They also acquired former Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Joey Galloway in a trade for Keyshawn Johnson.
After Allen's arrival in the Buccaneers' front office, the team announced that it would not re-sign two of their notable defensive players (John Lynch and Warren Sapp).
Many Buccaneers fans were stunned by the move, as Lynch was a very popular player whose aggressive, intelligent play earned him several Pro Bowl appearances.
Sapp signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he played in a limited role in 2004, and sat out much of the 2005 season with injuries but returned to form in 2006.
Since wide receiver Keenan McCardell refused to play until he was given a better contract or traded, he was sent to the San Diego Chargers for draft compensation.
Tampa Bay's free agent signings in 2004 included a number of expensive and aging players meant to jumpstart Gruden's offense.
After returning to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, it was determined that the soaked fields and disrupted schedule was too much to overcome.
The fading accuracy of kicker Martin Gramatica did not help matters and he was cut after week 12, as the team lost many close games en route to a 5–11 record.
The lone highlights of 2004 were the high-quality play of rookie wide receiver Michael Clayton and the return of Doug Williams, who joined the Bucs front office as a personnel executive.
In the second quarter, Brad Johnson threw deep for an apparent 29-yard touchdown pass to newly acquired wide receiver Joey Galloway.
Jon Gruden pulled Johnson after the first quarter and replaced him with second year player Chris Simms, to the delight of fans.
Also, Tim Brown, playing his swan song season in Tampa Bay, scored his 100th and final career touchdown against his old team, the Raiders.
Brad Johnson connected with Michael Clayton for a 51-yard touchdown in the first half, but three Jason Elam field goals proved to be the winning edge for Denver.
A Michael Pittman fumble was returned 93 yards for a touchdown by Adam Archuleta, and Martin Gramatica missed two field goal attempts, sinking the Buccaneers' chances at victory.
Michael Pittman rushed for 109 yards, and Brian Griese threw a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay prevailed over the visiting Chicago Bears.
Late in the first quarter, Trent Green connected to Eddie Kennison for a 59-yard gain to the Tampa Bay 11 yard line.
After a couple of drives, Michael Vick stumbled over G Kynan Forney's foot and was sacked by Buccaneers' DT Anthony McFarland at the 1-yard line, forcing him to exit the game and allowing backup QB Matt Schaub to step in.
On the following play, Schaub was hit from behind by Simeon Rice, causing a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by McFarland.
On the first possession in the third quarter, Vick guided a 10-play drive resulting in a touchdown pass to TE Alge Crumpler, giving the Falcons the lead.
In a pivotal defensive play, Derrick Brooks leaped over former teammate RB Warrick Dunn's block attempt and sacked Vick at Atlanta's 34-yard line, causing a fumble that was recovered by LB Shelton Quarles.
Following the game, Buccaneers' CB Ronde Barber commented on the intense rivalry, stating "Two equally matched teams.
The Buccaneers were determined to retain their lead in the NFC South, while the Falcons were desperate for a victory to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
After the teams traded punts, Buccaneers' CB Brian Kelly was penalized for defensive pass interference, resulting in the Falcons moving to Tampa's 4-yard line.
In the 2nd quarter, Vick ran up the middle when DE Dewayne White forced a fumble that was recovered by DT Chris Hovan at Atlanta's 29-yard line.
However, during the kickoff, WR Edell Shepherd managed to run for 18 yards before being tackled and losing possession of the ball, which was then recovered by DB Ronnie Heard at Tampa's 18-yard line.
Duckett carried the ball twice, gaining 8 yards, setting up a 28-yard field goal opportunity for K Todd Peterson at Tampa's 10-yard line.
Seizing the opportunity, the Buccaneers marched down for a game-winning 27-yard field goal attempt by Bryant at Atlanta's 9-yard line.
However, Bryant's kick veered wide right, resulting in both teams missing their chances at securing victory with field goals.
Tampa Bay fell to 5–9, guaranteed themselves of their second consecutive losing season, and effectively eliminated themselves from playoff contention.