'85 USFL: Bay of Pigs

 Event Date: September 10th, 1985

Event Description: Bucs Sign Young

Source: UPI

TAMPA, Fla. -- Millionaire quarterback Steve Young signed a series of six one-year contracts with the Tampa Buccaneers shortly after obtaining his release from the rival USFL.

Financial details were not revealed, but Young's agent said it was "a complete contract."

The NFL has given the Bucs a two-week exemption before having to officially place Young on the roster and Coach Leeman Bennett said he will not be in uniform Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Bennett said at the end of two weeks, he will have to make a decision on whether to keep three quarterbacks. The Bucs now have starting quarterback Steve DeBerg and Alan Risher.

Bennett said Young will be the backup quarterback to DeBerg until he learns the system and earns the starting assignment.

"We think he's got a tremendous future here," Bennett said. "We expect him to come in and learn the system and be a backup to Steve DeBerg. We're convinced he can play in the NFL. I feel very good about signing him and I think he has a great future in this league."

USFL commissioner Harry Usher, in a statement released through the Bucs, said Young was released from his USFL contract in the "best interest" of both Young and the USFL.

"We felt it in the best interest of both the USFL and Steve Young that he should be released from his contract because of the (Los Angeles) Express' disappointing year he has asked to be released," he said. "We have agreed to negotiate a buyout. He's an exciting player who was a credit to our league and we wish him well in his pro football future."

more to come......