Bucs Phillip Buchanon likely on his way out

Our moles at the NFL combine in Indianapolis over the weekend got wind that the agent for Tampa Bay unrestricted free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon -- that would be Drew Rosenhaus -- is looking for a deal that guarantees the seven-year veteran $12 million.

That's not going to happen; at least not where the Bucs are concerned.

Last April, the Bucs selected Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib with the 20th overall pick in the draft. The kid showed flashes as a rookie in a limited role, finishing tied for the team lead with four interceptions. 

Talib was drafted as the likely heir to Ronde Barber, who turns 34 this offseason, but Barber still has some gas in his tank and after a 2008 season that clearly was not up to his standards he'll be looking to rebound. He has the added advantage of having his former position coach Raheem Morris -- a big Barber fan -- as the new head coach.

Should Buchanon bolt, that will leave the Bucs with Barber, Talib and second-year pro Elbert Mack (who showed promise as a rookie) as the only corners under contract, but depth could be shored up in free agency and the draft.

Buchanon is a good player, but two teams (Oakland and Houston) gave up on the former first-round draft pick before Tampa Bay scooped him off waivers. He's been well worth that investment, but he's not a $12 million guaranteed player. When he hits the open market at 12:01 a.m. Friday, however, some team might disagree agree.

It only takes one of the 32 to like you.


If that's the case, good for him.

(orlandosentinel.com)