Pewter Report just hit the net with official word that Center Jeff Faine is now officially a Buccaneer. His contract is a lucrative $37.5 million deal (just over $6 million per year) and makes him the starter by default. Faine was the Saints' starting Center the last two seasons and is a younger version Wade, but a much better pass blocker and a slightly better run blocker. We should see a LOT less rushes getting success up the middle, and the Guards can better concentrate on their blocks rather than trying to help out an aging Wade, who was begginning to get blown off the line with regularity.

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In the top right corner, you'll see a link to the 2008 Free Agency Tracker where I'll try to keep an updated list of what's going on Buc-related in free agency. There's nowhere to put comments, so if you feel like leaving saying something, either send me an email or post it to the entry about free agency here.

The Denver Broncos have released WR Javon Walker as of today.

There's no telling what type of contract Javon Walker is looking for, but you have to think the Bucs will listen as just days ago they were rumored to be looking to deal for the guy. I'm not sure he's a good option with the recent injuries he's had, but at this point I wouldnt mind hearing a Walker-to-Bucs-Signing right about now.. ugh

The boys at ProFootballTalk.com are reporting that the AJC has announced TE Alge Crumpler is close to signing a contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Son of a ... What a ridiculous Friday. This report comes on the heels of another report that the Seahawks won't sign Alge due to salary cap restraints!! Dang it

We've learned New England cornerback Randall Gay is scheduled to arrive in Tampa on Monday for a visit with the Bucs, assuming the Saints let him leave town without a deal on Saturday.

Gay started three games for New England last season but was used often as a nickelback. The four-year veteran from LSU also registered three interceptions.

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There's another free-agent receiver on the market for the Bucs to consider.

Word out of Denver is that the Broncos have released disgruntled veteran Javon Walker, making him an instant unrestricted free agent able to sign with any team. We've previously reported that the Bucs had engaged in conversations with Denver about a potential trade for Walker, but with most expecting his eventual release, the Broncos were at a serious disadvantage in negotiations. A $5.4-million bonus that would have been due on Tuesday made this move pretty predictatable.

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I've had several separate email discussions regarding linebackers, in addition to the various comments in the previous thread. Here's how I see it...

The Bucs opened the season in 2007 with seven linebackers, which is probably what they'll do in 2008. Here's the list right now:

WLB: Derrick Brooks/Adam Hayward
MLB: Barrett Ruud/Ryan Nece
SLB: Cato June/Quincy Black

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Another confirmed free-agent visit: Agent Jimmy Sexton tells us the Saints' Devery Henderson will be making a visit to Tampa Bay.

Henderson, 5-11 and 200 pounds, caught 20 passes for 409 yards in 2007. The 25-year-old has averaged 20.2 yards per catch in his three NFL seasons.

This might not be the blockbuster receiver most were hoping the Bucs would pursue, but he does possess the kind speed the Bucs are looking to add. And because he's still young and improving, there is a feeling he has some upside to tap into.

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There had to be a good reason why the Bucs were able to agree to terms with Saints center Jeff Faine so quickly after midnight.

They opened the bank vault for him.

Faine is expected to sign a six-year, $37.5-million deal with $15-million in guaranteed money. He could earn as much as $20-million in the first three years.

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