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Bucs Retain Receiver Warren

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 19, 2008

TAMPA - The Bucs have elected to retain receiver Paris Warren, but they could lose safety Kalvin Pearson to free agency.

The Bucs had exclusive free-agent rights to Warren, meaning they were the only team that could sign him before Feb. 29. If Tampa Bay decided against offering Warren a contract, he would have become an unrestricted free agent on March 1.

Instead, Warren signed a one-year contract worth $510,000 late last week, according to his agent, Derrick Fox.

Warren, a seventh-round pick in 2005, seemingly was going to make last year's roster before dislocating an ankle during the preseason finale against Houston and being placed on injured reserve.

During that game, Warren had three receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown in the first half. In addition to 9-yard touchdown pass from QB Luke McCown, Warren also had a 51-yard reception. As Warren caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Bruce Gradkowski with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Houston cornerback Dexter McCleon tackled him in the end zone. Warren ended up severely damaging his left leg when the leg below his knee twisted away from his body.

Warren, who had 15 receptions for 191 yards and four touchdowns last preseason, previously said his rehabilitation was going well and expected to compete for a starting position once training camp begins.

Meanwhile, Pearson's agent, Michael Hawthorne, said he does not expect Tampa Bay to re-sign his client, who is currently a restricted free agent, by Feb. 29 and expects to test the free-agent waters.

"We're not close," Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne said money is not the biggest obstacle, but Pearson, who made $516,360 last season, wants more financial security with a long-term deal. Tampa Bay is only willing to offer Pearson, 29, a short-term contract.

Pearson, who has been on the team for three years, had 23 tackles and no interceptions last season as a backup. He started Tampa Bay's regular-season finale against Carolina and had eight tackles during a 31-23 loss.

"I think he will test the waters," Hawthorne said. "He wants to be a Buccaneer. He loves the organization. He just wants more years. ... He is getting up there in age and wants to be taken care of."

Tampa Bay also has until the end of this month to offer restricted free agent Jovan Haye a contract or he will become an unrestricted free agent. The Bucs' current unrestricted free agents are cornerback Sammy Davis, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, offensive lineman Matt Lehr, tight end Jerramy Stevens and receiver Mark Jones.

Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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