TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers restructured the
contract of fullback Mike Alstott as part of the team's effort to
pare down about $17 million from the payroll.
Alstott, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was scheduled to earn $2
million in 2005. After missing most of 2003 with a neck strain, he
averaged 3.4 yards per carry while rushing for 230 yards and two
touchdowns last season while being limited by a knee injury.
General manager Bruce Allen was out of town and unavailable for
comment. He is expected to talk about the team's maneuvering and
salary cap problem, which includes redoing the contract of
quarterback Brian Griese, when he returns Tuesday.
The five-year, $32 million deal Griese agreed to over the
weekend clears about $4 million in salary cap space. The Bucs could
free about $4.5 million more by releasing quarterback Brad Johnson
on Tuesday.
Johnson helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl two years ago, but
lost his starting job last fall after the team opened the season
with four consecutive losses.