The Business of Free Agency
(March 5, 2000)

Hardy Nickerson, Tony Mayberry, Trent Dilfer and the Buccaneers are victims of the business of football. The National Football League's salary cap has had a positive effect on the competitive balance, it levels the playing field for smaller market teams, but forces tough choices that may not have been made otherwise.

This is also the time of year were the rumors are flying. This article will cover what we know right now and not attempt to separate fact from fiction. It is also a busy time of year and it is realized that as soon as something is published it becomes obsolete.

It has already been an active off season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At this stage, perhaps, more significant for the names that will not be on next season's roster. It is difficult to judge, and will be interesting to follow, the impact of losing Pro Bowl players will have on the team chemistry.

The option on Trent Dilfer's contact was not picked up. He has the most wins in team history as the starter and is the only Bucs QB to go to the Pro Bowl. Eric Zeier has been resigned to backup Shaun King.

Former Minnesota Vikings center Jeff Christy is now with the Buccaneers, which means Tony Mayberry's ten year career with Tampa Bay is over. Mayberry played in 160 games, started 144 straight, and went to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons. Christy is a couple of years younger and was the Pro Bowl starter the last two seasons. Considering what it would have cost to sign Mayberry, the price for obtaining Christy was reasonable.

Randall McDaniel, another former Vikings offensive lineman, has signed a three year deal with the Buccaneers. The 35 year McDaniel has gone to eleven Pro Bowls in his twelve year career. As the Bucs attempt to strengthen one of the team's traditional weakness, there may be more changes on the offensive line. The status of Paul Gruber, who may retire or play one more year, remains uncertain.

Linebacker Hardy Nickerson signed a four year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Buccaneers were not willing to match the offer for the 35 year old, so the team's all time leading tackler moved on. Nickerson went to the Pro Bowl five times with the Bucs, second only to Lee Roy Selmon, including the last four seasons.

One coaching change involves the offensive coordinator. Les Steckel is in, Mike Shula is out. Steckel was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings for a season. His offensive philosophy is similar to that of Tony Dungy.

We will all continue to watch the process and hope the 2000 season proves the Buccaneers made the right calls this off season.