Tampabay.com
MARCH 13, 2008

Hackett arrives; Wilson wants to play safety?

A couple late-afternoon developments to report.

Seattle free agent receiver D.J. Hackett spent today with the Bucs and his visit will continue through the evening. The goal for the player is to get a sense of how the Bucs would use him in their offense, which bears some similarities to the Seahawks'  unit. Hackett's visit to Washington apparently went well, with the Redskins making a contract offer today. What we don't know is how long or valuable a contract he was offered. Hackett, at this point, is still scheduled to head to Carolina Friday morning.

Elsewhere, we told you Wednesday night the Bucs were nearing an agreement with New England free agent defensive back Eugene Wilson. Well, they still hope to land him, but there's a bit of a sticking point: it seems Wilson isn't too keen on playing cornerback.

That would present a considerable problem because that's where the Bucs need the most help. They have a good stable of safeties in Tanard Jackson, Jermaine Phillips and Sabby Piscitelli -- the latter of whom returns this fall from a season-ending foot injury. Wilson played a lot of cornerback in college and at times with the Patriots, so the Bucs appear convinced he can do so in Tampa. But before they can make that decision, Wilson obviously needs to be onboard with the idea. That might not yet be the case.

UPDATE, 12:21 a.m.: Should have mentioned this earlier. Got one other note on receivers: Arizona's Bryant Johnson has not been offered a contract by the Bucs, despite rumors to the contrary. That word comes straight from his agent, Joel Segal.

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