NFL Rumors: Former Dolphins Richie Incognito to Buccaneers?

Jul 21, 2013; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) during training camp at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2013; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) during training camp at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Richie Incognito has gone incognito in recent months. The former centerpiece of the bullying scandal went unsigned during the free agency period after getting release by the Dolphins in February. He wasn’t at the top of teams’ lists.

More from NFL

As injuries take a greater toll on depth charts, however, teams may have to begin considering the former pro bowl guard. Reporters asked Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith whether he would consider signing Incognito.

“All players that are available we look to see if they would fit into our program,’’ Smith said, via NFL Nation. “All players, I’ll just kind of leave it at that. If we’re really interested in someone we’ll bring him in. We’re looking at everyone constantly, not just now. Every position.’’

He went on like a true politician without saying that there’s never absolute certainty — not even about someone like Incognito.

“We consider everything, the total player and what he brings,’’ Smith said. “Off the field, on the field, the total package comes into play for every player that we evaluate. Every player that we draft, that we sign in free agency. It’s very important that a player fits in the locker room. If the player doesn’t fit in the locker room, we have to go in a different direction. It’s as simple as that. You have to be accepted in there. And I’m not talking about anybody in particular.’’

No one in particular? It’s pretty clear he’s talking about Incognito, who’s aura is like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. The cloud of stench follows him wherever he goes.