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Bucs' Penn Choosing To Skip Minicamp

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 1, 2009

TAMPA – As the Bucs wrap up their first minicamp under new head coach Raheem Morris Thursday morning, Donald Penn's absence is conspicuous.

Penn has started 29 consecutive games for Tampa Bay at the critical left tackle position, but the 25-year-old restricted free agent decided not to attend this three-day voluntary camp.

Penn hasn't signed his tender offer, but NFL rules do not prohibit him from attending a voluntary minicamp. He said Wednesday that he is working out in California, then referred all questions to his agent, Rocky Arceneaux.

"We discussed it and we felt the issue of Donald attending this voluntary camp was non-eventful," Arceneaux said.

Penn has two more weeks before he is required to sign his high tender offer, which requires a first-round and a third-round pick as compensation for any team interested in acquiring Penn.

Arceneaux said he has talked to several NFL clubs in an effort to gauge the market for Penn, who is slated to make $2.8 million in 2009.

"Teams have no qualms about paying the kind of money that Donald Penn is looking for," he said, "but we are realistic and we know the compensation is very high."

Penn's linemates are learning a new system and terminology under first-year offensive coordinator (Jeff Jagodzinski) and new offensive line coach Pete Mangurian.

"I think he'll (Penn) find out when he comes back how Pete drills it," said Jagodzinski. "It's going to be a little bit different from what he's used to. It may be a little bit of a shock to him."

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