Bucs Approach Potential Lockout With Moves on Key Restricted Free Agents

Filed under: Buccaneers, NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised the NFL with a 10-6 record in 2010. The last thing they want to happen is to let players responsible for the turnaround getaway in free agency.

According to The Tampa Tribune, the Bucs sent restricted free-agent tender letters to all of their players preparing to test the market as free agents. Those players include offensive guard Davin Joseph, offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood and linebacker Quincy Black.

Their contracts are set to expire in March with the end of the collective bargaining agreement.

"We're going to go with business as usual in terms of what we would do (if there was no lockout)," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik told the newspaper. "My mindset is to make sure we do our due diligence from the club's standpoint."

If some version of the current labor agreement is in place in March at least the Bucs are covered should one of their players negotiate a deal with another team. The Bucs would have the right of first refusal.

"If they (tenders) are binding, then we're prepared," Dominik said. "We just don't want to let something slip through the cracks. It's the thing you have to do."

Several players and their agents confirmed receipt of the letters, and while some throughout the league believe it could prove to be a contentious issue, Trueblood is clearly not one of them.

Linebacker Adam Hayward, wide receiver Maurice Stovall and defensive ends Tim Crowder and Stylez G. White are free agents who have between four and six years of NFL experience.

Kicker Connor Barth, tackle James Lee, safety Corey Lynch, cornerback Elbert Mack, receiver Micheal Spurlock and defensive lineman Frank Okam have less than four years of experience and are expected to be restricted free agents.

Joseph was a first-round draft pick in 2006 and has started for five seasons at left guard. Trueblood was a second round pick in 2006 and with left tackle Donald Penn and center Jeff Faine the Bucs have the core of a solid offensive line.

 

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