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Bucs Let Go of Gradkowski
Posted By Roy Cummings at May 30, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Updated May 31, 2008 at 12:09 AM

TAMPA - The Bucs began to alleviate their logjam at quarterback Friday. In doing so they created a logjam at tight end.

On the same day in which they welcomed back tight end Jerramy Stevens, the Bucs let go of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. It’s hard to tell which move was more surprising.

The Bucs have said for weeks that they planned to take only five quarterbacks to training camp this year, so a move (or two) at that spot was sure to come. Many, though, figured Chris Simms would be the first to go. This, however, is a clear sign that the Bucs still believe Simms has value - either to them or to someone else.

As for signing Stevens, who has been in and out of off-field trouble his entire career, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised at all. The Bucs liked him enough to sign him just days after he was arrested on drunken driving charges last spring. Stevens wound up missing time with the Bucs because of that arrest last season but Bucs coach Jon Gruden has always been enamored with his talent. Maybe we really didn’t know how much until now.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by patrick dotson, tampa,fl on 05/31 at 12:13 AM

actually feel bennett is going to surpise alot of people this year...now that he knows the system i think is going to have a big impact in this offense…

Posted by Greg, Tampa on 05/31 at 12:06 AM

Todd, what are you talking about the only NFL caliber backs we have are Graham, Bennett and Dunn and an injured Cadillac (who probably won’t play this year) - seriously after Graham I don’t much faith in any of our running backs to be able to carry more than 10 carries a game. At tight end we already have Smith, Troupe and Gilmore that will see most of the snaps. Also, Pittman was a better receiver than any of the running backs listed above and could play full back behind Askew if needed. Don’t criticize people if you don’t know anything about the team you bonehead.

Posted by patrick dotson, tampa,fl on 05/31 at 12:04 AM

now todd we have to behave..dont want to hurt old billys feelings..LOL...i agree with both of these moves..stevens late in the season helped us alot..he could be a big threat in the red zone this coming season...as for bruce...i have never liked him...didnt feel he was big enough,accuracy sucks,descision making lacks,and he really doesnt have alot of arm strength...so bruce i hope you have fun in the afl…

Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 11:39 PM

Greg,

We have plenty of depth at RB/FB thats why they let Pittman go.

Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 11:36 PM

Shockey would be a good fit here in Tampa. They should maybe try and make it happen. They won’t do it though because we have alot of TEs trying out now especially with Stevens coming back.

Posted by Greg, Tampa on 05/30 at 11:27 PM

I would have preferred the Bucs bring back Pittman as opposed to Stevens and have the extra depth at RB/FB as opposed to TE - but Stevens has shown that he can be useful as a big red zone target.

Posted by idaho_buc_fan, Twin Falls, ID on 05/30 at 10:58 PM

hey allen made two smart moves getting rid of gradkowski and signing stevens back. hey allen where are the big named playmakers we was promised? we got alot of cap space still. hey i got a couple of ideas rod coleman for our awesome defense. oh saw NFL live today heard of shockey not being around for that big sha bang they had thursday. maybe you try to bring him to tampa? hmmm?

Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 10:46 PM

Where are you at Billy Hill?? Where is your opinion? I wanna laugh a little bit.

Posted by todd, PSJ, FL. on 05/30 at 10:43 PM

Looks like we are on the right path. Way to go Gruden. I thought Stevens made some clutch catches last season.

Posted by CB, lw on 05/30 at 10:31 PM

that’s like comparing eli manning to kerry collins or doug flutie to manute bol! wake up my man!

Posted by CB, lw on 05/30 at 10:28 PM

bruce g and steve young....apples and oranges....come on…

Posted by keith brooks, huge Bucs fan in VA! on 05/30 at 09:32 PM

I truly think that releasing Gradkowski is a HUGE mistake..like Steve Young like loss. I really think with the right coaching and time, he would have been an awesome QB for the Bucs. my opinion.

brooks
www.myspace.com/kinggiant

Posted by Shannon "Chief" Cherry, Destin, Florida on 05/30 at 09:17 PM

Stevens was awesome in the red zone towards the end of the season when he got playing time, and once the QBs realized his talent and mismatches. I like this signing, especially with the kid from Tennessee!

Posted by George Leslie Hicks, Dallas,Texas on 05/30 at 09:01 PM

Well I see Tampa release on QB and Add another TE who played last year. My Question, If Tampa brought all these so call Upgrade TE’s, Why didn’t they just resign Stevens during the FA period. Now who is the bucs going to keep at QB, WR,Te, RB and FB’s! I hope that The staff will make the correct decissions regardless of who they keep.

Posted by Frances Nichols, Pinellas Park on 05/30 at 08:51 PM

Another mistake by Gruden

Posted by Cody Ubben, Cedar Falls, IA on 05/30 at 07:50 PM

Great point Bob!
Where has our offense struggled the most since, oh I don’t know, forever? The redzone. Exactly where I think a guy like Stevens could really help us if given the chance.
As for Grads, it was time to cut him lose. His potential ceiling isn’t as high as the rest of the QB’s on our roster.

Posted by John, Tampa on 05/30 at 07:45 PM

Finally somebody down there woke up and realized BG should be playing arena FB. There is still time for him to sign with the Storm!?!

Posted by raw_as_fuq, Tampa on 05/30 at 07:44 PM

Bob Arceneaux…
Are you being sarcastic about Dungy?
Marvin harrison DIDN’T get cut and he DID re-sign Dominic Rhodes. PLEASE tell me you are being sarcastic and if your not where in the world do you get your info!

Posted by jim losinger, Austin Tx. on 05/30 at 07:24 PM

Hey guys, Dungy is not the coach anymore, remember? Your on the wrong bandwagon.

Posted by Bob Arceneaux, Valrico on 05/30 at 07:00 PM

You are absolutely right about Dungy. He would never put up with somebody with bad character on his team, which is why I applaud him for cutting Marvin Harrison. And not re-signing Dominic Rhodes based on his DUI history.

Posted by HFXBUC, Halifax on 05/30 at 06:42 PM

This is a sad day in Bucland. Stevens is a dirtbag, pure and simple. His history is disgraceful and our team should be ashamed for bringing him in...again. This dude would not be on a Tony Dungy team. All this to win a Superbowl...expensive. Now to cheer for the Bucs I am in turn cheering for this dirtbag? Not sure i can do that in the same way i have in the past.

Please cut him in camp. Please. do it for the fans, don’t make us cheer for him.

Posted by St. Auggy Bucs Man, St. Augustine on 05/30 at 06:24 PM

I’m still a Simms fan. Get what we can for Griese and the rights to Plummer, just not ready to part yet with Simms

Posted by raw_as_fuq, Tampa on 05/30 at 06:04 PM

Good job Allen I really liked the plays Stevens did last year! Also everyone knew that Grads was going to get cut he never would bet out McCown for a roster spot! Next Allen is going to cut Simms.