A couple more contract tidbits

When the Bucs announced the signings of SS Jermaine Phillips and TE Jerramy Stevens last week, we weren't clear on the terms of those deals other than the fact Stevens was believed to have signed for two years.

Now, players union data gives us a better feel for those deals. Records show Phillips signed a one-year deal that will pay him a base salary of $1.25-million for 2009. The records do not indicate what, if any, signing bonus Phillips received. The decision to lock him in for just one year might have something to do with his history of broken arms, which likely was unavoidable in contract negotiations.

After two seasons of playing for the veteran minimum salary, Stevens said at the end of last season he hoped to cash in. Turns out he got a nice bump, going from a salary in the $600,000 range to $1.265-million in 2009 and $1.425-million in 2010. As with Phillips, we don't know what, if any, bonuses Stevens was paid.

If nothing else, this info at least gives an idea of these two players' standing with the team.

Comments

[Matt H]

If nothing else, this info at least gives an idea of the Bucs standing with cash flow...

[CW]

That's interesting...especially about Phillips only getting a 1-year deal. He must not have been offered more on the open market, right? Hope he can stay healthy this year and maybe again being in a contract year will keep his fire lit.

[Valrico Rick]

The Glazers just gave 5 million to a Children's Museum! You need to step off the cheap, and you most definetly better step of the racism! And you need to do it NOW!

[CW]

That's really offensive Robert. There's no need for that on this blog.

[ETO]

Sirius NFL Radio interviewed Phillips yesterday and you could tell he was bitter about how free agency went for him this year. He knows that his broken forearms were the main reason he didn't receive any big $ offers.
He chose to stay for another year, hoping to stay healthy, and give free agency another shot next year. Its about the same premise as Bodden's signing up in New England.

[Cinemike]

Hey Robert, the Bucs don't need racist douche bag fans, so step off! k?

[ref813]

If we're getting our players signed back up for scraps, why not spend a bit extra on a FA or two?
Can we get any kind of update on Paymah, Crowell, Holly or Barnes?
If nothing else, can they at least get Ruud and anyone else who is worth keeping and whose contract is nearing its end signed to a new deal? They must still be below the minimum spending required by the CBA.

[Erick]

Whats with the Jew nonsense Adolph?! That may have been a joke but it is not funny, not even remotely. Listen to Rick and go find a clan meeting to attend.

On to other things. I'm glad the got Phillips back, lets hope he stays healthy. And Steven I can do without. He may present matchup problems but he is not the type of person we need on this young and developing team.

[conradbuff]

so if this is right they are paying will allen more than phillips?

[conradbuff]

with those salaries the bonus would be minimal if anything

[OAR]

Paymah 'Rent' is still on tour visited Ravens, Broncos, us, and on to San Fran, Vikings, and Cleveland.
Crowell I heard was in Detroit.
Barnes not a word.
Holly was on injured reserve with serious knee injury and was evetually waived by the Browns. He did visit tuesday.

[ref813]

Erick, please see if you can find the comments his fellow Bucs made about him. He has been a model teammate since coming to Tampa. Try to let the past go because he's not going anywhere.

[ref813]

Thanks for the updates, Oar. I need to broaden my sports news sites. I can't ever get the details I want. Do you have any suggestions?

[Go Long]

A year ago DUI-Mig and his legions of loser followers were all up in arms that Stevens was signed for the 2nd consecutive year. Now where is all of your mightier-than-thou posturing? Where is the outrage?! Just shows how now that Gruden & Allen are gone the press is changing the rules. The bloggers here and press would have been so critical if Allen & Gruden had signed Stevens again! Truth hurts huh HYPOCRITES! (and for the record Stevens shoudl be resigned - he has been a model citizen, I am just pointing out the hyporacy of this town.

[ref813]

Go Long, I've been with you all of the way. If he stays out of trouble, I'm not worried about his past. As soon as they re-signed him last year, I tried to explain to people that it's up to parents to teach their kids who a role model is. These guys aren't automatically role models. They have to choose to be like Dunn and Brooks did. If people want only saints playing football, they've got the wrong sport altogether. Football players have been getting in a good bit of trouble for as long as I can remember. I don't like it, but I accept it.

[Robert]

GO LONG, I 2nd that," THE TRUTH HURTS" That's why so many people get lied to and lie themselves. People don't want to hear the truth. THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR COUNTRY. IT IS CORRUPT from the top, all the way down to us bloggers!

[Slamdunk]

I think the Phillips signing was a good one. They got him at a bargain price, and the last year the defense was better with him in the lineup, even with one good arm. He breaks his arms because he throws his body around--I'd rather spend money on that type of player than someone not interested in contact.

I don't have much to say on the Stevens deal except: I wish we had 1/2 the depth at the other 21 other positions.

[ty guy]

I'm surprised that the Chargers didn't offer Phillips more than the Bucs did. San Diego needed Phillips a little more than the Bucs did and the Bucs didn't even pay him that much. I guess Jermaine's arm injuries are a little more scary to GM's than I thought. I would have signed him for multiple years but I can't argue with Dominik being careful about Phillips' injury history.

[D Block]

That was a dirty deal they handed out to Phillips in my opinion.

[OAR]

ref813, this will hurt the Times' reporter's feelings, but I say if the weather is nice out, then go outside.
pewterreport.com is really good(you do not have to subscribe to their mag, but about 40% of their reads are for memebers). I am not a mag subscriber/member and get more than enough from them, even videos.
footballguys.com is good too. They have the entire league news or you can choose any team for just thier related news.
profootballtalk.com is another good one. They are news and rumors. They have sections on injuries, contracts, etc.

[HayesNC]

Let's talk football!

Ok, our entire team is being rebuilt around two coordinators, Bates and Jagz. I see Bates sticking around for a while but I possibly see Jagz leaving for a head coaching job in a year or two, especially if he has success in Tampa. Nothing wrong with that, that's just the business. So if we build an offense around Jagz style and he bounces in a year, will the players we have be able to transition again or will we be back to square one?

[Go Long]

Haynes - What do you base this on? Bates has been out of the NFL three of the past four seasons according to my research on his past. Is that a good omen? Jagz has never called plays and has not run an offense, contrary to popular belief. McCarthy called the plays in Green Bay when he was there. Why don't you let them prove themselves on the field first. You already have one leaving to be a HC in a year or two??!! Sheesh. How about they HAVE A PRACTICE FIRST! and trust me - they are back at square one right now.

[ref813]

Thanks. I finally remembered to check the pewter report just a minute ago.
Hayes, most good players can function in any type of pro O. For Jagz's system, we needed a stronger-armed QB and some vertical weapons at TE. I thought we would need a fast WR, too, but that hasn't happened, yet, unless Jackson can play. Our O line will hopefully be able to make the transition to the zone blocking with no trouble. He does like to have some bigger RBs, too. I think his personnel could function perfectly well in a system like Gruden's. It just didn't work quite as well the other way around.
On D, the only major changes I've heard about are getting bigger guys in the middle of the D line, getting a bit bigger at LB, which didn't ever happen, and getting corners who are physical enough to play man coverage and bump at the line. I guess they think Mack or Ronde can do that. We'll see. Tampa 2 requires more speed at LB than some. There are always going to be some differences, but most pros are capable of playing in some different schemes.
The players they released or let get away were mostly because of age and/or money.

[Go Long]

...and as a follow-up. I do give them the benefit of the doubt. Let's just see what the Bucs new coaching staff has and let them prove it before we start plotting their next stop after the presumed success. Success is earned.

[Yoshi]

Can we drop the whole America/racism/telling the truth; conversation. Its over just let it ride. Anyway i think that Phillps should have gotten more than what he got. I understand the whole arm situation but he has played his heart out for a while now. He is worth way more than that even if it is a one year contract. He should hae at least gotten double. Like one of the earlier comments said, the defense was noticeably better with him playing. Hopefully he stays healthy and earns a big contract with us.

[Michael]

@Robert, you are a racist POS, as a Jew and a retired AF TSgt, I find you and your kind a blight on society. I know how the Glazer's made their money, thru smart business maneuvers and buying up dead or dying companies, like 'Zapata Oil' the one George 'F-UP'.W.Bush ran into the ground after his daddy had founded it.

[Go Long]

ref - you are right - but don't you think Gruden would have wanted a stronger armed QB too? Sometimes just the luck of who is available or what you are willing to give up to aquire someone (trade). OL will be interesting considering their high level of play up to this point (has been the strength of the team). Defense - well totally new system. THAT will be very interesting. I do agree with your assessment position by position - except Talib obviously will start...I expect Barber will be the nickel. Don't know if Mack will start - he's physical, but small. and players can't always play in any system. If the Bucs were switching to a 3-4 (like Dallas) they wouldn't have the personnel, but maybe do for Bates' system. Time will tell. Good points made.

[OAR]

Skin's get scalped. Haynesworth indicted by grand jury in his December accident. Reckless driving and no registration, could serve jail time.

[HayesNC]

Well, my position is that Jagz had already interviewed with a team for a NFL head coaching job before he even landed the OC position in Tampa. I don't want to see him go anywere yet, I'm just saying that if he gets a year or two of play calling under his belt, he will probably continue that head coaching job pursuit.

[ref813]

I'm sure any coach would like a strong-armed QB. Gruden ran a pretty basic west coast O that didn't really require it. He seemed to like playing it safe with short passes, too. His system pretty much required that at least one RB and even the FB be able to catch. Whether you're changing O or D, you will probably need to change up at least 2 or 3 positions. It's not as drastic as some think, though.
Going from a 3-4 to a 4-3 is a bit more extreme. You still need a big guy in the middle, but you need bigger DEs in a 3-4, too. The outside LBs still need speed. The inside 3-4 LBs might not be able to play inside in a Tampa 2. It will be interesting to see whether Barber or Mack starts. I've already bet on Barber, assuming they're the only options. I've heard Mack was good at playing man in college, but I'm not sure he has the size for it in the pros.
There will always be a few personnel changes when you change systems, but those happen most every year, anyway. I wouldn't be worried that the roster they will end up with will have to be totally changed when new coordinators come in.

[ref813]

Oar, he won't do any time. It might make some of our fans feel better if he did, but I can't see it. I can't see a suspension, either. Other than stepping on that guy's face, he hasn't done much to get in trouble. Sober driving violations usually aren't enough. Then again, this is Goodell we're dealing with so anything is possible.

[Go Long]

ref - agreed - except for one main point. Gruden's Offense was not "basic West Coast O". Gruden's was complex with many shifts and motions to confuse the defense and create match-ups the offense wanted. The Bucs will not be doing that now. It will be a change. A Big Change and I don't think for the better. Time will tell.

[Go Long]

One less headache for the Bucs on the Haynesworth indictment. Looking for positives in all of the blue chip FA we didn't get. haha

[Robert]

TO everyone else.. I am sorry I let that out. I should have kept it to myself. For now on you will only hear football from me! I apologize to all that I offended and this was not the place to discuss what I said. I am no way racist nor do I discriminate against anyone. I love my country, it's values, and most of all the PEOPLE that live here. I am sorry for the way I expressed my message and something like that will not happen again.

[GoBucs]

I'm not standing up for Robert. I am Jewish and its not a RACE. Its called Antisemitism. Not trying to start an argument I just really dislike when people say being Jewish is a race. Its my religion not my race! OKAY back to football. Robert I know you are not like that I'm not going to fault you for a stereotype. Its not right but I just think you were frustrated. I understand your frustration. Yes it is sad the Glazers seem very tight when it comes to the Bucs. Thats why I do want them to sell the team to DeBartalo. He knows how to spend and spend smart( all the Superbowl rings for the 49erss show that) Phillips does have a problem with his forearms but its been 2 years since this year where he hurt it again(but it was the other arm this time) Phillips is a playmaker and arguably Tampa's best safety. But it look like they don't want him long term. Robert don't worry about it.. you did not offend me. Lets just try not to type those frustrations.

[Go Long]

NOw there is a worthy topic! - Thanks GoBucs. DeBartolo! and we are so close to Disney too. When you wish upon a Star.......
He was a great owner in San Francisco. GREAT.

[ref813]

Go Long, I agree, but when they all settled in and ran the plays, they were fairly basic. Shifts will fool some inexperienced Ds, but what he did became pretty predictable after several years. I didn't see many of the playoff teams shifting the way that we did. At some point, it would be nice to have the type of O we can just line up and say, we're going to beat you. Gruden tried beating opponents every which way other than with serious talent and aggressive play-calling. He never had the great QB, the consistent RB, and the great set of WRs, so I can't blame him. I'm still more of D guy, but it looks like we're going to need more of an O this year.

[Robert]

GO LONG, thank you for accepting the apology. I have been on board with the DeBartolo buying the BUCS since the day he said he would if they were for sale. I just want the team to be in hands that want it to WIN! I want ownership you care about the BUCS and only the BUCS. I don't want them to also own the most famous soccer team in the world. It's like parents who have a cute kid and an ugly kid. I'm sorry, but 1 gets more attention! I would love if DeBartolo bought this team. I know he loves to win SB RINGSSSS! Anyway, the cheap Glazer family has just been really bothering me lately. They have lost their passion for this team!

[Robert]

GO BUCS is who I meant to thank.

[OAR]

Ref, you are probally right about Haynesworth not getting time or possible suspension. Afterall he can afford the "dream team" lawyers.

[ref813]

OAR, I think the moral of this story is don't change NFL teams until any pending criminal charges against you have been dropped without any doubt. If I remember correctly, the DA refused to go after him shortly after the incident. I'm over here in Memphis (briefly home of the TN Oilers), so I don't hear as much, but it looks like something changed after he left.

[Go Long]

Cards shopping Boldin. Bet Dominick wishes he hadn't given Clayton all that money! Sheesh.....

[Robert]

OAR, great report on Haynesworth. I am happy as he!! we are not dealing with that mess! HAYNESNC, you brought up something good too. If Jagz does well as an OC we prob only have him for about 1 or 2 seasons. I hope the team has planned for that and I am sure they probably have. If Jagz does get a HC job in the next season or 2 I have a feeling his buddy that left BC with hiom might take over the play calling. Just a hunch.. Anyway, our time with Jagz may be limited and I hope we have great success while he is here!

[why]

Great to see and hear Football players, almost double their salary when the rest of the economy is going under.

[GoBucs]

Boycott, DeBartalo for OWNER. Going to wish upon a star Go Long. DeBartalo would make the Bucs a big market team and put them on the map. He would make the Bucs a superbowl contender. The Glazers have showed they have other interests besides football and thats not a good owner. You like soccer so much stick with that. I don't understand why, soccer was never popular in the U.S. DeBartalo will only worry about making the Bucs a Superbowl team. Not just say it like the Glazers do. And DeBartalo has publicly said he loves Tampa and its fans! He also said he wants to buy the team! Sell the BUCS PLEASE GLAZERS. Thats just my opinion. Alot will agree or disagree. But think about it if DeBartalo came in as an owner and made moves that gave the Bucs 4 more rings. That would be nice.

[HayesNC]

Yea, I wasn't trying to kick Jags out of Tampa before he even got here, lol! I was just trying to give everyone the heads that if he is real successfull and we have a great offense, then he won't stick around long. That's just the business. I hope they have a contingency plan!

I've also been reading where the Bucs may think that DT Jerry might not fit in with Bates new system because of his size. That may not be news to anyone but I know I have heard alot of people think he is the second best DT in the draft. It might come down to us drafting a DE in the first round. If one of those great LB fall to us that would be nice too! DT Ron Brace has good size but they say he is a second rounder. It would be cool to take Larry English in the first and then trade to get a second pick and take Ron Brace.

[Harvey Arndt]

Bucs need 2 DT (starters) if you have watched bucs you must realize this. LDE would not hurt either. Need at least one 340 pound DT, Bucs defensive tackles are undersize except Sims, but he is career back up. Cover2 can not stop power running game. Before you call me idiot watch some teams that had power back against bucs. Bates needs big pluggers, defensive line is small and undersize. Bates will turn Adams in to pro bowler within 2 seasons but needs good tackles to do it

[Garick]

I've made my feelings clear in the past about the Glazers spending money on Man U and not the Bucs. Please sell the team!

[GoBucs]

Jerry is listed on sites as 299 and some at 290 if thats the case with the right workouts (roids) (just kidding) and right diet he could be 310 easy. I hope Tampa does not pass on him. he had 18 tackles for a loss as a senior. He gets great push. Would be a shame to pass on Jerry. But another team might grab him too. Jerry at 290 gets more push then Sims at 320 and Hovan at 300.

[Harvey Arndt]

Would like to see bucs trade for Shawn Rogers, With Bates as a motivator he could become great. But would take 1st round pick to do it.