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TAMPA - When the Buc returned to the practice field for their fifth “voluntary workout of the offseason Wednesday, running back Earnest Graham wasn’t with them. Graham won’t say precisely why he wasn’t there, but you can pretty much guess the reason.
Graham, who is seeking a contract extension much like disgruntled quarterback Jeff Garcia, has obviously been advised by his agent to take a different approach to the matter than Garcia has.
Instead of showing up and participating in workouts the way Garcia is, Graham has been advised to sit out in an effort to reduce the risk of injury, which could really cut into his bargaining power. And unlike Garcia, Graham has also been advised not to talk about the situation.
“I’ve been advised not to comment on the situation,’’ Graham said earlier today. “I talked the last time about it and I probably shouldn’t have. I just can’t comment on it right now.’’
That “last time’’ that Graham refers to was last month, after Graham failed to show for the first round of “voluntary workouts. Back then, Graham said the contract issue was not the reason for his absence. He said he was simply taking the time to be with his family and that he planned to participate in the next round of workouts, “after the draft.’’
Graham didn’t make any such promise Wednesday. When asked if he’ll be around One Buc Place for the next round of workouts he said with a sigh, “I don’t know, man; I really don’t know.’’
You get the feeling Graham would really like to be there but that he realizes he has to do what’s best for him. And if that means sitting out, it looks like he’ll continue to sit out. After all, this is his best chance yet to cash in on his talent.
Coming off a season in which he fell just short of the 1,000-yard rushing mark while producing more than 1,000 total yards, Graham has obviously earned the right to seek a raise of the $605,000 he’s slated to make in 2008. He also wants some security to go with that, so he’s likly looking for a three-, four- or five-year deal that pays him like the workhorse he was in 2007.
The Buc, on the other hand, have to be sure not to overpay Graham, who was little more than a special teams standout before last season. It’s a difficult position for the Buc, and it’s hard to tell at this point of a solution is anywhere near.
Posted by paul, port richey fl on 05/14 at 01:47 PM
remember folks there was a reason E.G was a third string running back before pittman and cadillac went down with injuries last season. i say produce the numbers again and then talk about more money. look at clayton he had a good rookie season but what has he done since then. same thing with garcia. play your current contract out produce more and then see about an extension for both of them.
Posted by Timmy Hall, seffner fl on 05/14 at 01:05 PM
I think they should give him a bump to 1 mil this year. that is It.tell him that if he goes out and play like he did last year,then they will up his contract. as for Garcia no way man. you signed a 2 year contract last year and was fine with it, shut up and play out your contract that you agreed on. I
am so sick of these player’s who make millons being so greedy. try geting a 8 hour a day job making 10-15 bucks an hour and see where that takes you. I bet that contract would seem very nice then. me and my wife is out every day trying to suport our 3 kid’s in this f*** up world. i’m losing my home to this crap , and you are out there cryin about you want more money. give EG some more money $6000.00 is not a lot of money.
Posted by Carl Johnson, Orlando, FL on 05/14 at 01:02 PM
We all know that Earnest Grahm is following the direction of his agent and in this case it may be a mistake. In light of the fact that EG stayed in the NFL based upon his effort and commitment to team, I don’t perceive last years work as a major reason to “cash in” for this 29 year old. This stay home can’t be good in light of the competition at running back. I believe Allen should reward EG based upon performance, not to the extent of the previous GM.
Posted by Dan, Titusville,FL on 05/14 at 12:15 PM
Mitch, I agree with you. The man needs to come in again this season and prove to everybody that last year wasn’t a fluke.Then we can start talking money.
There is a reason why the Bucs signed 3 or 4 more RBs because they weren’t to sure about him either, or any other RBs we have. Warrick Dunn is not a has been, he might of droped off a little last year mainly because of the team he was with."NO OL, and NO Coach” nobody was blocking for him. Their whole team last year totally sucked &$&$&%$. EG is going to have some compitition with Warrick Dunn.
Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/14 at 12:02 PM
Chauncey, Can you please use English and repost, I think I know what you are saying, but I’m not 100%.
Posted by BUC DEEZ, WASHINGTON DC on 05/14 at 11:59 AM
make that (proven) my error
Posted by chauncey mccain, shreveport,LA on 05/14 at 11:57 AM
b. allen must do this we don’t need one hit wonders like macfarland in all in all E.G aint all that good thats why we have a backup plan I think we should C.boyd a shot he can do the thing GRAHAM do catch out da back
Posted by Billy S, TN on 05/14 at 11:25 AM
I agree with Mitch. I love what Graham did for the team but he should come in here and play hard another season. Chances are they are working on something for him anyways… I mean the draft was just a couple of weeks ago. There’s alot of stuff that has to get done and there’s alot of time left to get it done. The media stirs up all of this crap and I’m glad most of the posters on this site aren’t NFL GM’s.
Posted by Mitch R, NYC on 05/14 at 11:10 AM
EG wasn’t complaing about making $600,000 when he was making tackles on special teams and leading the team in pre-season rushing yards. Again, I don’t see the need to renegotiate a multi year deal with a guy that’s played in 10-12 games. Let him back his solid season up with another (for that measily $600,000) and then look to make him a zillionaire. The greed is unbelievable here. I’ve seen players like him come and go and when they get paid, they fall into oblivion. I have a feeling this is his agent’s (Rosenhouse) strategy and not Graham’s.
Posted by Jamie, Martinez, CA on 05/14 at 11:01 AM
Bruce Allen is putting himself into a bad position. If he doesn’t renegotiate some of these contracts, the team will suffer. There are too many piling up not to act on some of the. But now that he has waited until they are publically complaining, if he renegotiates, it will send the signal to others that all they have to do is complain and that will get action. In the future, these things should get taken care of well before they get to this stage.
Posted by BUC DEEZ, WASHINGTON DC on 05/14 at 10:56 AM
E.G aka (Bowling Ball) has paid his Tampa dues and deserves a bump in pay so whatever course he feels will help his situation i support GET PAID BRA (NOW’S THE TIME UR VALUE HAS BEEN PROVED)
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Posted by Dan, Titusville,FL on 05/14 at 01:51 PM
Timmy, Well said.