Offseason moves

All football fans at this time of the year, all have opinions on how their team can improve with the start of free agency in March. As a fan of the Buccaneers, I'm no different and here are my suggestions:

Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.

Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.

Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.

Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.

Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.

Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.

Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.

TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.

Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.

Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.

Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.


Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.

Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.