The Buccaneers signed free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia and potentially nabbed even more competition for incumbent starter Chris Simms by obtaining the rights to Jake Plummer from Denver yesterday.
Garcia, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who nearly signed with the Bucs as a free agent three years ago, agreed to a two-year deal that hopes will give him a chance to finally get to the Super Bowl.
A championship is missing from Plummer’s resume, too, but it’s unclear if it remains a personal goal.
Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen acknowledged the Bucs traded an undisclosed pick in the 2008 NFL Draft even though they were aware Plummer is considering retirement after losing his starting job with the Broncos last season.
Allen said he expects Plummer to play again, but would not speculate on whether it would be with Tampa Bay. The GM also said the Bucs did not acquire the quarterback’s rights with the idea of trading him.
Garcia, 37, who last year led Philadelphia to the playoffs filling in for injured Donovan McNabb, agreed to terms a day after talking with the Raiders. The Bucs pursued Garcia in free agency in 2004 but were unable to match a more lucrative deal he signed with the Browns.
Simms, who missed the final 13 games of last season with a ruptured spleen, signed a two-year extension in December. He led the Bucs to the playoffs after replacing injured Brian Griese two years ago, but was 0-3 as a starter in 2006.
LT’S BODYGUARD STAYS
Kris Dielman agreed to terms with the Chargers yesterday, taking one of the most sought-after offensive linemen available off the free-agent market.
The deal is worth $39 million over six years, with $17 million guaranteed in the first two years, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.
Dielman, who made a trip to Seattle when free agency began, had said all along he would like to return to block for LaDainian Tomlinson.
Dielman, an undrafted free agent from Indiana, was converted from defensive line to guard in his rookie season. He quickly blossomed into a top offensive lineman.
PATS SNARE THOMAS
Linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the most sought-after free agents, signed with the Patriots, giving the three-time Super Bowl winners a player in the mold of the departed Willie McGinest.
The 29-year-old Pro Bowler, one of the keys to the Baltimore defense last season, can play several positions, including outside linebacker and defensive end – as McGinest did until he left last season for Cleveland.
The Ravens, however, secured a replacement for Thomas, re-signing linebacker Jarret Johnson to a three-year, $13 million deal.
The Patriots also announced the signings of two other veterans: Former Jets tight end Kyle Brady and running back Sammy Morris.
BIG DADDY’S A BRONCO
The Broncos acquired 14-year veteran defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson from Miami yesterday in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in next month’s draft.
Wilkinson, who has 54½ sacks in his career, has started all 16 regular season games eight times in his career, including three of the past four seasons. He joined the Dolphins after starting every game in three seasons with the Lions.
STEINBACH TO BROWNS
Eric Steinbach shed his Bengals stripes for a chance to help turn around another awful NFL team.
The coveted free-agent offensive lineman, who spent his first four seasons blocking for Cincinnati, signed a seven-year, $49.5 million contract with the Browns. The deal guarantees the 26-year-old $17 million.
‘SKINS, SMOOT REACH DEAL
Cornerback Fred Smoot agreed to terms with the Redskins, returning to the team he left two years ago before two tumultuous seasons with the Vikings.
Smoot will sign his deal today, when he’ll also be formally introduced during a news conference at Redskins Park.
Details of the contract weren’t immediately available, but Smoot’s agent, Bus Cook, said the cornerback placed a higher priority to returning to a familiar team than working the free agent market for the best deal.
TEXANS RE-SIGN JOHNSON
The Texans signed Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson to a multiyear contract extension.
Johnson had two years remaining on his current contract. Terms of the deal were not released, but he was scheduled to make $5.25 million next season and $7.75 million in 2008.