General manager Bruce Allen reiterated today that the Bucs did not acquire the former Denver quarterback with intentions of trying to trade him to another team if he changes his mind about retirement.

"The intent is the absolute same," Allen said. "We want him on our team."

Plummer, 32, was obtained from the Broncos in March for a conditional draft pick, but has said he's leaving the game. He has three seasons remaining on a contract calling for a salary of $5.3 million in 2007.

Although the veteran of 10 seasons was the only no-show for Tampa Bay's mandatory mini-camp this week, Allen and coach Jon Gruden remain hopeful that he'll decide to join the team for training camp next month.

Plummer led Denver to the AFC championship game two years ago but was benched after 11 games last season for rookie Jay Cutler. His .722 winning percentage with the Broncos from 2003-06 is the fourth-best in the NFL behind Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.

And while the quarterback has said he's retired, Plummer has not filed paperwork with the NFL to make it official.

"He's on our salary cap right now. ... Every player who has a contract in the NFL has the same obligation. Their duty is to play under the contract they signed," Allen said.