After some sideline fireworks with Atlanta coach Mike White, Antonio Bryant hinted that his future is in Tampa Bay

The lone stud performer on the Bucs offense, the soon-to-be free agent with 74 catches for 1,044 yards and an inbox full of love notes from Bill Parcells, said “I’m always going to be a Buc,” after Sunday’s 10-7 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta.

Antonio Bryant’s words came courtesy of an interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, when asked about his heated sideline confrontation with Falcons’ coach Mike Smith.

“Just as long as the man didn’t put his hands on me, I don’t care,” Bryant said, shaking his head. “I don’t recall what [Smith] said. It’s nothing personal. That’s over with, and if he wants to get in my face, that’s great support of a coach looking out for his players. I don’t think he took it as anything more than being a Falcon, just like I’m always going to be a Buc. And I’m not mad at him for that.”

Sadly, this quote may be the best news to come out of the Atlanta loss. Re-signing Bryant, the sixth leading receiver in the NFC, must be an offseason priority for the Bucs. And perhaps his comments are a revelation that a new, longterm contract is in the works.

As for the usually calm Falcons coach getting in Bryant’s face, Joe speculates that White was just trying to impress Bryant and inspire him to come to Atlanta next year.

Joe prefers that approach to Dolphins executive Bill Parcells’, who is having his henchmen send love notes Bryant’s way.