February 21, 2008
Bucs talk trade with Broncos for Walker

The Bucs have had discussions with the Denver Broncos about trading
for receiver Javon Walker.

The Broncos have made no secret of their desire to part ways with
Walker, who is owed an option bonus of $5.4-million March 4. Walker
said at the end of the of the season that he wanted to find a 'better
fit,' elsewhere.

Walker, 29, was hampered by a knee injury last season and played in
just eight games, catching 26 passes for 287 yards and no touchdowns.
But he has had 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Broncos in 2006
and the Packers in '04.

The Bucs are looking to upgrade the receiver position. Joey
Galloway will be 37 next season, Ike Hilliard will be 32 while Michael
Clayton and Maurice Stovall had struggled to make a consistent impact.

Walker would give the Bucs a big target at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
that can work the middle of the field and make yards after the catch.

On Thursday during a break at the NFL scouting combine, general
manager Bruce Allen would neither confirm nor deny the Bucs had talks
with the Broncos about Walker.

""I couldn't say that,'' Allen said. ""I couldn't say one way or
another.

""I'll neither confirm nor deny.''

Walker isn't the only player on the Bucs radar. Allen said the team
is pursuing Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman and tight end Alge
Crumpler. One or both players could visit the Bucs training facility
sometime next week.

Allen met with Coleman's agent, Pat Dye, Jr., on Wednesday and will
have talks with Crumpler's agent this weekend.

Allen predicted that Coleman could have a new team before the start
of the free agent signing period Feb. 29.

Coleman, who has 58.5 career sacks, was plagued by an assortment of
injuries last season and played in just five games before finishing
the year on Injured Reserve.

But the Bucs are all too aware of how disruptive Coleman can be as
a pass rusher and the Bucs are looking to put more pressure on the
quarterback. Allen drafted Coleman with the Oakland Raiders in 1999.

""He's been quite a foe for us the last four years,'' Allen said.
""You've been to the games, you've noticed No. 75. We have talked to
him. (His agent) is working out Rod's schedule where to do visits and
physicals. We've just got to see where his health is and when Pat
decides when to get serious.

""He's played very well against us. He has rushed our players...he
is a good competitor. That's why he has a lot of interest and that's
why we haven't heard when he's scheduled to visit yet.''

Crumpler has more than 4,000 career receiving yards and 35
touchdowns. Allen said he likes his ability to make plays down the
field but said he also is a good blocker.

""I'll meet with them. (His agent) is coming here to meet with
different teams and I should meet with him tomorrow.

""He's a very good weapon and he's made (four) Pro Bowls. Amazingly
productive and a good all-around tight end. Not limited to one
aspect.''

Archived from group: alt>sports>football>pro>tampabay-bucs