Bucs to release Galloway

The Bucs will release receiver Joey Galloway, according to his agent.

Galloway, 37, who was acquired in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for Keyshawn Johnson in 2004, enjoyed three consecutive, 1000-yard seasons under Jon Gruden. But in 2008, he missed the first half of the season battling injuries, including two broken bones in his ankle.

He eventually lost his starting wideout job to Antonio Bryant, who was designated the team's franchise player on Friday.

Galloway finished the season with just 18 catches for. He was scheduled to earn a $2-million salary and had a $250,000 roster bonus due later this week. 

Agent Shawn Trell said the Bucs informed him Galloway would be released. "I can confirm the Bucs are going to release Joey,'' Trell said in a text message Wednesday.

Last week, offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said he could find ways to get Bryant and Galloway on the field together but apparently won't get that chance.

Galloway might not be only player released this week. Ike Hilliard, who turns 33 in April, has a $200,000 roster bonus due later this week and counts $1.3-million against the salary cap. But Hilliard's agent had not heard from the Bucs Wednesday morning.

The Bucs already are expected to let receiver Michael Clayton and safety Jermaine Phillips test the market when the free agent signing period begins Friday.

Galloway's release wasn't made for cost-cutting reasons. The Bucs reportedly are a whopping $55-million under the salary cap.

But coach Raheem Morris said last week he wants the Bucs to 'be tougher,' and indicated the team will practice more in full pads. During his career with the Bucs, Galloway rarely if ever practiced on Wednesdays and was limited to one practice a day in training camp when healthy.

   

Comments

[ty guy]

Okay so I guess we'll be drafting a WR in the first round or trying to sign a solid no. 2 reciever in FA. Good luck Joey and thanks for the production.

[IREADER]

Good luck JG! It's a shame you didn't have a coach and a QB that could have utilized you to your fullest potential.
You put up amazing numbers in '06 and '07 for what you were working with.
You made THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY proud of ya!!!

[common sense]

Thank you Joey!! You are a real class act, I wish more players had your attitude on and off the field. You'll always have my respect.

[Vince]

Oh my goodness, it seems a few other coaches agree with Gruden's assessment of Galloway. Outrageous! Fire them all and off with their heads!

[e]

Thanks so much and best of luck Joey!
e

[ref813]

I guess this means they will either sign Henderson or go after Heyward-Bey. We need one fast WR. Those are the best options I know of. Henderson is a lot like Galloway. He is a deep threat without great hands. He is a lot younger, though.
I guess this doghouse thing extends beyond Gruden. Could it be that Gruden had some clue what he was doing? Maybe, he had good reason for not liking some players. Galloway and Garcia got hurt every year. Clayton had his share of injuries. Injuries can kill a season. It's time to get tougher. T.J. is tough. That may be the big name they will go after.

[The..Bucs...win]

Wow...not a good move. He still had a fire under him and he was a class act. I hope these coaches know what they are doing. Speed kills and Joey had that...just was never used. I know he was older but he still got it done when he was thrown to...no question! Come on coaches...don't make too many mistakes. Good luck Joey... You will be missed and someone will benefit from you. Mark my words!! I will definitely keep an eye on you wherever you end up! Lets go Bucs.... do something that gives me some confidence in ya!!

[Jack]

Maybe they will resign him at a better cap number

[DR]

Good riddance Joey. Don't let the door hit you in the... Good luck to the suckers who sign you.

[DR]

Joey couldn't run a pattern to save his life and he didn't have the heart to fight for the ball. That's why as a #1WR, he has never won a playoff game in his career. Good riddance.

[Donovan Kelley]

I am more worried about losing Hilliard and Clayton. Both were work horses and if anybody could be counted on as Mr. 1st down, it was Ike Hillard (33 ain't that bad for a productive healthy veteran).
Dexter Jackson could be coached into the lineup with his speed, but we would have little depth with just Stoval on the bench. I was excited about the team before but it feels much more like a rebuilding year now. It may feel different after FA and draft though. I will be holding my breath until then :)

[bob b]

Well of course they cut them. These guys are high profile, high dollar and older and thus high maintenance for the organization. Never mind that they are higly enjoyable for us fans to watch and they are solid football players and produce. So be it. Guess what, it's rebuilding years for us too and so I did my part - I just cut two fans (i.e, my two seats) from your fanbase roster. I'll be the guy with something better to do on Sundays next fall which won't take much effort on my part.

[OAR]

Dr-flipper the great foosball god, there you are. Was wondering when the hater comments wold come out. I guess that rock wasn't that heavy for you.
What I find funny is you think Clayton is better than Galloway. Hilairous!

[Sunglasses Future]

Actually Rick it is a cost-cutting move. It doesn't matter how far under the cap they are if the Glazers can't foot the bill (for Man U). They can find a cheaper guy (for this year) to sign at WR. My guess is someone for a deal of several years so that they can stretch out the price and pay later.

[DR]

Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway have went to the same amount of pro bowls.
Just listened to Joey Galloway get interviewed and he said he wasn't really surprised by the move and he is excited for next season. He hasn't thought about what team he may join next year. He said he loved Tampa and that Morris is a great coach and he won't be surprised to hear Tampa as one of the elite teams in a few years.
I think Galloway will find a team that he will fit better on as a #2 or #3 WR, where he should have been for most if not all of his career.
The ineteresting stat for all you Galloway fans is that Galloway is going into his 14th season and still has not made a pro bowl.

[tbuc70-scooter]

So were in need of WR's and this is how the team goes about its business, cutting Galloway, Hillard, and not resigning Clayton. Um...other than Bryant, whats left?

[Willycp]

Good move! with Bryant on the roster, we dont need the services of Galloway anymore, we should get younger at the position. No problem here!

[Stacy]

Man, for many of you who calim to be Bucs fans, you sure dont know much. Please check the roster and then check the FA and draft available rosters before showing your ignorance. It is embarrassing. I am embarrassed for you guys.
REF..What the He11?? you said "I guess this means they will either sign Henderson or go after Heyward-Bey. We need one fast WR. Those are the best options I know of. Henderson is a lot like Galloway. He is a deep threat without great hands".
You may think we should go after these guys and you are the only person that I keep reading saying this. You also think we should go after a WR with -according to you - speed but "without great hands"? The only thing I can say to you is I am glad you are not a Bucs talent scout. Geezzz

[Stacy]

claim - not calim...Just cause I know many of you are salivating while waiting to pounce.