 PM
5 cuts.
Posted by: MissMe | July 22, 2008 at 04:53 PM