TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bucs DE White Is Looking For Substantial Pay Increase

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 21, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay could have an unexpected dilemma with Greg White, arguably the team's best defensive end last season.

White is an exclusive-rights free agent, meaning Tampa Bay is the only team that can negotiate with him. The Bucs recently offered White a contract, which was only a slight improvement on the $310,000 he earned last season.

However, White's camp believes he deserves to be compensated for the outstanding season he had, especially since the Bucs boasted about being $30 million under the salary cap.

"We just hope he does not get treated like a rookie and they can explore some creative things," said Jack Bechta, White's agent.

If White, 28, was treated like Bucs rookie Gaines Adams, he would be extremely happy.

Adams, the fourth overall pick of the 2007 draft, earned more than $15 million last season, including his signing bonus, and had 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. White earned 2 percent of Adams' salary and had 26 tackles, 8.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His breakthrough season came after he played for Orlando in the Arena Football League and entered the NFL without an offseason.

Nevertheless, White's negotiation options are limited. Since he cannot negotiate with another team, his only hope is that Tampa Bay either gives him a substantial pay increase or offers him a lucrative long-term deal. The Bucs are not required to do either, although they run the risk of having him unhappy entering 2008.

White is not required to show up for Tampa Bay's offseason conditioning programs since he is not under contract, nor would he have to attend training camp. Bechta said that was not an option he is exploring.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT