Barron, Bucs make progress on contract
Tampa Bay first-year coach Greg Schiano isn't thrilled that first-round safety Mark Barron is absent from the rookie workouts that have preceded the formal start of the Bucs' training camp.
But sources close to negotiations agree that the recent local reports which indicated the two sides are getting closer on a contract are, indeed, accurate.
The holdup on an agreement is more about the payout schedule for Barron's signing bonus than anything else.
The Bucs aren't exactly cash-poor, but spent a lot of money in free agency -- primarily for wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright -- and would prefer to stretch out the outlay for the signing bonus a little more than Barron wants.
Still, it will be a bit of a surprise if the former Alabama star isn't signed when camp starts next Friday.
