Buccaneers: Griese talks resume

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Thursday, January 27, 2005

News
Contract talks for Buccaneers' quarterback Brian Griese resumed Wednesday when his agent arrived at the Senior Bowl to meet with Bucs' general manager Bruce Allen. Griese has another year left on his existing contract, but team officials have indicated that they are not willing to pay the $6 million roster bonus he is owed. Bucs' head coach Jon Gruden has his way, the negotiations will move quickly. "One way or another, it'd be nice to know what's going on," Gruden told the St. Petersburg Times. Griese threw 20 touchdowns and completed nearly 70 percent of his passes last season.

Views
The Bucs have too many salary cap issues to pay the $6 million roster bonus, so it appears that Griese will either agree to restructure his contract or be released. Whether he agrees to a restructured deal could determine how the Bucs use their No. 5 overall draft pick. At this point, it appears they are in the market for a running back, although that could change if they release Griese.