Roster

Tampa Bay RB Michael Pittman is scheduled to become unrestricted free agent Feb. 29. It's been a long time since Pittman didn't sport red and pewter. He joined Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent in 2002 after spending the first four years of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. While he likely will hit the free agent market, Pittman wouldn't mind staying in Tampa Bay. "I'm really open to anything," said Pittman in the Pewter Report. "If the Bucs really want me on this team then I'll stay here. It would be kind of difficult for me to leave Tampa, but it's all about opportunities. If there's a better situation out there in free agency for me then I'll probably do that."

Tampa Bay drafted WR Dexter Jackson in the second round from Appalachian State, but he is expected to contribute more on special teams than offense. The Bucs also drafted DT Dre Moore from Maryland in the fourth round, QB Josh Johnson from San Diego in the fifth round, LB Geno Hayes from Florida State in the sixth round and RB Cory Boyd from South Carolina in the seventh round.

Buccaneers.com reports that the Bucs placed DE Charles Bennett on Injured Reserve with a knee injury and released second-year TE T.J. Williams.

Tampa Bay drafted WR Dexter Jackson in the second round from Appalachian State, but he is expected to contribute more on special teams than offense. The Bucs also drafted DT Dre Moore from Maryland in the fourth round, QB Josh Johnson from San Diego in the fifth round, LB Geno Hayes from Florida State in the sixth round and RB Cory Boyd from South Carolina in the seventh round.

In his first year as a full-time starter in the middle of the Bucs defense, LB Barrett Ruud totaled 114 tackles (83 solo) with two interceptions, three passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, injured Tampa Bay RB Cadillac Williams says he expects to play in 2008. Williams, sporting a nine-inch scar on his right knee from surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon, took a break from rehab Friday to discuss his future. He admitted that shortly after the injury occurred in a game at Carolina last Oct., he doubted whether he would ever play football again. Williams said he is working on building up his right quad muscles. He is able to do some light squats, run stairs at Raymond James Stadium, jog and do full-speed running in the pool. Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, told Williams it is a 9-12 month injury. But his goal is to be ready for training camp -- and at the very least -- play during the 2008 season.

Knee - Doubtful for the start of 2008 training camp. Questionable to play in 2008 season

The Bucs spent their first-round pick on Kansas CB Aqib Talib, a perfect fit for their Cover-2 defensive scheme. Talib is a big physical corner with a knack for tackles, but has some serious off-the-field issues, including three failed marijuana tests while in college.

Bucs SS Jermaine Phillips continued to post nice numbers in 2007, amassing 83 tackles (70 solo) with a sack, four interceptions, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Tampa Bay signed WR Taye Biddle to the practice squad Thursday and released G Enoka Lucas.

Bucs TE Alex Smith continued his good work in Jon Gruden's offense, catching 32 passes for 385 yards (12.0 avg.) and three touchdowns.

Buccaneers.com reported earlier this offseason that the club signed the following players to reserve/futures contracts: TE Daniel Fells, WR Cortez Hankton, DE Marquies Gunn, CB Marcus Hamilton and CB Darrell Hunter.

Wide receiver Antonio Bryant signed with the Buccaneers on Monday. Bryant was a second-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 then moved to the Cleveland Browns in 2004 and San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He has 250 receptions for 3,837 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Buccaneers LB Cato June (seven tackles, pass defended), LB Derrick Brooks (seven tackles), LB Barrett Ruud (six tackles), DB Philip Buchanon (five tackles) and DB Jermaine Phillips (four tackles) led the way defensively in Tampa Bay's 28-14 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 14.

Chad Lucas was a late practice-squad addition, appearing in two games for the Bucs. He totaled 82 yards on five catches (16.4 avg.), the first five catches of his career. He also made two kick returns.

Another new option for playing time in Dallas is fullback Zack Crockett, who was claimed off waivers from the Bucs Wednesday. He practiced Thursday with the Cowboys and said he's ready to go -- on offense, special teams or anywhere else -- Week 16 against the Panthers. "I'm cramming, learning the system as fast as I possibly can learn it," he said. "I'll be ready if my number is called." Crockett was let go by Tampa Bay, which used him in only