Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy dined Monday night in Tampa with general manager Mark Dominik during an event for the Bucs' Pewter Partners. 

Now the only reason for stomach churning is trying to complete a "huge deal" for the team's first-round pick prior to Friday when players report to training camp.

Dominik said Tuesday that he is in "active negotiations" with McCoy's agent, Ben Dogra, on either a five or six year deal.

Dogra's firm, CAA, also represents Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, the first overall pick by the Rams. Dominik dismissed the perception that Bradford must be signed before McCoy, who was selected third overall. But he admits Bradford's deal could serve as a baseline for the market.

"I'm talking to Ben every day,'' Dominik said Tuesday. "We're trying to work toward finishing it before training camp. I've never sensed from Ben that we have to wait until Bradford is done, even though CAA does represent both players. I've never felt that was a prerequisite and I've never been told that by anyone. It could happen that way. But I'm in active negotiations with Ben now. But it does start to establish a bookend if it happens.''