Yardbarker Horiz

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Free Agency: Tampa Bay Enters Silently

Sticking to a plan mentioned many times recently (and stated on this blog in January), General Manager Mark Dominik of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered free agency quietly.

In the late hours before free agency the Bucs made a few last moves:
- Tendered WR Mark Bradley with 2nd round pick
- Tendered RB Clifton Smith
- Tendered CB Elbert Mack

Four free agents were not tendered:  LB Matt McCoy, LB Rod Wilson, FB Byron Storer, and WR Brian Clark.

As mentioned yesterday, there was no massive release of veteran players like in 2009.  However, the Bucs did cut three veteran players:  DB Corrie Cox (7 years), P Josh Bidwell (10 years), and P Dirk Johnson (7 years).  All three finished 2009 on the injured reserve list.  Look for Tampa Bay to possibly negotiate a new deal with Cox depending on the value of other offers received.  The Buccaneers entered the offseason with P Sam Paulescu on the roster so it is unlikely that either Bidwell or Johnson will return to the roster this offseason.

It's important to remember that roster bonuses occur on June 1st and the 2010 Draft starts April 22nd.  Both of these events can prompt additional roster moves.  The Buccaneers roster currently contains 59 players (the offseason limit is 80 leading into training camp).

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