TBO: Start Of Free Agency Is Big Deal

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Start Of Free Agency Is Big Deal

http://bucs.tbo.com/bucs/MGA1IX5TCRD.html

By IRA KAUFMAN ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: Mar 3, 2004

TAMPA - The first 48 hours of free agency usually generates a flurry of high-profile signings before a reflective lull sets in.

Expect that pattern to continue today as teams with favorable cap room quickly sign players they have targeted for months.

Along with the Clinton Portis-Champ Bailey swap and the A.J. Feeley trade to Miami, here are some deals that should - and could - come down in the next few days:

Oakland signs Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp:

At this point in his career, Sapp just wants to be wanted. The lure of the silver and black will make it difficult for the perennial Pro Bowler to just say no to Raiders owner Al Davis. Oakland craves a defensive leader and young players like Napoleon Harris and Chris Cooper need a mentor to accelerate their development. Besides, Davis figures it's time he reversed the Oakland-to-Tampa runaway train.

Miami signs Patriots guard/center Damien Woody:

The Dolphins execute a surgical strike against their AFC East counterparts, walking away with a versatile Pro Bowl lineman. Woody is only 26 and the interior of Miami's offensive line is alarmingly weak, responsible for that paltry 3.7 yards per carry in 2003. The Pats can't afford to keep Woody and the Dolphins have been busy carving out cap room for a heady veteran.

Philadelphia signs Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson:

Eagles fans are screaming for a legitimate target and Jackson's presence would be a welcome sight for quarterback Donovan McNabb. The former Tampa Catholic standout caught 68 passes for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns last season, although he committed some critical drops midway through the year.

The Eagles are well under the cap and it's time to step up and grab a No. 1 receiver instead of deluding themselves that James Thrash and Todd Pinkston can fill the bill.

Indianapolis signs Bucs middle linebacker Nate Webster:

As any frustrated Colts fan will attest, former first-round pick Rob Morris isn't getting the job done in the middle of Tony Dungy's defense. Dungy played a key role in drafting Webster and the fifth-year pro has earned an opportunity to compete for a starting job. Webster would inject the toughness and swagger Indy lacks defensively and he's already familiar with Dungy's system.

Atlanta signs Titans defensive tackle Robaire Smith:

The Falcons finished last defensively for a reason last year ... they lack playmakers. The emerging Smith, 26, is a good fit as Atlanta switches to a 4-3 alignment under new coach Jim Mora Jr. and new coordinator Ed Donatell. Smith's 73 tackles ranked second to Kevin Carter among Tennessee linemen and he's only going to get better.

Panthers sign Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent:

This one's a natural. Vincent is a class act and although he turns 33 in June, he can provide the Panthers with stability at the critical left corner position. Carolina yielded 32 completions to Tom Brady in the Super Bowl and those soft coverages don't sit well with Coach John Fox.

Philadelphia has stockpiled young defensive backs and Vincent will be a salary-cap casualty who can keep Carolina atop the NFC South.

Cowboys sign Eagles running back Duce Staley:

Philadelphia is going with a younger, quicker backfield and Dallas coach Bill Parcells is determined to find an upgrade over Troy Hambrick.

Staley's best years may be behind him, but he still averaged 4.8 yards on 96 carries last season compared to 3.5 for Hambrick. Staley's toughness is a trait that Parcells covets.