Jerramy Stevens, Bucs talking contract

UPDATE, 6:09 p.m.: General manager Mark Dominik confirmed the team's talks with Stevens in an interview with Steve Duemig on 620 AM. He also spoke about the possibility of playing both Stevens and Winslow in the same formation and what kinds of mismatches would result. So, at this point, the Bucs seem to have every intention of bringing Stevens back and using him extensively.

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The Bucs are in contract talks and nearing a deal with TE Jerramy Stevens, a player whose re-signing in 2008 caused a firestorm of criticism.

Stevens led all the team's tight ends last season with 36 catches for 397 yards and two touchdowns, while staying out of trouble after a checkered past.

But that past includes numerous alcohol arrests. Stevens has been suspended multiple times by the NFL, including twice in the past two seasons. He also was the subject of a scathing Seattle Times article in January 2008 that outlined in vivid detail a rape allegation against Stevens (he was never prosecuted) while at the University of Washington. That resulted in a public backlash against the organization when Stevens was re-signed last May to a one-year contract. That contract expired Friday.

The Bucs countered by emphasizing his ability to show he was a reliable teammate and his ability to stay in line during the past two seasons in Tampa Bay.

Stevens is believed to be close to signing a two-year contract. His impending addition comes on the heels of the team's trade for star TE Kellen Winslow. It also calls into question the status of remaining TEs Alex Smith and John Gilmore. The Bucs played most of last season with three players at the position.

Stevens has proven to consistently create matchup problems for defenders, partly because of his 6-7 stature but also because of his athleticism and speed. This apparent move is in keeping with the Bucs' efforts to assemble an offensive unit capable of going vertical more often.

Comments

[Erick]

THIS IS GARBAGE!! One of the reasons I was so excited about Winslow's signing is that I thought it would mean the end of Stevens here. We do not need him. Alex Smith is a great tight end and Stevens should not trump him. Forget this jacka**!!
How about going after a friggin' defensive player?!

[Robert]

This is absolutely ridiculous! I cannot believe this is happening. The only thing I can see that the BUCS may have in their head is a 2 TE set. Stevens can block and Winslow can get out into a pattern. If it were smith in that 2 te set you would have both te's who don't really block well. As much as I really hate this, it might work better for us on the field. It's just so shocking, I talked to Alex a while ago and he is really pumped to play for Morris???

[WS]

wow erick- Complaining about having too many offensive weapons? (INCREDIBLE!) It not a secret, but just to let you in- KW has a history of injury! Sign Stevens. There is plenty of cap room for him and defensive players. Go Bucs.

[The..Bucs...win]

Well I do agree with Erick, what happened to DEFENSE. Thats what tampa is known for. I know we need several tight ends, but for guys that break the law repeatedly should not e allowed to make millions and be a role model. He has kept his nose clean so i think he might have grown up. Although... we do have a guy named Smith thats pretty da** good. But i do like the vertical idea...thats something we never had!

Now enough of the offense, lets make a defense of pain. We need some heavy hitters so we can be the old "big D" team.....with an offense to add! I have not heard anything about picking up some veteran defensive players to lead this young team ( since we let go of all of our other defensive vets ) I know we can find someone out there to lead the defense besides Ruud who is still finding his groove...and yes I know he was our leading tackler, but he is still only 3-4 years in the league. We need an 8 year vet to help lead these guys! Any ideas????

GO BUCS...lets make it an all around good team!

[jerseybuc]

Winslow is not a typical TE, plays out of the slot on occasion, and with our lack of depth at WR this allows Bucs to get more weapons on offense. And, with all the cap room, it may be a way to get chips in place for a later trade, perhaps on draft day.

[jwalk]

Robert and Erick, you guys seem to have missed the part of the article that said three TE spots were kept last year. So, out of the four players in question I think its safer to assume that John Gilmore is out, not Alex Smith, and regardless of his past, on the field Jerramy Stevens over John Gilmore is a no brainer! Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens, and Alex Smith sounds like a pretty impressive TE group to me.

Defensively, resign Buchanon or find another FA CB and then draft a DT and I think we'll be fine. I was a little worried when Ruud took over in the middle, but he should've been in the pro bowl this year and will undoubtedly make it in the next couple years. If these young LBs are half the player Ruud is, we'll be fine.

GO BUCS!!!

[CW]

I also thought Winslow's signing meant the end to this jack@ss' tenure in TB. I have to admit though, as much as I don't like this guy's character - he can make plays. Still, I'd be satisfied with Winslow, Smith and Gilmore. Let's get Phillips and Buchanon back on the roster already.

[George]

Stevens has kept out of trouble and been a good teammate for 2 years. Maybe it's time for the critics to accept that the guy has turned the corner as a human being.

[D Block]

Alex Smith 129 catches 11 TD's 4yr span
J Stevens 121 catches 15 TD's 4yr span
K Winslow 215 catches 11 TD's 3yr span

We need all 3 in my eyes they all bring something to the table. Stevens creates mismatches he's a 6'7 athelete you can't teach size. Smith is always hurt i like him but he hasn't done much either. You are splitting hairs, i never thought i would hear another buc fan complain about having an offensive threat sheeeesh. Erick & Robert i'm shocked at both of you. There is still room for the D Stevens won't cost the bucs anything. Bring him back he can only help he isn't a distraction like pac man or TO

[Steven]

It seems like the Bucs are interesting in creating match up problems all over the field. This is a problem, why? Step down from the soapbox and watch the offensive side of the roster become more and more dotted with playmakers.

[bucologist]

So what you are saying is you aren't excited about the possibility of stevens and winslow on the field together? You don't think that will cause incredible mismatches opening up our receivers and running backs? What about have those two as red zone threats? WOW. I am very excited!!

[D Block]

Hey "jwalk" Gilmore is the best blocker out of all of them and could easily play fullback behind Askew as well if needed. They could easily keep all 4 of them this will be a run based team from what i'm looking at so they will need good TE's and FB's. I don't think they are going to add another WR to the team unless it's for training camp.

[ty guy]

I would use Stevens as a 3rd TE and put him in goal line situations. I really like Alex Smith. He is a really nice guy and very talented. Maybe we will try to trade him for a 2nd or 3rd round pick. I would personally like to keep him and Gilmore but I'm not the one making the decisions. It is deffinately time to go out and get a Cornerback and a Pass Rusher. We could use another Reciever too. Overall we need to use the 19th pick on a Linebacker in case one of our penciled in guys doesn't prove to be worthy of a starter's position.

[ref813]

Thanks, George. Some people will never let what may or may not have happened go. He's been in trouble for alcohol-related violations. Who hasn't or doesn't know someone who has? Good for you if you said you. As long as a player doesn't get in trouble while he's on our team or cause problems in the locker room, he's welcome. I'll go with all of the good things his teammates said about him last year over what a bunch of holier-than-thou, whiny fans say.

[D Block]

Nobody can double team Bryant, Winslow & Stevens at the same time. This will be a problem for any opposing D with all of them on the field at the same time especially in the redzone. I'm loving this idea this team is shaping up very well in my eyes. There is still one glaring hole at DT but we do have the draft and possible trades or whatever works. But it looks like we will finally be taken serious on Offense with the team they are putting together

[Henry]

Agree with George & tv guy. Stevens is a an asset and so long as he behaves himself off the field, we should welcome him.

[D Block]

Has anyone here never broken a law or 2? Who hasn't had a drink and drove home? Who hasn't went over the speed limit? He has been fine in Tampa & that is all that matters, your past is exactly what it is. For those of you who dwell in the past you cripple your own future. None of us here has had a bad run in with Stevens personally you only know what was told to you or written. What makes him what you call a bad person?

[The..Bucs...win]

Hey George...have you ever raped someone or been arrested several times for being an a** while drunk. Don't answer that!
Joking with ya bud...I know he has kept his nose clean for a couple of years...lets hope he keeps up what he is capable of doing ON THE FIELD!

Good stats D-block...did not realize that we are that potent at tight end!

I love touchdowns!!!!!!

[jwalk]

I agree D Block, I'd take Gilmore back in a heartbeat. My point was that those guys were writing off Alex Smith as if his release was inevitable if Stevens signed, which I think is far from the truth. As far as Gilmore backing up Askew at FB, that's a fine alternative, but I don't think you keep him just for that! If I recall correctly Earnest Graham played a pretty mean FB a couple times in Askew's absence last year. Graham and Ward on the field together sounds pretty interesting!

[NeilB1979]

It seems like all Bucs fans are perfect and have never made a mistake in their entire lives. Geez! Im so sick of hearing this year after year! I almost hope we go out and sign Mike Vick just so you holier than thou people can go root for another team and I don't have to hear from you any longer!

[D Block]

I wasn't talking about the r*pe accusation because the more you here about it the more it sounds like extortion. The same thing happen to Juwan Howard yrs ago and he sued the woman for slander and donated the money to charity. As far as Gilmore goes i was simply stating that he could also be used at FB along with his TE duties. Askew is a good FB who can run the ball and catch. I think they will keep all 4 myself i know i would if i was the captain of the ship lol.

[Robert]

You know what, some of you guys are right. We can line winslow up in the slot and have a 2 TE set with Stevens and Smith. AB is obviously going to be our flanker in that set. That right there sounds like 7 points to me!! In my earlier post I was just kind of angry and not seeing the big pic. I would just hate to see a guy like Stevens stay in Tampa and a class act like Smith get the shaft. I think this could work out nice though.

[Robert]

Than you all for helping me take my head out of my ASSet!

[mm]

D Block nailed it. Gilmore was brought in here to be a blocking TE. With a run oriented offensive scheme Gilmore would be the safest of all of them.

[D Block]

Robert don't right Smith off just yet, he does have a little trade value but not much maybe a 4th rd pick from someone. He will probably stay here like i said they won't be looking to add another WR in FA maybe in the draft! It looks like the team is trying to create an offensive juggernaut. Winslow is a mismatch Bryant 1 on 1 mismatch, Stevens 6'7 mismatch! So no team will be putting 8 in the box so the bucs RB's will have lanes to run. Let's go Bucs!!! The new regime is off to a good start in my opinion

[Steven]

As stated repeatedly, it's clear the new regime is going to rely less on trickery and fancy plays and more on creating mismatches and running downhill. Once the o-line gels very good things could happen.

[Duffiedawg]

D Block, every time I read one of your posts I feel that I should thank you for the wear and tear on my fingertips!

You nail it dead on.

[IMISS_No47]

I was worried the Winslow signing would mean losing Stevens. I would like to keep him - he's a play-maker.

[Dr. Peter Ripterhymen]

Boo Hoo Hoo ... this is garbage!
We want some good ole church goin' choir boys on our team!
How could they possibly do this to us?

Sincerely,

TampaBay.com GOOBER Club

[Garick]

DR will love this, lol. Seriously though, as others have pointed out...Gilmore will likely be the guy packing his bags. Even if you don't run a 2 tight end set, you let Stevens and Smith come in to spell Alex Smith. And because of Steven's physical size, he's an ideal blocker out in the flat.

Also, lets not forget...Winslow hasn't proved that he can remain healthy for a full season. So it makes sense to keep Steven's as long as he continues his subscription to Nickelodian.

[Garick]

Sorry, I meant "spell Winslow" lol.

[CaptFear88]

He needs to step it up and play to his full potential... Good move if we can make that happen!

[Larry]

Like the move. Stevens appears to have grown up a bit, and he's a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If you have Winslow, Stevens, and Alex Smith at TE with Antonio Bryant and Clayton on the wings and Graham or Derrick Ward in the backfield you should be able to find something in the defense to exploit.

[ref813]

I agree with many of you. It appears they are going to build the most powerful O around. Go get Leonard Pope from AZ. That big guy would fit right in with what they're doing. Stevens or Winslow could line up in slot from time to time. Clayton is a tough one, too. Who are they going to get at QB, Jared Lorenzen? They're emphasizing size and power so much that they might as well throw the doughboy in there at QB. Our O is going to remind you of those LeBron James commercials the way they're going. He's one of the few NBA players I'd love to see playing TE or in the slot. His FG blocking abilities might be uncanny, too. We're going to need to get the Bus out of retirement pretty soon.

[Harvey Arndt]

Sign Stevens, he is pretty good tight end. But Still need a #2 wr CLAYTON IS NOT A #2!!!!!! Bucs need a #2 wr, it can not be said enough!

[Robert]

Yes we do need a number 2 harvey. Do not be suprised if the BUCS take someone like Harvin or Haywerd-Bay in the 1st round. If they do take a playmaker like one of those guys in the first round, WATCH OUT! This offense will have talent everywhere! We could have 2 bruisers at RB that can run in between the tackles, 3 TE's, who together are so dynamic, and either Harvin or Bay split out with AB. That just sounds nasty! With an offense like that we may be able to have a weaker Defense for a year and still win games! Guys, we might be in for an Offensive treat like we never had before in Tampa!

[Harvey Arndt]

Yes, I agree but I do not even think Clayton can be a #3 and 25 million for a#4wr is nuts, even for a #3 is not good. Need Dt even more, how do you get #2 wr and starting dt in draft with no 2nd round pick? Team better score touchdowns because defense will be very weak

[Robert]

Harvey, we really do need a DT over a WR in the first round, but I don't think there will be a 1st rd caliber guy there. I think the BUCS will end up taking the best player on the board and that looks like a Percy Harvin right now. I do think Clayton is a good 3. With all that talent around him it will enable him to excel in the things he is great at. If we get a guy like Harvin, Clayton being able to block will be crucial to Harvin being able to get to the edge where he loves to work. Like Mann said, " He does all the little dirty things most WR's don't.' That's why Clayton can be a good part of this Offense. Not as a go to guy really, but as a blocker and a guy who can use his body to get open on those 3rd and shorts. I really do tink there is a place for him in this offense.

[Harvey Arndt]

So a slot wide-out in a tight end role because he can block?? 25 million?? He can play guard/tackle and end. Sit on end of bench, guard water cooler and tackle anyone that wants a drink???? Even this might be beyond his skills?? I like most of moves have done, Brooks release and resigning Clayton do not like. (the way Brooks was released is my problem)

[John P]

I'm not so sure Smith and Stevens will both be on the roster when the season starts. Neither Winslow, Stevens or Smith are known to be great blockers. Gilmore was brought because he is a good blocker first. In a run first scheme, having a good blocking tight end is an absolute must.

As far as Clayton goes, they probably overpaid. He's still worth having around, and he's not a horrible player. I don't see him as a #2 receiver, but he's going to get his chance to prove it to everyone - because I think they've promised him a shot at it. If they don't draft a receiver early, you might as well pencil him in. We'll see.

[DR]

I don't know how anybody can say get rid of or Clayton sucks and then want Stevens to stay. What the heck has Stevens done in his entire career to earn any respect? The Steelers made him their little b..... Winslows second and third years in the NFL are better than Stevens entire seven year career. Stevens off the field issues are worse than Pacman Jones'. They trade for an All Pro legitimate threat at TE so the need for a worthless human being like Stevens is not needed. How many offers has Stevens had since the start of free agency? He is the most irrevelant player in free agency.
Stevens is the biggest bust at TE that the NFL has seen in a long time. He is the Ryan Leaf of TEs. He's just fortunate that he is a big body. Otherwise, he wouldn't be in the NFL, he would be in jail because he wouldn't have been protected like he was nine years ago.

[DR]

Michael Clayton may have not been the right man to say what he said the other day, but it doesn't mean it wasn't true. Tough players don't lose four games in December like the Bucs did last year. Clayton has been good off the field his entire tenure here. He can be and I wouldn't be surprised to see him be a leader on this team. Stevens is a joke who is only a big body. He would be no loss. I would like to know what offers he has had because I have heard of none and that is not surprising.
The Bucs have done a good job this offseason so far besides the obvious mistake they made in the Brooks situation, but this would be a horrible mistake. They want toughness on this team, then get rid of this guy. Look at his stats, he is a joke!

[Harvey Arndt]

DR do you live with Clayton? Correct me if wrong did your tough wr drop pass that would have given 1st down against San Diego? Could have iced game? When is crucial he can not catch!!!!!!!!!!!! Stevens has been angel since in Tampa. I have never thrown pass to my Great Dane but think he can catch as good as CCC( can't catch clayton) He would be 4th string on your beloved cowboys and for sure not get 25 mill.

[TB-BUCCANEER-4REAL]

GOOD JOB TRADE ALEX SMITH FOR A DRAFT PICK

[DR]

Harvey, did you forget the Stevens TD drop against the Panthers? If Clayton can get back to his old form like he can, he will be your favorite WR and all of the Clayton haters will claim they always supported him.

[Harvey Arndt]

Stevens is good tight end, not great just good, even if your boy Clayton rivals Lynn Swann I will not support him, (almost said Jerry Rice but would be ridiculous and absurd to even say) Hard to believe will rival Bert Emanuel????????? Know is spelled wrong but you get idea?

[Harvey Arndt]

bet Stevens does not get 25 mill to block either

[conradbuff]

this posts saying they are talking not signing you guys are talking like its already done

[Harvey Arndt]

ok, resigning Stevens is good idea, resisigning Can't catch Clayton for 25 million dollars was #@$%^&*( stupid

[Harvey Arndt]

sorry resigning