Tampa Bay Buccaneers Post Camp Freeman: The Good and Bad News

Camp Freeman has pulled up its tent stakes.

The three-day minicamp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton is done, wrapped up.

Today is July 1, so now you can virtually count the days to when Camp Raheem is supposed to start. We're talking less than 30 days, Buc faithful.

If you believe some of the scuttlebutt out there, something's gonna happen fast next week toward a resolution of this fan unfriendly lockout.

Better happen fast.

Overall, Josh Freeman deserves kudos for getting 50-some Buccaneers together on the same field. It shows the closeness of this young team and an amazing display of how these guys feel about each other.

First, the good news.

Aqib Talib was out there, hustling, coaching and being the talented player he is when he's totally focused on football.

Word came down this week that Talib's trial won't take place until March of 2012. What that means is that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who normally waits for facts and findings and results from things like a trial, won't have results or facts or any of that stuff, and that typically means there's a good chance that nothing will be done to discipline Talib until the trial is in the books, if indeed there is a trial. The longer it's dragged out, the better the chances that there will be some sort of settlement.

No suspension means a full 16-game schedule for Talib, which would throw a bucket of water on those who contend he'll be either cut or traded.

Now the bad news.

Brian Price was on the sidelines, looking an easy 40-pounds overweight, unable to run and sounding like a man who might not even play this year.

And he had this for the St. Petersburg Times:

"I feel pretty good right now, but if I push it too hard, my back starts hurting, and I feel like an old man. I'm not ready. I'm not trying to hurt myself again."

That does not sound the least bit encouraging. Anytime a young man says he feels like an old man, well, that's really bad.

Don't be surprised if Brian Price does not play at all this year.

A lot will happen once the lockout ends. IF the lockout ends.

The teams will have to sign their draft picks quickly, and if there can be a resolution some time next week, look for the teams to hold rookie camps before the start of regular camp.

There will also be a stampede to sign undrafted free agents.

Then there's always the possibility of unrestricted free agency and available veteran players. Don't hold your breath on that one.

Yes, Camp Freeman is over.

But the lockout isn't.