TEAM NEEDS/OFF-SEASON STRATEGY

The Bucs began free agency by signing two of their own - WR Michael Clayton (5-years, $24-million, $10.5 guaranteed) and S Will Allen (1-year, $2.3 million). They also traded a second-round pick in 2009 and a fifth in 2010 for Browns TE Kellen Winslow. The Bucs continued to address their offense by signing Giants RB Derrick Ward, who will provide a tandem for RB Earnest Graham.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive tackle: Jovan Haye signed a four-year deal with the Titans. Nose tackle Chris Hovan is on the downside of his career. The Bucs lack significant push in the middle, and it has contributed to their lack of a pass rush. The under tackle always has been a critical spot in the 4-3 defense, and they have never adequately replaced Warren Sapp. They re-signed Ryan Sims to a four-year deal.

2. Receiver: Antonio Bryant has received the franchise player tag, guaranteeing him a 1-year contract worth $9.88 million. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard were released. That's why the Bucs were in a rush to re-sign free agent WR Michael Clayton to a four-year deal.

3. Quarterback: The Bucs re-signed Luke McCown, but he is unproven at best with a 1-6 career record. Brian Griese and Josh Johnson remain under contract. At some point, the Bucs have to invest a high draft pick in the position. Kansas State QB Josh Freeman is a possibility with the No. 19 overall pick. Tampa Bay dabbled in a three-way trade involving the Broncos that might have sent QB Jay Cutler to the Bucs.

MEDICAL WATCH: RB Cadillac Williams is recovering from his second torn patellar tendon in as many seasons. This time, the tendon did not rupture but rather detached from the bone. The recovery is roughly the same. The Bucs don't expect him until mid-season. RB Earnest Graham had a high ankle sprain but should be ready for off-season workouts. FB Byron Storer had surgery to repair a torn ACL.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: WR Antonio Bryant: tendered at $9.884M; signed tender Feb. 27.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DE Kevin Carter is one of the Bucs' team leaders and still a versatile player who can be effective against the run. The Bucs want to re-sign Carter.

--DE/LB Patrick Chukwurah is a smallish defensive end in the 4-3 who was re-signed due to injuries. Bucs will have little or no interest in bringing him back.

--QB Jeff Garcia wore down late in both seasons and was ineffective in the fourth quarter. He also struggled in the red zone and will be 39 at the start of 2009 season. He won't be re-signed.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--LT Donald Penn (tendered at $2.792M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) is a solid starter who the team wants to sign to a long-term deal.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--FB Byron Storer.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--S Will Allen: UFA; $1.83M/1 yr.

--WR Antonio Bryant: FFA; $9.884M/1 yr.

--WR Michael Clayton: UFA; $24M/5 yrs, $10.5M guaranteed.

--WR Cortez Hankton: UFA; terms unknown.

--QB Luke McCown: Potential UFA; $7.5M/2 yrs, $2.5M SB.

--CB Jermaine Phillips: UFA; terms unknown.

--DT Ryan Sims: Potential UFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown.

--TE Jerramy Stevens: UFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--LB Niko Koutouvides: FA Broncos; terms unknown.

--K Mike Nugent: UFA Jets; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--RB Derrick Ward: UFA Giants; $14M/5 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--TE Kellen Winslow (trade Browns).

PLAYERS LOST

--LB Derrick Brooks (released).

--CB Phillip Buchanon: UFA Lions; $8.5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--RB Warrick Dunn (released).

--WR Joey Galloway (released).

--DT Jovan Haye: UFA Titans; $16M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--WR Ike Hilliard (released).

--LB Cato June (released).