Derrick Brooks, who was released by the Buccaneers last month, still wants to play football and is entertaining the idea of joining any NFL team. "I'm doing what I always do this time of year, preparing to play," Brooks said. "The only change is where I'm doing it." "All 32 teams I'm entertaining, including our own," Brooks told the Times. "If something happens and they call me, I'll consider that. Most people think once a team cuts you, you want nothing to do with them. But if they called, I would listen to what they have to say."

Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes was reportedly stabbed in the head and neck by his girlfriend this past weekend. A spokeswoman says Hayes was taken to a hospital by a friend Saturday. A Hillsborough County Sheriff spokeswoman says Hayes and Shevelle Bagley got into an argument, which led to Bagley grabbing a pair of scissors and stabbing Hayes in the head.

The Steelers had free agent wide receiver Joey Galloway in for a visit on Monday. Galloway played in nine games last season for the Buccaneers, catching 13 passes for 138 yards.

The Buccaneers have signed kicker Mike Nugent to a one-year deal, providing a battle between the former Jets kicker and incumbent Matt Bryant.

Derrick Ward has taken advantage of his 1,000-yard season by signing a four-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers. Many expected him to sign with the Browns, but after a visit to Tampa Bay the running back canceled all other trips. Ward will reportedly make $9.25 million over the first two years and $13 million over the first three of the front-loaded contract.

It has been reported that T.J. Houshmandzadeh would visit the Buccaneers, but the free agent doesn't have Tampa Bay on his itinerary. The Buccaneers are rumored to have interest in the wide receiver. However, Houshmandzadeh has been quoted as saying that he will make a decision by Sunday night, which appears to rule Tampa Bay out.

The Buccaneers are expected to re-sign free agent wide receiver Michael Clayton. Clayton, a 2004 first-round pick, agreed to terms on a five-year contract with Tampa Bay, who offered a lucrative deal just as the receiver was preparing to make a visit to Seattle.