TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2005) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers restructured the contract of fullback Mike Alstott as part of the team's effort to pare down about $17 million from the payroll.
Alstott, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was scheduled to earn $2 million in 2005. After missing most of 2003 with a neck strain, he averaged 3.4 yards per carry while rushing for 230 yards and two touchdowns last season while being limited by a knee injury.
General manager Bruce Allen was out of town and unavailable for comment. He is expected to talk about the team's maneuvering and salary cap problem, which includes redoing the contract of quarterback Brian Griese.
The five-year deal Griese agreed to clears about $4 million in salary cap space. The Bucs could free about $4.5 million more by releasing quarterback Brad Johnson.
Johnson helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl two years ago, but lost his starting job last fall after the team opened the season with four consecutive losses.
