P-Rez25

It's rare under Jon Gruden, but he has a quarterback he can rely on for the second straight year in Jeff Garcia, who will be 38 next season.



The last real veteran to go back-to-back as a starter for the Bucs was Brad Johnson, who began three consecutive seasons (2002-04) at the helm under Gruden, although he was benched following an 0-4 record in 2004.


Chris Simms started the final 11 games of 2005 when starter Brian Griese suffered a season-ending knee injury and the first three games of '06 before rupturing his spleen.


Garcia and the Bucs are expected to begin talks shortly on a contract extension that would enable him to finish his career in Tampa Bay. The Bucs believe Garcia has at least one, maybe two years left as the starter. After that, it's anyone's guess.


A back injury forced him to miss two starts last season and he was held out of the regular season finale against Carolina. His reckless style of play -- diving headfirst into piles -- could take its toll.


But Garcia believes a second year in the offensive system under Jon Gruden will only lead to improvement.


"I feel that way, I feel like I'm learning so much more football," Garcia said. "I feel like I've been challenged mentally in a way since I came to Tampa more so than I've been challenged anywhere else. And it's not to say I didn't study and I didn't understand our game plan and those things because there was successful things taking place on the field. But I feel like what I'm attempting to grasp or what coach Gruden would like me to grasp is still out there. I'm still working to get to that point but it feels good to be challenged in those ways. I think that's somewhat of what can kick me into another gear that maybe I haven't even felt before, as long as physically, I still have the abilities to have the follow through, I think that's the main thing."


But Gruden loves to collect quarterbacks and this off-season may be no different.


Backup Luke McCown, who went 1-2 as a starter, showed great arm strength and mobility despite some questionable decision-making. Bruce Gradkowski, who struggled in his only relief appearance, needs more time to grow.


Chris Simms claims he's recovered from the complications of his spleen surgery and is working out in New Jersey. Simms had a $1 million bonus due this off-season, but he claims it was for incentives that he obviously didn't earn. So with only a $2 million base salary to account for, the Bucs could hold onto him until training camp unless they find a suitor.


The Bucs still own the rights to former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, with a hearing later this year on the team's attempt to recoup some of his signing bonus.


"Jeff, as you all saw, is a tremendous competitor, which is what we were looking for when we brought him in and he delivered," general manager Bruce Allen said. "Once again, Luke McCown, I really believe showed some special skills that shows promise for the future. Chris Simms we're hoping is healthy and able to play this year and compete. There's somebody in a Montana -- or is it Idaho? -- mountain right now (Plummer) we hope honors his contract. And Bruce Gradkowski gives us some more competition and depth at the quarterback position. I'm sure we'll be discussing this more in March. As of right now, we feel good.


"And if you looked around the league this year, I think that is the story. I don't think you've seen as many backup quarterbacks forced into playing football this year in a starting role. And the amount of teams that really went through four quarterbacks has to be near an NFL record."


That said, look for the Bucs to try to add at least one veteran quarterback this off-season.


The guy to keep an eye on is Daunte Culpepper, who struggled in his only season with the Oakland Raiders. Remember, the Bucs met with Culpepper in Tampa last year and Gruden is intrigued by his arm strength and past accomplishments. Last season, he started six games for the Raiders, passing for 1,331 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. But Culpepper has completed 63.8 percent of his career passing attempts, a figure that stands out to Gruden. And the Florida native might welcome a return to his home state.


Others who might receive some attention from the Bucs include Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who is an unrestricted free agent; Brian Griese, who could be cut loose from Chicago and had good success with the Bucs; and the Jets' Chad Pennington, a career 65.6 percentage passer that could become a free agent.


After signing a three-year contract extension, Gruden is even in a position to develop a young quarterback. San Diego's Josh Johnson, the MVP of the East-West Shrine game, has gained interest from the Bucs. "He has that 'it' factor," according to Doug Williams, the Bucs pro personnel assistant.


Notes, Quotes
• QB Jeff Garcia engineered two late scoring drives that capped the NFC's 42-30 come-from-behind victory in Pro Bowl. Garcia proved he's a true pro. On the first drive, he hooked up with former 49ers teammate and antagonist Terrell Owens. Garcia threw a 6-yard touchdown to Owens in the fourth quarter to put the NFC ahead. In fact, four of Garcia's eight completions went to Owens for 56 yards.


• The Bucs officially announced that former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson will coach quarterbacks in Tampa Bay.


Olson's contract with the Rams didn't expire until after the Super Bowl, which accounts for the delay. Olson began his NFL career in 2001 coaching quarterbacks for the San Francisco 49ers. That's where he became acquainted with current Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia.


• For the sixth straight year, the Bucs raised ticket prices. This time is a giant increase, as much as 30 percent for most seats. Last year's high of $76 will pale against this season's priciest general-seating ticket, which will sell for $99. That's an astonishing 30 percent increase. Most seats will cost between $5 and $10 more, according to a news release outlining the plans. This is the sixth consecutive season prices will increase.


The good news, however, will be welcomed by longtime season-ticket holders. Original season-ticket holders whose 10-year agreements expired with the 2007 season will not be required to put down an additional deposit. The remainder of their deposits -- first required in 1998 and equal to the price of the seat -- will continue to be refunded in increments of 5 percent per year. Also, the team is only requiring a three-year contract for those whose contracts have expired.


Regarding the prices, the cheapest general-seating ticket in 2007 was $31.50. In 2008, you can't get in the door for under $42 -- an increase of 33 percent.


Quote To Note: "I feel like I'm in a better place, like they say when somebody dies. Only I feel like I've been reborn." -- Former Bucs RB coach Art Valero, upon joining the St. Louis Rams.


Strategy And Personnel
After losing Art Valero to the St. Louis Rams, the Bucs have appointed special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia to also coach running backs. Bisaccia coached the position at Ole Miss.


TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY


There are no real pressing decisions that have to be made for the Bucs prior to the start of free agency.


General manager Bruce Allen has begun talked with the agent for Earnest Graham on a contract extension. Graham, who rushed for more nearly 900 yards last season, has one year left on his contract.


The team has several veteran free agents they will consider re-signing, including C John Wade and RBs Michael Pittman and Michael Bennett.


1. Receiver: Joey Galloway is 36 and coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons. But the Bucs need someone to help move the chains. Former first round pick Michael Clayton has fallen off the radar and Maurice Stovall has been inconsistent. Gruden is begging for play-makers at this position and could use trade, draft and free agency avenues.


2. Cornerback: Brian Kelly plans to exercise a buyout and become a free agent. That leaves Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon. The Bucs have to re-stock this position.


3. Defensive tackle: Jovan Haye proved to be very productive at under tackle, but the Bucs could get stronger inside.


Medical Watch: WR Joey Galloway had surgery on his shoulder and is expected to be ready to participate in the off-season program. OT Luke Petitgout is progressing well following surgery last fall to repair an ACL and MCL injury. WR Maurice Stovall had surgery to repair a broken arm he suffered with three games remaining in the regular season. QB Chris Simms says he has a handle on his throwing mechanics that were altered following spleen surgery


FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• FB Mike Alstott has announced his retirement.


• TE Anthony Becht voided the final year of his contract. Blocking tight end most likely will move on.


• RB Michael Bennett had a limited role after being acquired in a trade with the Chiefs. Would provide some big-play making ability but needs to become more familiar with the Bucs offense.


• CB Sammy Davis is a fourth cornerback who played well in spots and could become valuable if Brian Kelly moves on.


• TE Keith Heinrich is a good blocking tight end that could get a chance if Anthony Becht moves on.


• WR Mark Jones is coming off an ACL injury and could move on with the emergence of Michael Spurlock.


• C Matt Lehr is a backup G/C that played well in spot duty.


• RB Michael Pittman and his six-year career with the Bucs could come to a close as he looks for more opportunity.


• TE Jerramy Stevens has lots of personal issues he still is trying to resolve but has been on his best behavior with the Bucs.


• LB Jeremiah Trotter is a spiritual leader who was inactive most of the season.


• C John Wade is a 10-year vet who is the anchor of a young offensive line. Bucs will try to upgrade but Wade could return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• LB Antoine Cash is a special teams dynamo who suffered a knee injury and spent season in IR


• DT Jovan Haye is a starting under tackle who came out of nowhere to finish among the Bucs' leading tacklers.


• SS Kalvin Pearson is a special teams standout who had spot duty at safety

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS


• LS Andrew Economos is very accurate.


• LT Donald Penn took over from injured starter Luke Petitgout and did an admirable job.


• WR Micheal Spurlock put his name in the history books with the first kickoff return for a touchdown in team history.


• FB Byron Storer is a backup fullback that did a good job when B.J. Askew was injured.


• WR Paris Warren separated his foot in a preseason game. Promising talent.


• DE Greg White was one of the biggest surprises. Former Arena League Defensive Player of the Year led the Bucs in sacks.


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