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Bucs Keep Door Open For Plummer

By KATHERINE SMITH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 22, 2007

TAMPA - The Bucs' motto heading into training camp is the more the merrier.

It's certainly that way at the quarterback position, where Tampa Bay officials continue to hold out hope that Jake Plummer fulfills his duty as a Buccaneer. And it looks like other positions could be bolstered via trades.

General Manager Bruce Allen anticipates a busy trade market before training camp, one in which the Bucs could be players.

"There's some good names being floated around," Allen said. "Whether they actually occur or not, we'll have to see. There could be some trades in this league.

"We're listening. If we feel there's a player that can come in and help us, we'll absolutely go get him."

One position the Bucs already have looked into is safety. Allen admitted he has talked to veteran safety Donovin Darius, who recently was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he said it merely was "window shopping."

"We have two veteran safeties coming back. We feel comfortable with them," Allen said of Will Allen and Jermaine Phillips. "We like the addition of the two rookies we drafted who are going to be challenging for playing time. We checked into Donovin Darius, but we like where we're at right now."

As for the state of the quarterback position, the Bucs continue to keep the door open for Plummer and there is no deadline for when that door would shut. Allen considers Plummer a member of the team just like every other player on the roster. With that said, Plummer will be held to the same standards, including disciplinary action, which could include fines, for missing this week's mandatory minicamp.

Allen said he spoke recently with Plummer and will talk again soon. Even though the team has seemingly moved on without Plummer, Allen hopes he shows up for training camp. If Plummer doesn't report, he would be considered a holdout and would not count on the 53-man roster. The Bucs could place him on the Did Not Report list and he would not count against their salary cap, as he does now.

"If he elects not to report to camp, [it's] no different than when Keenan McCardell didn't report to camp or when you see other players hold out," Allen said. "There's no difference."

As for the rest of the roster, Allen said everyone will be ready when camp opens July 26, including Simeon Rice and Brian Kelly. The only player who might not be ready is defensive end Charles Bennett, who injured his knee during last week's workouts.

The Bucs wrapped up their offseason Thursday. Coach Jon Gruden rewarded the players for their efforts by canceling Thursday morning's final minicamp practice.

One player who probably didn't view the cancellation as a reward was quarterback Chris Simms. He did not get any reps during Wednesday's team drills, though Gruden had promised he would get his work in Thursday.

Simms continues to battle some bad habits he developed during his recovery from having his spleen removed. Allen assured that the franchise has plans for Simms in the future, even though Jeff Garcia has assumed control of the starting job.

"I see Chris' future no different than it has been the last few years," Allen said. "He's one of the hardest workers you're going to find. He loves the game of football and he will regain his stroke because he's dedicated to the game.

"He'll get better with time. He's a young man who's got a good future."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860 or ksmith@tampatrib.com.