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Bucs cut Griese, sign third-round pick

Tribune file photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Brian Griese started five games for the Bucs in 2008, throwing for five TDs and seven interceptions.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 13, 2009

The Buccaneers released veteran quarterback Brian Griese, who ends his second stint with Tampa Bay owning a 12-9 record as a starter, and signed rookie DT Roy Miller to a four-year contract.

Miller, a third-round pick out of Texas, is expected to compete for playing time against veteran Ryan Sims as the Bucs restructure their defense under new coordinator Jim Bates.

Griese's release Monday was expected as Tampa Bay will take four quarterbacks to training camp Aug. 1.

Griese started five games for the Bucs in 2008, completing 59 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and seven interceptions, but clearly was the odd man out when Tampa Bay picked Kansas State's Josh Freeman in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

Freeman, the only draft pick still unsigned by the Bucs, will be joined in training camp by fellow quarterbacks Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich and second-year player Josh Johnson.

After two years as a Tampa Bay starter and two seasons as a backup in Chicago, Griese was reacquired by the Bucs in a March, 2008 trade. He played behind Jeff Garcia in the season opener at New Orleans and then was elevated to No. 1 the following week, leading the Bucs to wins against the Falcons, Bears and Packers before suffering a right elbow injury in a 16-13 loss at Denver.

Griese was inactive for the next seven games before he started at Atlanta during a 13-10 OT setback in Week 15. Griese threw five TD passes and seven interceptions in his five starts last season, posting a miserable 69.4 passer rating.

In 2004, Griese set a Buccaneer franchise mark with a 97.5 passer rating, developing a quick rapport with first-year wide receiver Michael Clayton. The Bucs were 5-1 under Griese in 2005 before a knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Miller, a defensive tackle from Texas, was the 81st player drafted overall and was Tampa Bay's second selection since the Bucs did not have a second-round pick. He signed a four-year deal, though the terms were not released.

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