Will Bryant Leave With Gruden?

[BucP]

He was complaining about the QB, brain surgeon.

[bucs1]

I was just thinking about the possibility of Antonio Bryant following Gruden or Allen to the team that they go to next.  I really hope that Bryant stays here.  He's the only talented skill position player on offense and if he leaves, we will be without a starting WR, TE, and QB.

[anterrabae33]

BRYANT FINDS NEWS OF GRUDEN’S FIRING “SHOCKING�
Posted by Mike Florio on January 16, 2009, 7:01 p.m. EST

Moving quickly to line up reactions to the news that Bucs coach Jon Gruden has been fired, The Monty Show on Sporting News Radio scored an interview with Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant.

Bryant, who spent the 2008 season in Tampa and will be a free agent as of February 27, calls the news “shocking.�

“I’m very surprised, you know I felt very comfortable, especially in the environment,â€� Bryant said.  “It’s a family atmosphere and everybody got along well, and it’s shocking, but that’s the nature of the business.â€�

Asked whether Bryant feels a strong sense of loyalty to Gruden, Bryant said, “I feel a sense of loyalty to anything that is Buccaneer.  John Gruden was definitely a Buccaneer, he gave his all in everything.  He was very devoted and a passionate guy about the game.  I’m still a Buccaneer until March 1st and just the opportunity that he gave me, the organization, the ownership and the Glazers, I trust their decision in knowing that they feel they made the decision to do the right thing.â€�

There has been speculation that the cap-rich Buccaneers could use the franchise tag on Bryant in order to keep him from hitting the market, or to trade him from under the tag.

That’s a decision that now will be made by someone other than Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen.  And there’s a chance that Gruden will be coaching a team that is trying to land Bryant.

[corruptpirate]

Good question. He'll probably do the logical thing though and just follow the money.

[bradentonian]

Bryant was the one complaining about the offense

[bradentonian]

He was complaining about the QB, brain surgeon.

I don't think that was ever established.

[redbeard10]

I think it is a real possibility.

[oregonbucfan]

if we pay him the most he will return

[bucwildfan]

I like how he puts "the bucs" first before anyone. I hope we keep him long term.

Its a business and Bryant is going to go to the team that he feels gives him what he wants, playing time, salary, etc.  I'd say that Tampa is atleast one for consideration on his list.

[keeponbucn]

bye bye Bryant

genius move Glazers

[michael89156]

From his quotes..............he seems loyal more to the team than Gruden.

[mdarby]

He doesn't have that choice if we franchise him.

[ToddyBuc]

No, we can franchise him if need be..

[ufojoe]

He doesn't have that choice if we franchise him.

Why is this so hard for fans to understand? He's not going anywhere for at least a year.