The Bucs have begun to look at free agent quarterbacks, beginning with Byron Leftwich, who visited the team Thursday. But Tampa Bay is likely to wait until after the draft to make a decision on adding a fourth QB. The Bucs will host Kansas State QB Josh Freeman next week.
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
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 had an impact on 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.The Bucs hosted a visit with Steelers QB Byron Leftwich.
MEDICAL WATCH: LB Angelo Crowell is recovering from knee surgery and said he will be able to participate in OTAs in May. RB Cadillac Williams, who tore his patellar tendon for the second time in as many years, is on target to begin practicing in July.
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.
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: None.
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.
--FB Byron Storer: ERFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB Angelo Crowell: UFA Bills; $3M/1 yr.
--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).
--QB Jeff Garcia: UFA Raiders; terms unknown.
--DT Jovan Haye: UFA Titans; $16M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--WR Ike Hilliard (released).
--LB Cato June (released).
