Bucs expected to sign QB Carpenter

[TheShadow]

But the Bucs CAN cut Leftwich and he can rejoin the Steelers. He can also double dip on his salary, getting paid by us and them.

[oregonbucfan]

Big Ben I heard is playing, so I doubt thats the plans.

[michael89156]

Still need depth though.....Batch is gone for the year.

[bradentonian]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/rudy-carpenter?id=81280

Overview
The best word to describe Carpenter is "gutty." He finished his career with 43 consecutive starts, which helped him become one of the most productive quarterbacks in Pac-10 history with 10,491 passing yards and 81 career touchdowns.

After leading the Sun Devils to a share of the Pac-10 championship in 2007 and emerging as one of the nation's most consistent passers, Carpenter and the rest of his teammates struggled through a disappointing 2008 campaign. His own statistics weren't as impressive as expected (2,493 yards, 16 TDs, nine INTs), nor was his team, a preseason top 15 pick that stumbled to a 5-7 record.

Carpenter lacks the monster arm every NFL team is looking for, but his toughness, mobility and accuracy in the short to medium range should make him an interesting second-day option for teams using the West Coast offense. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 5/8 inches at the combine.

Positives: Tough quarterback. Has played behind a leaky offensive line throughout his career and has absorbed a lot of punishment. Not a traditional running threat, but is a creative, alert scrambler who can buy some time escaping the rush to complete the pass. Keeps his eyes downfield despite heavy pressure. Acclimated quickly to new offense and has experience as a drop-back and shotgun passer. Scans the field efficiently. Gets good depth on his drop back and has a very quick set up and delivery. Good short- to medium-range accuracy -- especially for the quick slants, outs and square-ins necessary for the West Coast Offense. Flashes the touch to place the ball between defenders. Throws a very catchable ball. Consistently places passes where only his receivers can get them. Extremely competitive. Added 15 pounds of muscle during the 2008 spring.

Negatives: Relies more on his accuracy and understanding of the offense, rather than a monster arm to complete passes. Lacks the arm for a traditional deep pass offense. Will telegraph his passes by locking onto a receiver, and lacks the arm strength to zip passes through tight windows. Won the respect of his teammates with his toughness, but has a **CENSORED**y, gunslinger mentality that has drawn criticism from some.

[vladin]

I'm thinking maybe Pittsburg contacted the Bucs about Leftwich so a trade may be coming soon, he already knows the Steeler's offense and almost went back there anyways, more insurance than Dennis Dixon

Somebody doesn't know too much about the rules  

Still makes you wonder if this came to pass whether Raheem doing a favor for his mentor Tomlin might pay off in the off season.  The Bucs and Denver seemed to be in favor mode a few years back - with Gruden here and Shanahan there (mutual enemy, Al Davis?).

[TOP SECRET]

Hmm only thing I can see is some sort of "gentle men's agreement", like Pitt is going to do something for us in the offseason, like a late round pick or something. Don't know if it is possible but who knows.

We will find out soon enough I suspect.

Too bad the deadline did pass I suspect Pitt would've been calling quickly and giving us some sort of pick.

[drywallbuc]

But the Bucs CAN cut Leftwich and he can rejoin the Steelers. He can also double dip on his salary, getting paid by us and them.

why the hell would we cut someone as a favor to them for not doing thier job good enough?

[bradentonian]

But the Bucs CAN cut Leftwich and he can rejoin the Steelers. He can also double dip on his salary, getting paid by us and them.

why the hell would we cut someone as a favor to them for not doing thier job good enough?

Because we can use the roster space?

[O.S. Buc76]

Why don't we just go ahead and sign a 2nd punter or a 4th TE while we're at it?     

[OKC PAC]

Looks like Raw might be giving his homeboy Tomlin a friendly discount here

[TOP SECRET]

But the Bucs CAN cut Leftwich and he can rejoin the Steelers. He can also double dip on his salary, getting paid by us and them.

why the hell would we cut someone as a favor to them for not doing thier job good enough?

Because we can use the roster space?

To sign a 3rd string QB?

[HughC]

I think this is a good example of why the NFL should extend the trading deadline further into the season.  Unlike other sports, injuries are far more common and have a lot more to do with an NFL team's success - and NFL teams don't have minor league teams like baseball and hockey does to bring a guy up in case of injury.

Trading Leftwich to the Steelers would have been a win-win situation; it would have been good for the Bucs (another draft pick), the Steelers (backup that knows the system), and Leftwich (a chance to play).

[bradentonian]

But the Bucs CAN cut Leftwich and he can rejoin the Steelers. He can also double dip on his salary, getting paid by us and them.

why the hell would we cut someone as a favor to them for not doing thier job good enough?

Because we can use the roster space?

To sign a 3rd string QB?

Do you not think a 3rd string QB is important enough to warrant a spot?  Jeez, the past few years lots of Bucs fans have supported keeping 4 QBs.