B.J. Askew’s Deal Took A While

The Times finally published Anwar Richardson's full interview with B.J. Askew. In it, we learn that the Bucs have been trying to lock up Askew since last season.

We've been negotiating since last year. They came to my agent and said, 'We didn't know this guy was this good. We want to work on another deal.' We've been doing it since then.

We also learn that Bruce Allen tries to get them real cheap first, then he decides if the player is worth getting serious about.

Of course, the money wasn't there. I said no way and I'd rather just play, but the deal kept getting better and better to the point where I just couldn't turn it down.

If you are a player that fits the Bucs' system and you're good, you'll get paid. My guess is that when Jeff Garcia was bitching to the media about his contract last month, Allen was in the cheap phase of the negotiations. It's probably the same with Earnest Graham, althogh Graham has less leverage because of the depth at running back. But eventually -- probably before training camp starts -- they'll each get the Bucs' best offer and have to decide if they want to play for it.

Going back to Askew, he takes a moment to tip his hat to Mike Alstott and seems humble and appreciative for the opportunity to follow him.

I can only hope that the same type of embrace the fans gave Mike, they give me. You can only hope. One thing I hope they know is I'm going to fight, I'm going to play hurt, and I'm going to do everything it takes to get on the field. I also want to make Mike proud.

See, isn't that a nice way to start your day? Well, soak it in because I think it's going to get a lot nastier pretty soon.