The Facts: The Bucs are in contract talks and nearing a Stevens, who is believed to be close to signing a two-year contract. His impending addition comes on the heels of the team's trade for star TE Kellen Winslow.
Diehards Line:It also calls into question the status of remaining TEs Alex Smith and John Gilmore. The Bucs played most of last season with three players at the position. Stevens, whose off-field issues have resulted in multiple NFL suspensions, led all the team's tight ends last season with 36 catches for 397 yards and two touchdowns. According to Times staffer Stephen Holder, this apparent move is in keeping with the Bucs' effort to assemble an offensive unit capable of going vertical more often.