Bucs GM Allen isn't worried about QB Garcia's contract frustrations

TAMPA — Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said Wednesday that he is not concerned that quarterback Jeff Garcia went public with frustrations about his contract.

Garcia, who wants an extension to his deal that includes a $2-million salary for 2008, hinted Tuesday that he could miss some offseason practices.

"Each player has to handle his business how he sees fit," Allen said. "Jeff, for the last five years … has been with five teams. I know he enjoyed great success with Coach (Jon) Gruden and wants that to continue. That's not bad news. That's good news.

"We've got seven months to free agency, and we've got plenty of time. But our focus is we have 70 days to training camp, and we want to get our best 80 players ready."

Meanwhile, Earnest Graham has not attended an offseason workout since rushing for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 starts last season. He also wants an extension.

"Earnest performed well for us last year, and he wasn't at most of the offseason program last year," Allen said. "He's a young man that takes care of himself, and I'm sure he'll be prepared.'

Comments on this article

by IBES	May 19, 2008 1:39 PM
Sorry but did Garcia waste all that money from Cleveland that he picked over the Bucs the first time. Tough to feel sorry for the guy who picked money over success the first time. Honor the contract and then get rewarded.

by Tony	May 19, 2008 10:39 AM
Michael I kind of agree with Jim. Most athletes are overpaid. They knew what they were getting in to health wise when they signed, so I dont feel sorry for them. These guys dont work 40 hour weeks for a lifetime, there pampered and overpaid.

by fish	May 18, 2008 1:55 PM
Garcia was robbed of his bonus boo-hoo. He should have thrown a few games beforehand to make the playoffs a quetion mark. Then they would have to play him every game. Boom- bonus check

by nick	May 17, 2008 11:37 PM
maybe my prayers are going to be answered.Please let Luke start trad Garcia and Simms for recievers

by Michael	May 17, 2008 11:37 PM
Jimbo...listen up Dude: most NFL players, who play for 10 years OR longer, end up with terrible disabilities. Joe Montana and Joe Namath, had to have hip replacement. Know what you're talking about or shut up.

by dantheman	May 17, 2008 3:52 PM
The Bucs need to pay Garcia because without him we would have won maybe 1 game not come close to the division Graham needs to prove 1 more year he is that good then the Bucs need to pay him as well. Go Bucs!! Peace!!!

by Jim	May 16, 2008 3:50 PM
All of those athletes are vastly overpaid for playing a game anyway. They "work" for ten years and then enjoy a life of luxurious leasure. Once you've signed a contract, shut up and do what you signed to do! Asking for more is B*S*!

by Ron	May 16, 2008 3:18 PM
Give Jeff the 2.5 in bonus's. Graham should shut up show up and compete for the starting job. tear it up in the beginning of the season and I guarantee he'll have a fat new contract well before the end of the season. He must not believe he can rep

by chase	May 16, 2008 2:31 PM
i dont like rick stroud he always writes about bad stuff and doesnt write exactly what people say

by Yoda	May 16, 2008 1:40 PM
I say we get rid of all 7 qbs and try to coerce Vinny out of retirement

by Dale	May 16, 2008 1:02 PM
I am so tired of you wanna be's acting like tuff guys..trying to play Donald Trump pretending your somebody writing your jealous comments here just because your financally challanged..you probably spend your free time playing Monopoly and video games

by Mike	May 16, 2008 10:54 AM
I agree that Garcia doesnt need a 2 year expansion considering the potential he has for injury. I also agree that he should make more money these next two years playing with Tampa. He needs to be rewarded for making the pro bowl like others have said

by bill	May 16, 2008 10:53 AM
give jeff a contract a 2 year deal 2mil to sighn 500k base 200k every start 100k every win..10 wins is bout 5 mil...then throw ina mil per playoff win...even if he doesnt start u have a good backup and teacher and a guy who can come in and win some g

by David	May 16, 2008 10:53 AM
This whole thing was started because Allen and Gruden decided to bench Garcia for the last few games to make sure he didnt reach his 2.5 million dollar bonus....I wonder if it happened to you if you would have words with your boss...hypocrite!!

by Fo'Shizzle	May 15, 2008 7:09 PM
Live up to the contract you signed...crying baby. We all work under contract or employment at will, go sit out if you don't like it. Moron.

by Dave	May 15, 2008 5:17 PM
It's a shame the Bucs didn't reward Garcia's ProBowl season. Yet I wish for once, a player in this situation would state his case, then fulfill his contract without further complaint/holdout, put the pressure to "do the right thing" on Allen, et al.

by mario	May 15, 2008 5:17 PM
Bottom Line, Garcia is a starting QB in the NFL, getting back up QB money. He doesn't need the richest contract in the world, but he deserves "starting QB" money!

by Keebon	May 15, 2008 5:17 PM
I think that these guys make more than plenty of money as pro athletes. Garcia,especially,should not expect a big contract especially when he is at the end of his career and a big possibility of getting injured easily! Graham on the other hand iagree

by kasey	May 15, 2008 5:17 PM
I think after garcia's performance for last year, he deserves more than what he is getting. he proved himself already. he is the 2nd least paid qb in the nfl. and graham deserves his starting rb position more than anyone else along w the extension.

by JB	May 15, 2008 5:17 PM
Interesting that GM Allen mentions that Garcia has been with 5 teams in 5 years; sounds a little like he's telling his talented but much-traveled QB to settle down and enjoy what he's got.

by Miko	May 15, 2008 11:51 AM
I agree that these guys did good for us last year, but to threaten a sit out is ridiculous. How many times has someone had a great year and followed it up with a crappy one, won year wonders. I say play yer butts off this season then get the cash.

by Frustrated	May 15, 2008 11:51 AM
If Garcia is to start, he should be paid a little more, but I think Luke McCowan and Brian Greise should be considered as well. As for Graham, he has proved he can play and should be rewarded with more than the league minimum or he will probably go t

by David	May 15, 2008 11:51 AM
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh the old "Who do they think they are, Human beings?" answer