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Bucs show interest in veteran CB Law
By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published June 30, 2005
TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to make room for another veteran cornerback with a Super Bowl ring.
Three of them, to be exact.
Patriots cornerback Ty Law has received a contract proposal that was faxed from the Bucs.
General manager Bruce Allen did not specify what role he envisions the 31-year-old Law would play in Tampa Bay.
"He's one of several free agents we're looking at," Allen said Wednesday night.
When asked how signing Law would affect Bucs starting cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, Allen said, "He's just one of many. We're looking for players at every position."
The courting of Law comes at a time when the Bucs are trying to clear about $6-million from the payroll for their rookie salary pool to sign 12 draft picks.
And with all the concerns the Bucs may have heading into the season, the cornerback position doesn't appear to be one of them.
Barber, an All-Pro last season, has expressed dissatisfaction over being the 27th highest-paid cornerback when free agency began. He has two seasons remaining on a six-year contract that averages $3-million and will earn $3.75-million in 2005.
Kelly, who has four years remaining on his contract, is scheduled to earn $2.4-million in base salary. The Bucs also signed Jaguars free agent Juran Bolden to be their nickel back.
Despite coming off a serious injury, Law may be seeking a deal in excess of either Bucs starting cornerback.
Law says the Jaguars, Jets, Dolphins, Chiefs and Colts also have expressed an interest in signing him.
"Tampa Bay faxed me an offer," Law told SI.com recently. "Indianapolis is in it. I got an offer, sight unseen, for $2.5-million for one year. If I wasn't ready, I'd just take it. But I'm going to be ready to play and that's not the kind of contract I should get."
Law suffered a fractured left foot against the Steelers last Halloween, which eventually healed late in the season. He played seven games and recorded just one interception before being released in February, ending a 10-year relationship with New England. Law was scheduled to make more than $10-million in salary and incentives this season.
Law said he also had a ligament strain that was not diagnosed by the Patriots which slowed his recovery this off-season. However, he recently worked out for the Jaguars.
According to Law, he is 85 percent and will be healthy in time for training camp.
The Bucs have 97 players on their roster and must get down to 90 before they report to training camp July 28. Among the players expected to be released is tackle Todd Steussie, who missed the last few weeks of voluntary workouts and was told not to attend the mandatory minicamp last week.
Cutting Steussie could save the Bucs about $2-million, but other veterans could also get the ax unless Allen is able to restructure some contracts.
"When we have to make some calls, we'll make some calls," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "And in the time being, we'll see what's going on around the league."
Apparently, one of the players the Bucs are targeting is Law, a mainstay in Patriots winning of three Super Bowls in the past four years.
"I'm going to be the best cornerback in football this year," Law said. "I'm just not sure where that's going to be yet."
By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published June 30, 2005
TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to make room for another veteran cornerback with a Super Bowl ring.
Three of them, to be exact.
Patriots cornerback Ty Law has received a contract proposal that was faxed from the Bucs.
General manager Bruce Allen did not specify what role he envisions the 31-year-old Law would play in Tampa Bay.
"He's one of several free agents we're looking at," Allen said Wednesday night.
When asked how signing Law would affect Bucs starting cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, Allen said, "He's just one of many. We're looking for players at every position."
The courting of Law comes at a time when the Bucs are trying to clear about $6-million from the payroll for their rookie salary pool to sign 12 draft picks.
And with all the concerns the Bucs may have heading into the season, the cornerback position doesn't appear to be one of them.
Barber, an All-Pro last season, has expressed dissatisfaction over being the 27th highest-paid cornerback when free agency began. He has two seasons remaining on a six-year contract that averages $3-million and will earn $3.75-million in 2005.
Kelly, who has four years remaining on his contract, is scheduled to earn $2.4-million in base salary. The Bucs also signed Jaguars free agent Juran Bolden to be their nickel back.
Despite coming off a serious injury, Law may be seeking a deal in excess of either Bucs starting cornerback.
Law says the Jaguars, Jets, Dolphins, Chiefs and Colts also have expressed an interest in signing him.
"Tampa Bay faxed me an offer," Law told SI.com recently. "Indianapolis is in it. I got an offer, sight unseen, for $2.5-million for one year. If I wasn't ready, I'd just take it. But I'm going to be ready to play and that's not the kind of contract I should get."
Law suffered a fractured left foot against the Steelers last Halloween, which eventually healed late in the season. He played seven games and recorded just one interception before being released in February, ending a 10-year relationship with New England. Law was scheduled to make more than $10-million in salary and incentives this season.
Law said he also had a ligament strain that was not diagnosed by the Patriots which slowed his recovery this off-season. However, he recently worked out for the Jaguars.
According to Law, he is 85 percent and will be healthy in time for training camp.
The Bucs have 97 players on their roster and must get down to 90 before they report to training camp July 28. Among the players expected to be released is tackle Todd Steussie, who missed the last few weeks of voluntary workouts and was told not to attend the mandatory minicamp last week.
Cutting Steussie could save the Bucs about $2-million, but other veterans could also get the ax unless Allen is able to restructure some contracts.
"When we have to make some calls, we'll make some calls," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "And in the time being, we'll see what's going on around the league."
Apparently, one of the players the Bucs are targeting is Law, a mainstay in Patriots winning of three Super Bowls in the past four years.
"I'm going to be the best cornerback in football this year," Law said. "I'm just not sure where that's going to be yet."
