You can call Jeff Garcia selfish for trying to get more money from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the truth is he's not just asking for a raise for himself. He's asking for a raise for Earnest Graham, too. "There are a few players on this team that I believe should be rewarded. One of those guys isn't here with us right now, and I don't know if that's the reason.
"But a guy like Earnest Graham - he had such a spectacular year last year. And in no way did I feel or does anybody on this team feel that it was a fluke. But he's stuck on the bottom."
See? Garcia wants to share the wealth. He's a team player after all.
Graham became a starter last season after injuries benched Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, and he ran well, averaging 4.0 yards a carry and scoring 10 touchdowns. As of right now, he'll make only $605,000 next season. Currently, the Bucs' other options at running back are Michael Bennett, who struggled in this offense last season, Warrick Dunn, who is a great guy but is way past his sell date, practice squader Kenneth Darby and 7th-round pick Cory Boyd.
I've written here before that Graham deserves a raise. Another million wouldn't damage the Bucs' salary cap status. Knowing the way Bruce Allen operates, though, I figure Graham will get traded or cut before he sees that money. Enjoy old Warrick Dunn, Bucs fans.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-15-2008 @ 9:18PM
BlueStarDude said...
Eh, Cory Boyd will be the best back on that team.
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5-16-2008 @ 5:51PM
Vincent said...
What I can't believe is that nobody is picking up free agent Michael Pittman. He is the most talented back on the team and had he not had a mid season injury last year, nobdy would know who Earnest Graham is. He has not lost a step, a great blocker and he averages more yards per carry than ANYONE on the team. Gruden has not used him to his full potential. The Buc's keep looking for a back, but he was right here. If he plays for the Colt's or the Pat's, he is a STAR. If I was Drew Rosenhouse, I'd try to get Dallas, Colt's or Pat's to sign him for whatever. After one year, EVERY TEAM in the NFL would want him. If the Buc's did not have Pittman in the Superbowl, the would have lost to the Raiders and he damn well should have been the MVP of that game with 130 years rushing. He will sign elsewhere, just like Chris Simms. Then, one or both will come back and kick the shit out of the Buc's in the playoffs. Nice call Bruce and Jon.
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