Simms The Focus

Now with Ronde Barber signed to a five year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the quarterback Chris Simms becomes the focus of negotiations.

The Buccaneers have too much time invested in Simms not to invest in him financially. It will be the biggest off-field issue shadowing this team, until the contract is completed, if it is completed.

Technorati Tag(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ronde Barber, Chris Simms

Ronde Barber Wants to Play

Ronde Barber wants to play his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is on the verge of signing a contract that will allow him to do so.

"It's getting there. ... We've made a lot of progress the past couple weeks, and I think both sides are getting happy with where it might be," the 10th-year pro said after practice.

"I hope it happens some time soon. I can't tell you when it's going to be," Barber added. "I really wish I could."

Technorati Tag(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ronde Barber

Bucs Ink Gradkowski

Sixth-round draft pick Bruce Gradkowski signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A three-year starter at Toledo, Gradkowski became the first quarterback in major college football history to complete more than 70 percent of his passes in consecutive seasons, in 2003 and 2004. He finished with a career completion percentage of 68.2, a Division I-A record.

To make room on the roster, fullback Robert Douglas was released.

Technorati Tag(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bruce Gradkowski