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| Wednesday, March 7 ESPN.com news services | |||
TAMPA, Fla. – Free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson agreed to terms on a five-year, $28 million contract Monday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who
outbid the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens for the most
coveted free agent quarterback.
The deal also includes a $6½ million signing bonus and a base salary of $750,000 next
season. Nearly half the contract, including a $3.5 million salary
and $2 million roster bonus in 2002 – would be paid in the first
two years.
The Bucs confirmed general manager Rich McKay struck a deal with
Johnson, but said the team would not comment until the former
Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings star signs a contract.
The Ravens, who were thought to have the inside track,
reportedly offered Johnson and former Kansas City Chiefs
quarterback Elvis Grbac identical offers worth about $22 million
over four years.
The Bucs had several things in their favor. Johnson was a Vikings quarterback while Bucs coach Tony Dungy was defensive coordinator in Minnesota. Also, Johnson played at Florida State and currently lives in Tallahassee.
However, Johnson also is a close friend of Baltimore coach Brian Billick, who
was Johnson's one-time offensive coordinator with the Vikings.
"I'm excited to be a Buccaneer. I have a lot of respect for the
organization and for Tony (Dungy) and for the guys I played against
for so many years," Johnson, who lives in Tallahassee, told Tampa
television station WTVT, Channel 13.
"I feel like I'm putting myself in the best position to be
successful and to win at a high level, and that's with Tampa Bay."
Although McKay suggested last week that signing a quarterback
wasn't necessarily a high priority because the Bucs were happy with
Shaun King as their starter, the acquisition of Johnson wasn't a
surprise.
King helped Tampa Bay reach the NFC championship game as a rookie two
years ago. But he was inconsistent in leading the team to a 10-6
regular-season mark last season, then played poorly in a
first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia.
Dungy fired offensive coordinator Les Steckel, who was
criticized for not getting Keyshawn Johnson more involved in the
team's attack, and promoted former quarterbacks coach Clyde
Christensen into the job.
The Bucs also claimed former San Diego quarterback Ryan Leaf off
waivers last Friday. But McKay reiterated earlier Monday that the
club did not consider him a solution to their concerns on offense.
"We wouldn't bring Ryan in here and say that you have to play
tomorrow and you have to be on the field going. We're looking at
this more as developmental – see where you are as a football player
and let's try to get better and use your talents," McKay said. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories | ALSO SEE
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