Thread Tools

Display Modes

tregrimmd · 03-01-2007, 05:21 PM

TAMPA - The free-agent quarterback market has expanded for the Bucs.

Former Super Bowl winner Brad Johnson was released as expected by the Vikings on Wednesday and is free to negotiate with any team.

Johnson, 38, was offered a chance to return to Minnesota in a mentoring role for Tarvaris Jackson, 23, and Brooks Bollinger, 27, who will compete for the starting job next season.

But Johnson, who had two years left on his contract, wants another opportunity to start.

"Brad has been a true pro throughout his career, and we wish him the best as he moves forward," coach Brad Childress said in a statement released by the Vikings. "Brad was an important part of the team and a guy who led by example on and off the field. He's a class act and a guy younger players could learn a lot from about what it takes to play in the NFL."

Johnson led the Bucs to the Super Bowl XXXVII title in the 2002 season. But he lost his starting job two years later after an 0-4 start and was released after the 2004 season.

He signed with the Vikings and resurrected his career by going 7-2 down the stretch, narrowly missing the playoffs. But Johnson struggled in Childress' offense, throwing nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions before being replaced by Jackson for the final two games of a 6-10 season.

Another quarterback who will be available when the free agency signing period begins Friday is Jeff Garcia.

The Eagles did not offer Garcia, 37, a contract, giving 29-year-old A.J. Feeley a three-year extension.

Garcia reportedly has received interest from the Bucs, Broncos and Raiders.

Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden has pursued Garcia on three other occasions and is looking for a quarterback to compete with Chris Simms, 26. The Broncos want Garcia to serve as a backup to Jay Cutler while the Raiders would consider drafting a quarterback even if Garcia landed with the Silver and Black.