Brooks, Dunn done in Tampa Bay

[slaterbug]

Linebacker Derrick Brooks, one of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, was released Wednesday along with four other veterans.

Brooks is an 11-time Pro Bowler and a potential Hall of Famer. Wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, halfback Warrick Dunn and linebacker Cato June were also released.

"Our family and the entire Tampa Bay community owe Derrick an indescribable measure of gratitude for all that he has meant over the last 14 years," Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a statement. "His play on the field and leadership in the locker room helped resurrect our franchise and we look forward to celebrating his certain enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

With Raheem Morris taking over for Jon Gruden, the Bucs are apparently starting a youth movement and a major change in philosophies. They are also getting away from the Cover 2 defensive scheme that had been employed by former Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Jim Bates has taken over the defense and is changing the style. In the Cover 2, Brooks was considered the perfect weakside linebacker. He was quick enough to cover the field and make most of the tackles.

He was a first-round pick of the Bucs in 1995 and never missed a game. He had 25 interceptions during his 14-year career in Tampa Bay.

I can't understand how they can release Brooks?!

[Diehardmagicfan]

There are three possibilities that it could be
1. they are trying to completely restart which brings up the question why is ronde barber still here. Not saying I want him gone or any of the other guys that cut but if that were the case than why would ronde be here.
2. the Glazer brothers are owners of manchester united and might be spending all of there money in that and not really spending much money into bucs.
3. there is a new system coming to Tampa bay

[Diehardmagicfan]

Here is something to add on to the Brooks getting released.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-8-120/Is-there-more-to-Brooks-story-.html

[craig01]

This was more of a purge of the last regime(s).

Plus they are old/

The Bucs have been below the cap for the past couple of years, and deep down one must wonder how financially strapped the Glazers may be.

[slaterbug]

I'm disappointed Brooks' Bucs career had to finish like this.

[craig01]

I'm disappointed Brooks' Bucs career had to finish like this.

Agreed, Brooks is adored in the Tampa community, and rightfully deserved.

Classy and generous guy......especially with the underprivileged.