TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bucs have intriguing options to fill camp roster

Tribune file photo by JAY CONNER

Michael Pittman was a popular member of the Bucs for several years and is available to return.

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 10, 2009

TAMPA The Buccaneers are expected to make a few more roster additions before training camp begins on August 1.

The Bucs are still working on signing two draft picks, QB Josh Freeman and DT Roy Miller. Once those deals are finalized, Tampa Bay will release two players from its current roster. Considering coach Raheem Morris is taking only four quarterbacks to camp, expect quarterback Brian Griese to be released soon, plus one more player.

However, there still are many veteran free agents available. Although the Bucs are shifting toward a youth movement, here are some players they should consider signing – or ignoring – heading into training camp.

Heavily consider

Kevin Carter, DE – Yes, he turns 36 in September, but there is no denying he can still have an impact in the NFL. Carter is one of the best defensive linemen in NFL history and would be a solid backup for Jimmy Wilkerson. He also is a locker room leader. It is worth seeing how much Carter has left in his tank.

Michael Pittman, FB – With only B.J. Askew and Jameel Cook as fullbacks, bringing Pittman back could be a smart move. Pittman weighs 232 pounds, has played fullback before, plus has many fans in Tampa. Even though Pittman turns 34 on August 14, there is no denying he can help Tampa Bay's running game.

Plaxico Burress, WR – Everyone knows he made a mistake and is paying for it, but there is no denying his impact on Sunday. If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell allows him to play this season, having Burress, Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens, Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward on the same team would cause defensive nightmares in 2009.

Moderately consider

Derrick Brooks, LB – It is hard to imagine there is a linebacker on Tampa Bay's roster better than Brooks. He may not be the dominating linebacker he once was, but Brooks is still better than most at his position. Unfortunately for Brooks, few teams are willing to give him a chance, and it is questionable if he will play this season.

Adam "Pacman" Jones, CB – Tampa Bay Abiq Talib, Ronde Barber and Elbert Mack are good corners, but the addition of Jones could solidify this unit. He actually had a trouble-free offseason, plus few realize Jones is only 25-years old. Tampa Bay has turned around many troubled players and Jones could be a solid nickel cornerback.

Reche Caldwell, WR – He may not be the receiver who had 61 receptions for 760 yards and four touchdowns for New England in 2006, but at 30 years old, Caldwell can still be a solid third or fourth receiving option. Caldwell has been working out feverishly in Tampa, where he starred at Jefferson High, and could provide depth.

Definitely ignore

Michael Vick, QB – If Jon Gruden were still the coach, many would have expected him and former general manager Bruce Allen to be waiting for Vick outside of the prison. Although he did his time and deserves to play football again, Tampa Bay's dwindling fan base would evaporate with his signing.

Marvin Harrison, WR – He is 36 years old, has never been regarded as a leader, is injury prone and has been overshadowed by Reggie Wayne for several years. He had a great career, but it will not end in Tampa.

Jerome McDougle, DE – The 30-year-old defensive end and former first-round draft pick by Philadelphia in 2003 has been a major disappointment throughout his career. He compiled three sacks and 37 tackles in five seasons. He appeared in four games with the New York Giants last year and is injury prone.

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT