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INDIANAPOLIS - It has been the debate early in the offseason. Griese or Garcia?
The Bucs' solution is to make room for both.
One day after reaching an agreement with Brian Griese on a five-year, $32-million contract, the Bucs were trying Sunday to sign free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia.
The team also informed Brad Johnson, who led the Bucs to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory, that he will be released before Tuesday.
Garcia, 35, took a physical for the Bucs and met with coach Jon Gruden Saturday night.
Tampa Bay has offered Garcia a contract and he's strongly considering accepting despite interest from the Lions and several other teams. A year ago, Garcia came close to signing with the Bucs before taking a four-year, $25-million with Cleveland.
"Jeff is strongly considering Tampa Bay," agent Steve Baker said. "He met with Coach Gruden knowing that they had reached a deal with Brian Griese. I'd say there's a 50 percent chance he goes there."
Garcia's interest was peaked after his meeting with the charismatic Gruden, whom he believes can make him a better quarterback.
"That's still a possibility," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said of signing Garcia. "We're going to have another veteran quarterback. The system with Jon is very attractive to a lot of players."
If the Bucs are unable to sign Garcia, they are expected to offer a contract to Dolphins free agent Jay Fiedler, 33.
That would seem to push third-year pro Chris Simms further down the depth chart as the least experienced quarterback on the roster.
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The Bucs' solution is to make room for both.
One day after reaching an agreement with Brian Griese on a five-year, $32-million contract, the Bucs were trying Sunday to sign free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia.
The team also informed Brad Johnson, who led the Bucs to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory, that he will be released before Tuesday.
Garcia, 35, took a physical for the Bucs and met with coach Jon Gruden Saturday night.
Tampa Bay has offered Garcia a contract and he's strongly considering accepting despite interest from the Lions and several other teams. A year ago, Garcia came close to signing with the Bucs before taking a four-year, $25-million with Cleveland.
"Jeff is strongly considering Tampa Bay," agent Steve Baker said. "He met with Coach Gruden knowing that they had reached a deal with Brian Griese. I'd say there's a 50 percent chance he goes there."
Garcia's interest was peaked after his meeting with the charismatic Gruden, whom he believes can make him a better quarterback.
"That's still a possibility," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said of signing Garcia. "We're going to have another veteran quarterback. The system with Jon is very attractive to a lot of players."
If the Bucs are unable to sign Garcia, they are expected to offer a contract to Dolphins free agent Jay Fiedler, 33.
That would seem to push third-year pro Chris Simms further down the depth chart as the least experienced quarterback on the roster.
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