Former Bucs receiver and currently-retired Keyshawn Johnson tells us he had conversations with the Bucs last week about a possible return.

It obviously didn't happen and we're not clear whether a contract was offered or whether the Bucs were just gauging Johnson's interest. But the Bucs, Johnson said, seemed serious about adding him to the roster and potentially playing him in the playoffs largely Maurice Stovall's season-ending injury impacted the unit's depth.

Tampa Bay called Johnson's agent and Johnson apparently considered the opportunity to the extent that he went to the Patriots-Giants game last week to scout his potential opponent.

That would have been one heck of a storyline heading into the postseason given Johnson's history with coach Jon Gruden. It would appear they have put their differences behind them. You might recall Johnson was deactivated for final seven games of the 2004 season after a run-in with Gruden.

It's surprising Johnson would consider coming out of retirement on such short notice. It would be quite a tall order to come right out of the ESPN studio and suit up for the playoffs. But that probably wouldn't stop Johnson from trying, I suppose.