Prior to the 2010 season Buccaneers head coach and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said that he thought his defensive breakout player of the year would be fourth-year linebacker Quincy Black. After making his way into the starting lineup in 2009, Black finished that season strong after Morris took over as defensive coordinator for the final six games.

Morris created his Redskin package to keep Black on the field. The Bucs would use a 3-4 or 3-3-5 defense on passing downs to keep their three starting linebackers on the field, and Black often rushed the quarterback in those plays. Black was having the best year of his career before ending on injured reserve. Black’s season was cut short after sustaining a broken forearm on Dec. 12 against the Washington Redskins.

In 2010 Black started 11 games and recorded 88 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, two quarterback pressures, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Black’s agent, Kevin Omell, is expected to meet with Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis, IN. In January Dominik said he planned to meet with the agents of all of the Bucs upcoming free agents at the Senior Bowl or Scouting Combine. Dominik and Omell will discuss the necessary parameters for Black to remain in Tampa Bay

Black is nearly fully recovered from surgery to repair the forearm. He is working out in Tampa Bay and is ahead of schedule in his rehab. Black is expected to be ready to participate fully in OTAs (organized team activities).

The Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Houston Texans are three teams that are rumored to be interested in Black. Washington general manager Bruce Allen drafted Black for the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. With the Chargers, Black would be reunited with former Bucs special teams coach Rich Bisaccia. In 2008 Black led the Buccaneers special teams with 24 tackles.

The 26-year old Black is expected to find a friendly free agency marketplace. Many teams project the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder to draw interest from teams that run the 3-4 defense as well as teams that run a 4-3 defense.

Black’s preference is said to remain a Buccaneer. No serious negotiations have taken place and it looks more likely that he will test free agency. Sources with the Buccaneers told Pewter Report before Black sustained his injury that the team would be interested at having Black back at the right price.