Thread Tools

Display Modes

Scurvy · 07-23-2006, 10:44 AM

Chris Harry | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted July 23, 2006

TAMPA -- Though it still has a handful of draft picks to sign, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' front office is expected to take a break from rookie business this week to lock up cornerback Ronde Barber with a new deal.

"It may not happen before training camp, but I have a feeling it might," Barber said. "The only way it won't happen, I think, is if someone hurts somebody else's feelings.''

Barber, 31, is set to enter the final season of a six-year, $18 million contract he signed in 2001. Unfortunately for Barber, his last foray into free agency came during a buyer's market on corners, forcing him to settle for a long-term deal and a relatively measly signing bonus of about $2 million.

That season, Barber intercepted a team-record 10 passes and went to the first of his three Pro Bowls.

Entire article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...?coll=orl-bucs

ABuccsFan · 07-23-2006, 01:58 PM

This is big news, very incouraging. Most Buccs fans will breathe a sigh of relief when the pen hits the paper. Unfortunately though, this opens the door up for a possible disgruntled Brian Kelly, who equally deserves a contract extension and a pay raise. Stay tuned, I hope this works out for the best.

**Professor** · 07-24-2006, 11:38 PM

Barber deal isn't on Bucs' radar yet

excerpt:

TAMPA - Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber is hopeful he could have a contract extension before the start of training camp, but his agent indicated that might be too optimistic.

Agent Ethan Locke said Sunday night that talks are continuing, but no deal is on the horizon.

"We're talking, but I definitely wouldn't feel as if anything is that imminent at this point," Locke said. "I don't get the feeling it might happen before training camp."

The Bucs report to camp Thursday at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex and begin practices Friday.

Barber, 31, is entering the final year of a six-year, $18-million contract. He is the third highest-paid player on the team with a base salary of $4-million.

The Bucs have $8-million in salary-cap room, but nearly $4.5-million is designated for the rookie pool. Barber, a three-time Pro Bowl player, needs just three interceptions to tie Donnie Abraham's career club record of 31.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/24/Bu...sn_t_on_.shtml

**Professor** · 07-24-2006, 11:39 PM

but then I read this

excerpt:

TAMPA -- Though it still has a handful of draft picks to sign, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' front office is expected to take a break from rookie business this week to lock up cornerback Ronde Barber with a new deal.

"It may not happen before training camp, but I have a feeling it might," Barber said. "The only way it won't happen, I think, is if someone hurts somebody else's feelings.''

Barber, 31, is set to enter the final season of a six-year, $18 million contract he signed in 2001. Unfortunately for Barber, his last foray into free agency came during a buyer's market on corners, forcing him to settle for a long-term deal and a relatively measly signing bonus of about $2 million.

That season, Barber intercepted a team-record 10 passes and went to the first of his three Pro Bowls.

In 2004, Denver cornerback Champ Bailey signed a six-year, $62 million contract extension that included $16 million in guarantees that nearly matched the entire value of Barber's current contract.

"And Champ and I were the All-Pro corners last year," Barber said.

The Bucs realize Barber's value. That's why they attempted to work a contract extension last winter.

The uncertainty of the league's collective-bargaining agreement -- and salary cap -- undermined the plan.

"Contracts are a two-way street," Bucs General Manager Bruce Allen said. "We want him here. Ronde knows that."

Any new deal for Barber won't be structured like a typical contract extension, as Allen is not one to dish out $10 million signing bonuses. That's why Barber's agent, Ethan Locke, is working on a pact that features larger base salaries on the front end, thus assuring his client of at least two (maybe three) well-paid seasons.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...?coll=orl-bucs

ABuccsFan · 07-25-2006, 01:18 AM

Well, apparently Ronde was on a Tampa radio station this moring and said a deal was very close. Who the heck knows. I hate when agents start spreading their bull crap around.

**BU54** · 07-25-2006, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABuccsFan

Well, apparently Ronde was on a Tampa radio station this moring and said a deal was very close. Who the heck knows. I hate when agents start spreading their bull crap around.

I think it's just publicity.

ABuccsFan · 07-25-2006, 01:46 AM

I'm thinking the agent was trying to pull the old trick of getting the fans in an upraor to put pressure on managment, and didn't realize Ronde had said what he said on the radio.