TAMPA, Fla. -- In addition to discussing the approach of free agency during Friday’s “informational’’ session with the media, Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik had a few other nuggets of information.
Guard Arron Sears, who missed all of last season due to what the team has repeatedly referred to as a private matter, has been working out at One Buccaneer Place. That’s a positive sign because Sears is working out on his own, long before the rest of the team begins offseason conditioning. Dominik said the goal is for Sears to be in football shape for mandatory workouts in May and June and have him at 100 percent for the start of training camp.
With the Bucs already holding 10 picks in this year’s draft, they’re going to have a lot of rookies on the roster. With that in mind, Dominik said coach Raheem Morris has decided to push all organized team activities until after the draft. That would allow the rookies more time to get comfortable.
Linebacker Geno Hayes recently had shoulder surgery. Dominik said Sears is expected to be fully healthy in time for a mandatory minicamp in June.
Dominik said the Bucs will not use the franchise or transition tags this year. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant played under the franchise tag last season, but his production was disappointing. The Bucs may make an offer to Bryant before the start of free agency, but it’s not likely to keep him from testing the market.