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Bucs Will Meet With Woodson
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By ROY CUMMINGS
rcummings@tampatrib.com
Published: Mar 24, 2006
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TAMPA - The Bucs don't appear to be in need of a starting-caliber cornerback, but one of that ilk apparently is headed their way.
The agent for four-time Pro Bowl corner Charles Woodson confirmed that Woodson arrived in Tampa late Thursday for a meeting with the Bucs today.
Woodson, 29, had his best years while playing under Bucs coach Jon Gruden in Oakland, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. Since 2002, however, Woodson has struggled to stay healthy and play up to the level of some enormous contracts.
Woodson made $10.5 million after being named the Raiders' franchise player for the second consecutive year last season, but for the fourth consecutive year he failed to turn in a complete season, missing the final 10 games because of a broken leg.
The Bucs appear set at corner, with starters Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly and backup Juran Bolden, who recently was re-signed to a multiyear contract. They are, however, in need of an experienced free safety, so the Bucs may plan to ask Woodson to consider a move there.
"
Charles will do anything, including selling popcorn, if it's going to help his team win," said Woodson's agent, Carl Poston. "The good thing is Jon and [Bucs general manager] Bruce [Allen] know what they're getting with this kid. But [economics] will obviously be a determining factor."
The news regarding Woodson, who also plans to visit Green Bay and Seattle, came shortly after the Bucs learned they'd lost out in bidding for former Patriots free-agent tackle Tom Ashworth, who agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Seahawks.
The Bucs targeted Ashworth as a possible replacement for Kenyatta Walker, but according to agent Tom Mills, Ashworth received a more lucrative offer from the Seahawks and felt more comfortable about playing in Seattle.
"[Tom] really hit it off with the Seattle [offensive line] coach and felt like their offense suits his talents very well," Mills wrote in an e-mail. "The compensation package is very fair for a starter.
"Tampa was very creative throughout the [negotiating] process and made a sincere effort to complete the deal within their cap space."
Complete details of Ashworth's contract were not available, but it is believed to include a payout of $4.5 million in the first year. Mills said previously that the Bucs offered only to pay backup rates for Ashworth, mostly a regular with the Patriots the past three seasons.
The Bucs have also expressed interest in signing free-agent tackles Brad Hopkins and Mike Pearson, and the agent for Walker has said in recent weeks that the Bucs remain interested in retaining Walker as well.
The Bucs also continued their efforts to add depth to their receiving corps. They continued negotiating with the agent for Giants free agent Tim Carter, and according to one of his representatives, Chiefs free agent Marc Boerigter still was contemplating joining the Bucs.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Times Picayune reported that the Bucs have scheduled an interview with receiver/return specialist Michael Lewis.
Also, a representative for Broncos free-agent linebacker and special teams standout Patrick Chukwurah said Chukwurah is trying to decide between signing with the Bucs or returning to Denver.
