Possible trade interest in Lito Sheppard? A little less than a day later, I’m still not sure Lito Sheppard was being totally straight with me when he told he didn’t meet with the Bucs brass on Wednesday. The reason I say that is that people inside the Eagles organization have confirmed the report that said Sheppard did in fact meet with the Bucs. It’s likely that Sheppard at least met with the Bucs medical staff, because it’s doubtful the Bucs would go any further in trade talks before checking out the knee sprain that kept Sheppard out of five games last year. Either way, we know for sure the Bucs have interest in Sheppard. We told you a few days ago, before this story went national, that the Bucs were poking around about Sheppard, so this comes as no surprise. The big question is whether the Bucs have the wherewith-all and the desire to pull the trigger on a trade, because this deal has a tendency to be quite costly, especially if they wind up giving up two picks for Sheppard. That seems a little steep, and just as in the Jared Allen case, there is a contract to consider. Sheppard doesn’t want out of Philadelphia because he doesn’t like the color green. He wants out because he wants a new contract and the Eagles, after signing Asante Samuel to a $57 million deal, aren’t in a position to give him one. Should the Bucs eventually trade for Sheppard then, they will also have to appease him contractually. That means ripping up the contract that is slated to pay him $3.45 million this year and giving him a new one. If they fail to do that, the Bucs run the risk of losing not only whatever it is they give up in trade for Sheppard, but Sheppard as well. By the way, there is at least one other contender for Sheppard, and that’s the St. Louis Rams. We’ll do our best to keep you informed on this front. Know, though, that no one is more anxious to hear the outcome of this more than Sheppard. During our conversation yesterday he said he really can’t wait to get this behind hi,. “I’m just playing it by ear right now and waiting,’’ he said. “I really just want to get things situated so I can move on with everything. I hope I find out soon. I mean, right now I’m as excited about this weekend as if I was one of those kids being drafted.’’ Roy Cummings, The Tampa Tribune 26 April 2008