"Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik believes his team has spent its money wisely over the past five years.
The Bucs have spent the least amount of money on player costs between 2004 and 2008 than any other NFL team according to a recent article on NFL.com. Despite the frugal spending, Dominik insists he has never been ordered by the Glazers, who spent over $1.5 billion to acquire Manchester United in 2005, not to spend money on free agents.
"It's never been stated like that, nor have I been under that impression my last six or seven months on the job, or the years prior as Director of Pro [Personnel]," Dominik said. "It's been 'Lets spend our money smart.'
"The philosophy I take, and the philosophy [former G.M.] Bruce [Allen] had also, was 'Spend it like it's your own.' You can't just go out there and throw it away. You got to think of it as your money and how would you spend it most wisely. I think that leads you to making more sound decisions."
The report stated said Tampa Bay spent $449 million, which includes gross totals spent on salaries and bonuses, over the past five seasons.
Conversely, Dallas led the NFL with $566.89 million spent during that time frame, while Seattle is second ($552.42 million), followed by Washington ($547.37 million).
However, between 2004 and 2008, Dallas and Tampa Bay have the same amount of playoff appearances and wins- two appearances and no wins. Washington has made two appearances and has only one playoff win - against Tampa Bay in 2007.
"I've always lived in the mindset that every player has a certain amount of value," Dominik said. "You have to determine that and you have to stick to it or it means nothing."
The Bucs have been in contention for high profile free agents, but have not landed many of them recently.
Former Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth recently said Tampa Bay offered him more money than Washington during a recent interview on Sirius NFL Radio, but he wanted to play in a bigger market. He settled for a seven-year contract with the Redskins worth $100 million.
Tampa Bay also unsuccessfully attempted to trade for former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, former New England quarterback Matt Cassel, and was one of two choices for New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma this offseason."
