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Bucs won't rule out Favre

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Bucs already will have five QBs at training camp, and Brett Favre appears available.
	[Getty Images]

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TAMPA — Acquiring Packers quarterback Brett Favre has at least been discussed in the front office of One Buc Place.

General manager Bruce Allen last week asked quarterback Chris Simms how he thought Favre would fare in the Bucs offense with limited practice time.

"He asked me questions about Brett Favre," Simms said. "He asked if I felt Brett would be able to come back and be good here if he didn't have a lot of reps in training camp. I said I thought he would but there would have to be some compromise with coach (Jon) Gruden. He'll just want the play called and to drop back and throw it in there.

"But it's something we talked about."

The Packers reportedly have been gauging interest about trading for Favre and have contacted at least one NFC opponent.

The Bucs run a version of the West Coast offense but Gruden's system has evolved to the point where Favre may need at least a full training camp to pick it up.

Starter Jeff Garcia, who also is 38, is in the final year of his contract and unhappy about the lack of progress on an extension.

Allen declined to comment Tuesday whether the Bucs might be interested in Favre.

"There's been so many reports that have come out in the last few weeks," Allen said. "The only people that can address that are the Packers and/or the player. I can't keep up with all of them."

Asked if he saw any scenario in which Favre might play for the Bucs this season, Allen said, "Again, all of those conversations are hypotheticals. Only the Packers or the player can ever discuss those things."

But apparently, it was a discussion between Allen and Simms. Simms, who has asked to be traded, said Allen sent him a notice requiring him to honor an early reporting date of July 15 at 7 a.m.

Simms, 27, who did not participate in the offseason workout program or mandatory minicamp, complied rather than risk a fine. He said the Bucs wanted to evaluate him and he threw passes to receivers Wednesday and Thursday.

"I did work out, but there were no coaches there," Simms said. "They wanted me to work out and throw to receivers. Bruce did go out on the field one day to check it out."

While Simms will be among the 80 players reporting to the Celebration Hotel on Friday, Garcia has been excused for the weekend to attend a reunion to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Gavilan College's 1973 national title. Garcia's father Bob, who coached Gavilan for 23 seasons, organized the event. Garcia played one season in 1989 at Gavilan before transferring to San Jose State.

The Bucs will bring five quarterbacks to camp, although Simms might be insurance against injury or eventually be traded.

"We'll adapt as we go," Allen said. "The five quarterbacks, as we've talked about, the position is important us. We see it as a need position in the entire NFL. We feel fortunate that we have on our roster four different guys that have won games for the Buccaneers. A lot of teams wish they could say they have two.

"The mind-set is let's make sure everyone we have stays healthy. We've seen our depth depleted at different times at various positions due to injuries," Allen said. "We really like the players that we have in place. We'll see what transpires. It's too hard to predict the future right now.''

In June, Simms said his relationship with Gruden was beyond repair.

"I told Bruce, 'Hey, I have a lot of respect for you,' " Simms said. " 'But I don't see how it can work. There were so many things that were said and done and you knew they were wrong.' He said he was just doing what was best for the team."

Allen said the Bucs must release four players by Friday to comply with the 80-man roster limit.

Offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah, a third-round pick, reached an agreement, leaving three draft choices unsigned: cornerback Aqib Talib, the first-rounder; receiver/returner Dexter Jackson (second round) and quarterback Josh Johnson (fifth round).

Allen said it appears that running back Cadillac Williams (knee) is headed to the physically unable to perform list. If so, he will count against the roster limit.

"Cadillac is the one you feel is going that way, but not only by league rule," Allen said. "We decided a long time ago we would give him a complete physical at the beginning of camp along with everyone else and make a decision on that day."