Allen Stresses Patience To Fans The free-agency signing period doesn't end today, tomorrow or even next month. It drags on through the spring, summer and well into training camp. General Manager Bruce Allen wants fans unhappy with the seemingly modest purchases the Bucs have made so far in free agency to remember that. "I think our fans will like what we do when free agency is over,'' Allen said Wednesday. "You have to look at what happens the next several weeks to really gauge it. As a team, we won't be satisfied until we go to training camp. And don't forget that we also have the draft, where we intend to acquire about 18 or 19 players (including non-drafted college free agents), and we can also make trades.'' The Bucs already have made one trade, sending a second-day draft pick in 2009 to the Bears for quarterback Brian Griese. That hasn't gone over well with the fans, either, but Allen defended the move. "There was a lot of change and injuries at the quarterback position last year," he said. "We didn't want to pass up the opportunity to get a quarterback who is experienced not only in the NFL, but in our system. And we're in the position now where we have the cap room to have the depth you want at the most important position in teams sports. We feel good about our situation there.'' Allen seems to like the situation at receiver as well. Though they have yet to add the playmaker that appeared to be a priority, Allen suggested the Bucs are actually in good shape at wide receiver. "We do have players on our team that we are confident can fit those roles,'' Allen said. "First of all, there are very few wide receivers that would stack up to what Joey Galloway has done the last few years. "And we liked what Ike Hilliard did. We like Michael Clayton, and we think Maurice Stovall is going to be fine when he regains his health. And we do have some young guys that have the speed we feel will help us.'' Allen was talking in particular about Chad Lucas, who saw little action last season. Allen suggested that a better understanding of the offense could allow Lucas to become the playmaker the Bucs have failed to sign in free agency. But what about those failed signings? Money certainly wasn't the problem. The Bucs are still approximately $38 million under the salary cap, according to Allen. And they did target some name players. In the end, most of the big-name free agents opted to go elsewhere. Devery Henderson re-signed with New Orleans, Alge Crumpler moved on to Tennessee, Javon Walker signed with the Raiders. Allen chalked it all up to those players feeling that the other spots were better fits for them. He also suggested the Bucs' top priority was not necessarily to add playmakers. "One of the best ways to make plays is to protect your quarterback, and we think we addressed that by signing [center] Jeff Faine and [tight end] John Gilmore,'' Allen said. "And let's not forget that there are still other free agents that we're interested in.'' Wide receiver Bryant Johnson (Cardinals) is one of them. So are tight end Ben Troupe (Titans) and running backs Warrick Dunn (Falcons] and Julius Jones [Cowboys]. Allen said he talked with Jones agent again on Wednesday and that he continues to have open dialogue with the agents for Johnson, Troupe and Dunn. The Bucs are also talking with several of their own free agents. One who could get away, however, is special teams standout and reserve safety Kalvin Pearson. Pearson, a restricted free agent, was offered a three-year $3.5-million contract by the Lions on Wednesday. The Bucs have seven days to match the offer, which includes $1.1 million in guarantees, or they could lose Pearson. Should Pearson sign with Detroit, the Lions would not have to compensate the Bucs because Pearson entered the league as an undrafted free agent. Pearson earned $516,360 last season and led Tampa Bay with 21 special teams tackles. He also recorded 19 tackles on defense, 16 of which were recorded during his start against Carolina in the regular-season finale. Roy Cummings/Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune , 6 March 2008