Mr. Laz
06-14-2005, 12:17 PM
Buccaneers Cut Backup QB Smith
A Tribune staff, wire report
Published: Jun 14, 2005
TAMPA - The Bucs eliminated one of the contenders for the backup quarterback job Monday when they released Akili Smith.
Smith, a former first- round pick of the Bengals who the Bucs signed earlier in the offseason, recently completed an NFL Europe campaign in which he played adequately but lost his job as the starter for the Frankfurt Galaxy.
Smith played in nine games for the Galaxy, but he started just four and finished the season ranked third on the depth chart behind starter and Jets prospect Kevin Eakin and B.J. Symons.
Smith, who was chosen third overall by the Bengals in the 1999 NFL draft, completed 53 of 84 passes for 589 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while playing for the Galaxy.
Smith's departure leaves the Bucs with four quarterbacks on their roster: projected starter Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Luke McCown and recently signed Jared Allen.
The release of Smith comes as the Bucs prepare for their last three voluntary workouts of the offseason, slated to take place today- Thursday.
The Bucs will wrap up their offseason workout program next week when they hold a three-day minicamp at One Buc Place. Training camp is scheduled to begin July 28 at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.
Roy Cummings BEARS: Defensive lineman Terry ``Tank'' Johnson faces a felony gun charge after police found a loaded 9mm handgun in the vehicle he was driving. BROWNS: Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will undergo surgery today on the right knee he injured while attempting stunts on his high-powered motorcycle last month.
On the opening day of Cleveland's minicamp, Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Winslow, who has not commented publicly about the accident, will miss the entire 2005 season - the first time the team has been allowed to reveal that information because of federal privacy laws. EAGLES: Signed fourth-round draft pick Todd Herremans to a four-year deal. FALCONS: Peerless Price will not be released or traded before training camp begins July 25, but the wide receiver will have to earn a starting job - and even a roster spot - Coach Jim Mora and president and general manager Rich McKay said Monday.
There were internal discussions about releasing the six-year veteran after two seasons in which he failed to perform up to expectations and the seven-year, $42 million contract he was awarded after being acquired for a first-round draft pick in a trade with Buffalo in 2003.
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A Tribune staff, wire report
Published: Jun 14, 2005
TAMPA - The Bucs eliminated one of the contenders for the backup quarterback job Monday when they released Akili Smith.
Smith, a former first- round pick of the Bengals who the Bucs signed earlier in the offseason, recently completed an NFL Europe campaign in which he played adequately but lost his job as the starter for the Frankfurt Galaxy.
Smith played in nine games for the Galaxy, but he started just four and finished the season ranked third on the depth chart behind starter and Jets prospect Kevin Eakin and B.J. Symons.
Smith, who was chosen third overall by the Bengals in the 1999 NFL draft, completed 53 of 84 passes for 589 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while playing for the Galaxy.
Smith's departure leaves the Bucs with four quarterbacks on their roster: projected starter Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Luke McCown and recently signed Jared Allen.
The release of Smith comes as the Bucs prepare for their last three voluntary workouts of the offseason, slated to take place today- Thursday.
The Bucs will wrap up their offseason workout program next week when they hold a three-day minicamp at One Buc Place. Training camp is scheduled to begin July 28 at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.
Roy Cummings BEARS: Defensive lineman Terry ``Tank'' Johnson faces a felony gun charge after police found a loaded 9mm handgun in the vehicle he was driving. BROWNS: Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will undergo surgery today on the right knee he injured while attempting stunts on his high-powered motorcycle last month.
On the opening day of Cleveland's minicamp, Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Winslow, who has not commented publicly about the accident, will miss the entire 2005 season - the first time the team has been allowed to reveal that information because of federal privacy laws. EAGLES: Signed fourth-round draft pick Todd Herremans to a four-year deal. FALCONS: Peerless Price will not be released or traded before training camp begins July 25, but the wide receiver will have to earn a starting job - and even a roster spot - Coach Jim Mora and president and general manager Rich McKay said Monday.
There were internal discussions about releasing the six-year veteran after two seasons in which he failed to perform up to expectations and the seven-year, $42 million contract he was awarded after being acquired for a first-round draft pick in a trade with Buffalo in 2003.
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