Pewter Report has learned through sources with the Buccaneers that Tampa Bay was never in the market to trade for Holmes. The Bucs are looking to add more high-character individuals, and Holmes has had multiple off the field problems in his NFL career and dating back to his days at Ohio State. Tampa Bay won't deny answering Pittsburgh's call, but the Buccaneers were never seriously pursuing Holmes.
Holmes, 26, is in the final year of his rookie contract and is going to start the 2010 season with a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Two of Holmes' legal issues have occurred in Florida. Most recently in March, he was alleged to throw a glass at a woman at a club in Orlando, Fla., which reportedly cut her face. The police investigation regarding the incident is ongoing.
In 2009, Holmes (5-11, 192) caught 79 passes for 1,249 yards and five touchdowns. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. In 2008, he snagged 55 catches for 821 yards and five touchdowns. That was lowest yardage output he had in his four pro-seasons. He was a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh grew tired of Holmes' act and had depth to replace him with 2009 rookie sensation wide receiver Mike Wallace. They also re-signed Antwon Randle El for his second stint with the team after four seasons in Washington and added Arnez Battle.
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