Brian Griese Released from roster

by Buc Wild on Jul 13, 2009 12:33 PM EDT in News

Look, I know you've told me several times, but it doesn't make sense up here. Which team do I throw the ball to, ours or theirs? I've been trying to keep it even (113 TD's, 99 Int's over career)

In not so breaking news, Brian Griese has been cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Per the report from Pewter Report (say that three times fast), the Bucs have cut ties with the journeyman QB who has been with the team for three years (2004, 2005, 2008). Often seen as a favorite of Jon Gruden, it was almost inevitable that Griese was going to be let go by the new regime, especially considering his non-attendance to OTA's this year.

Griese, perhaps most famous for being Bob's son, had some tough shoes to fill coming into the league, taking over for the legendary John Elway out in Denver. He spent 5 years in Denver, joined Miami in 2003, followed by the Bucs, in 04-05, Chicago in 2006-2007, and ended his current playing career last year by backing up Jeff Garcia.

He was released to make room for newly signed defensive end Roy Miller, the Bucs third round pick.

With this move, it appears that the Bucs will take just four quarterbacks into training camp, Josh Johnson, Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown.

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It would seem now, by powers of observation, That Josh Johnson is now the odd man out because rarely you hear about him in any of the reports done on the Buccaneers. At this point I would say his destiny looks to be on the practice squad.

by Tye on Jul 13, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'd have to look up contract numbers

but Leftwich may go bye bye first. The Bucs owe him nothing if he isnt on opening day roster. Not sure about JJ. Depends on the thinking Dominik and Morris have. Do they go into season with 2 baby faced QB’s with 0 NFL starts (Freeman, Johnson) coupled with McCown, or do they want the veteran presence of Leftwich there? Honestly, I could see both, though it makes sense to keep the veteran around.

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by Buc Wild on Jul 13, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

True.....

The scenario in my mind is if the Buccs Truly believe in Freeman to be the future then what better way to mentor him with two QBs that have totally different experiences during there career for him to lean on than one veteran (all the while praying he stays healthy) and two RAW inexperienced QBs trying to catch on and hopefully not confuse or hinder one another. I have been wondering how Leftwich’s contract will ultimately play a role in all this when the smoke clears. Obviously it was done for a reason unknown to many at this time.

by Tye on Jul 13, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

So, he's not worth a 6th round pick?

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 13, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

Depends on who you ask

problem is, as a vested veteran, when he gets cut he becomes an immediate unrestricted free agent. So he can go where he wants. When teams know a player is gonna be cut, the only motive for trading for him is if he is subject to waiver claims, which Griese is not.

Teams know he is getting cut, can sign where he wants, why give up a draft pick when you can roll the dice for free?

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by Buc Wild on Jul 13, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Bruce Allen did last year.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 13, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

A panic move (typical) of Bruce Allen

was probably worried about veteran depth with only McCown and Johnson behind Garcia. Good news is the Bucs recouped that pick with other trades.

Some GM’s want to secure the player, it might have been the only way to get Griese to Tampa since we didnt re-sign him after 2005.

The next question should be, why were we so desperate for Griese as opposed to another journeyman. I have no idea

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by Buc Wild on Jul 13, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes he did BUT....

It is not Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden running things any more. Just like Brian Griese was favored by Gruden and so he was brought back but Grudens gone and Allen too so now Griese is cut loose even though he still had two or three years left on contract. Bottom line is The people who drafted him are no longer calling the shots and so the ones who are now want their own guys on the roster.

by Tye on Jul 13, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions