Bucs May Be In The Market For Veteran MLB
July 30th, 2011
Some Bucs fans want Mark Dominik to step up take a step and sign free agent linebacker Channing Crowder.
Like it or not, with the expected departure of Barrett Ruud from the Bucs roster, it leaves a hole in the middle if not the roster.
Say what you want about Joe, but having a rookie playing out of position calling plays when he’s had a grand total of five weeks to learn an NFL defense and offense leaves Joe nervous.
Well it seems like Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik just might be on the prowl for a veteran middle linebacker. That’s the word from Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, who plays a tribute to Peter King’s “Ten Things I Think” this morning on Twitter.
I really do believe the Bucs need an experienced MLB to tutor the kids. I think they think that too.
Now who that veteran linebacker that will be, who knows? Of course, some Gators fans have begun beating the drum for Channing Crowder, though the most popular choice from Bucs fans on Twitter seems to be Nick Barnett.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Crowder would be a downgrade. Why in the hell would we do that when we can keep Ruud? Makes no sense. Barnett, though, would be an upgrade for a year or maybe two, max, while McKenzie & Foster learn their chops.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Joe, how would Foster be considered to be “playing out of position?” All indications from the bucs are that he is a MLB who can play either of the other positions as a bonus.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
I can’t see it happening. They’ve never been afraid to throw a rookie or young guy in there and see what he can do. If they wanted a veteran to come in and teach McKenzie/Foster the position/defense they’d just resign Ruud, which would go with their plan they always preach. “We don’t sign FAs, we draft and resign our own guys”.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Why not a solid, proven, reliable, knowledgeable, leader at the position? Barrett Ruud. Oh I forgot, he deserves a raise and the Glazers (keep our core guys since we dont sign other teams philosophy) only applies selectively. I cant wait until Barrett makes pro bowls in Tennessee while Mason Foster takes 3 years to understand the Tampa 2.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Dats the truth, Truth!
Or it easily could be.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
I’d sign Crowder at this point if Ruud isn’t coming back. Crowder is a talker but plays with heart.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Hey Joe I’m a Gators fan and I rather see Nick Barnett then channing crowder but I wouldn’t be Madd at either one! I just think Nick Barnett is an upgrade from ruud and crowder but maybe I’m wrong just wanna see the Bucs dominate on defence and stop the run and pass! Go Bucs!!!!
July 30th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Rumor has it crowder is good at stopping the run and a little weak in coverage. At this point they may as well stick it out with the kids in the middle, unless Ruud is brought back on a cheap, short contract. Time to move on.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Raheem just said yesterday that he is going to treat Foster/McKenzie the same way he treated Ruud when he first started. That is, not let him call the plays and depend on a veteran (Quincy) to make sure he isn’t out of position. Relax.
July 30th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Sorry guys but the BEST solution is to get Ruud to accept a 1-year deal and pay him for it – then platoon Mason into the rotation more and more as he learns the system.
It really doesn’t make sense to bring in Crowder because he’s not the long-term solution. Heck even Mason isn’t the long-term solution and we don’t know that until he actially PLAYS in the NFL. Look to Price last year as prime evidence.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I’m sure Dominik is trying to get Ruud to accept a 1-year deal but I doubt that happens. Ruud doesn’t want to be some rookie’s nanny for one year while he loses another year of his prime. He’s looking for a multi-year contract and I don’t blame him. Just not sure if the Bucs are willing to give him what he wants as they obviously don’t consider him the future at their MLB position.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
When Quincy Black was back in college. He was drawing alot comparison to his fellow Alum Brian Urlacher. They both played the “Rover” position. If you’ve ever played football. You would know that, it’s one of the more demanding positions in any defense scheme. You must excel in zone coverage. And be an above average tackler.
Quincy is the most aggressive, athletic backer we have. And if kick we him inside to Mike position he will excel. Geno Hayes at the Will…Quincy Black at the Mike…Dakota Watson at the Sam. Will give us the Best young backer group in the league. Especially if we can resign Adam Hayward. Adam verstile-He played all three backer positions and a good special teamer to boot.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Will everyone calm down on rudd.. pt blank we need to stop run this up coming season that’s a area we need to improve in that’s why we drafted foster.. and possibly will sign a guy like crowded or barnett who can stop run.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
And all do respect to Mr. Barrett Ruud. But he’s not the guy. He’s a great single caller because he’s a student of the game. But it’s not transitioning on the field. Love him because he was a Buc. But looking forward to the team future cap situation.Along with his recent play. Kicking Q inside would benefit us more. Sure there will be growing pains. But when Monte moved Shelton Quarles from the Sam to the Will it payed off. It also will allow us to use Q in the same capacity as Pittsburgh utilizes Lawerence Timmons. When we’re in our Hybrid 3-4 fronts.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
If we cant agree to a short/mid length deal with Ruud then let him go.
If that is the case we should not look to sign the same deal with an injury prone vet that couldn’t cut it with a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year.
If we feel we need someone to coach up a young linebacking corp, then lets do just that, just like we did with Millard coming in to coach up that d-line. I dont know why everyone is hell bent on having someone on the field to teach the young guys, just hire good coaches and let them coach. save the money to resign the guys who take the direction of the coaches and play well.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
“I cant wait until Barrett makes pro bowls in Tennessee while Mason Foster takes 3 years to understand the Tampa 2.”
This has to be the biggest joke of a post I’ve seen in weeks! The guy can’t even break into the top 100 players (picked by NFL players) and he’s going to suddenly become a superstar MLB for ANY team. Every player who could potentially be a superstar has already signed a contract. Not to mention the fact that the Tampa 2 is ancient history. Teams had figured out how to attack that D way back in Monte’s last couple years. Ronde Barber will have the D lined up so everyone won’t have to panic.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
How many bucs cracked the top 100? 1 or 2 I think. By that logic, the whole roster save Freeman and Williams stinks
July 30th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
“The truth” huh. More like full of RUUD spunk. Get off his knob thumbass 2.2.
July 30th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
I don’t see any teams pounding on Mr. Pro Bowls doors. So who exactly have we heard in contact with Ruud? Hell even Haynesworth has a contract already! By next week his agent will be on the phone offering a blue light special. Now we all know what his value is throughout the league and it’s no where near that of a top tier LB. If so there would have been teams lined up for his services!
July 30th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Thomas.. your being dramatic the top 100 players was put together by players (from what i heard only like 20 percent of players) writing down there top 20 players. and that was all the input that went into it. period
saying that our team sucks because only 2 players made anyones top 20 list in the whole NFL?
thats rediculous
July 30th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
o… my bad you were making a point, i digress
July 30th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Bucnjim, u expose your lack of understanding.
Haynesworth had a huge contract, the Skins found a team to take on the remainder.
Free agency officially started yesterday. The giants and titans want ruud. The issues for him are length of deal and guaranteed money. There are still tons of unsigned free agents. I will bet that Ruud gets a better deal (guaranteed money) than Jane Black. That will show how the market views him against Jane.
July 30th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
they dont need to bring back ruud…..stop being a homer for ruud we were bottom of the league against the run last year WITH RUUD we need someone who is faster and can get to the football ruud is neither of those i think signing crowder would be a great pick up and a step up from ruud
July 30th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
I’m not at all interested in what the fans on “twitter” think or want. Just in who the Buccaneers want.
Is Nick Barnett the guy? Maybe, if he can stay healthy. But CERTAINLY not because it’s what the fans on “twitter” want.
July 30th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Ok my world is ending I have to say Thomas is making sense today.
July 30th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Well, it’s hard to argue with the success that Mark Dominick has had so far. That was an incredible turn around in a two year span! So he’s earned some trust.
But we still have yet to accomplish anything that matters. Meybe you can build a championship team with the Draft alone. Hes getting his chance to prove it.
Let’s see how the “Freeman dynasty – year 3” unfolds, before we pass judgement.
But it does make for boring FA season.
July 30th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Garv-Of course- Its all about what the organization wants. We are just expressing our opinions. Not that it’s worth a gram of salt. But none the less. It is what it is. It’s our right to. See you at the games. Buc’s 1976-to-Infinity!!
July 30th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Joe, just when the Ruud studd was dyingo ut, you had to put up this story, lol.
Everyone relax. It’s NOT going to happen.
All the suitable FAs are too old, and a trade would keep Foster from getting time.
Cummings is just trying to get people riled up. Year after year these false rumors are “leaked” out and people believe them, and then are disappointed when it does not happen.
Save yourselves the heartache…don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
Take Dominick at his word…and if he surprises us with a trade or signing fine. If not, don’t blame him for Cummings lies.
July 30th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@Capt.Tim
Well said.
Just please remember that Freeman doesn’t run the defense, because they are going to struggle for at least a few games.
July 30th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
I don’t think we are still building through the draft. I think we are built and can compete for the SB now. JMO
July 30th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Me thinks they do not think that.
I have to say, i never thought the rookies would carry the receiving core like they did last year.
Dom likely believes he can do that again. maybe he can.
With no floor till 2013 i wouldnt expect anyone earth shattering.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
I can’t wait to see where Ruud ends up. He is the most comical Bucs message board topic in history and RUUD WARS will enter the nuclear armageddon phase when he finally signs somewhere.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Need to address this MLB situation.. its either we re-sign Ruud and let him run the defense for a another year or two while Foster and Mckenzie learn behind him. If we let Ruud walk though.. definetely have to go after a veteran MLB in free agency that can be the quarterback of our defense, i was thinking maybe Tulloch? what do you guys think about him?
July 30th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
i trust our coaches with rookies, probably turn barber into the qb of defense (like they let faine call protections year 1)
July 30th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Whichever one is better and will help us the most
July 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Hey Thomas,only two good players so would you are telling us that the coach did a great job
July 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Stephen Tulloch is too talented and will expect a large, long term contract. Even if the Bucs do sign a vet it won’t be someone like Tulloch. You don’t sign a guy like that just to push him aside for Mason Foster in a year or two. Unless… You want Tulloch as your long term MLB and shift Foster over to Will to replace Geno. One thing is for sure though- Tulloch is the anti-Ruud. Best 4-3 linebacker in free agency in terms of shedding blocks to make run stops.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
I think if we added stephen tulloch from the titans it would be a good move he is still very young (26) and i think he could be with us for a while.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Ill tell you what thomas I will bet you that Duud,will not sign a contract as big as the big Q.I wont post for a month if he does as long as you will do the same?The experts have spoken and once again stealing a line from you RUUD lovers who are you guys to argue with the experts,I guess you think you know more than the teams that actually pay the guys,Talib is still here,Ruud gone,we did not sign the funny name cornerback,my contacts with the organization are a lot better than you guys,hold up gotta go Coach Morris is calling with more info.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
You want a veteran back there, put in Quincy Black. He know the system and shouldn’t be coming off the field anyways.
As for free agency, a guy NOBODY has mentioned that would be an excellent addition is Tennessee’s DE Jacob Ford. The guy is a pass rush specialist and would be a great addition to the team.
July 30th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Wesley. If your info is coming from rah rah, no wonder why you are so lost. I will bet you, as a gentleman, that Ruud gets more avg per year guaranteed $ than Jane. What did Jane get guaranteed? 11 mil for 4 years.
July 30th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Tulloch would be lovely. equally good against the run and the pass. He could definitely show these boys how your supposed to hot and how to cover
July 30th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
If i am lost than you are in outer space my friend,it seems to me you may have to take up a collection to pay Ruud yourself,and remember you are only counting guaranteed money,so you wont post for a month,your word as a gentleman?
July 30th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Here’s a question…is it realistic to think they will keep 3 MLBs? Most teams do not…which is ironic since it’s the QB of the defense.
July 30th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I have a question……Just how good is Tulloch? I hope he’s not just simply the “best” player available.
July 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
1year deal titan Ruud signs
July 30th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
i cant believe we wouldnt match that… he really did walk out on his team
July 30th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
2.2…well, you’re wrong again as usual. The best offer Ruud received was only a one-year deal. If a player is considered a possible cornerstone of a defense or a dynamic addition they get more than a one-year deal, especially when they’re only 27 or 28 years old.
Ruud won’t get anywhere near $11 million guaranteed. It’s the total contract guarantee that really speaks loudly about what a team thinks about a player, not a one-year tryout prove-it-to-us deal like Ruud just got.
July 30th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
The experts has spoken
July 30th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@Dan
You are assuming the Bucs made more than a token gesture.
Truth to tell…I’ll miss his personality here.
Now Ronde really is the last of the old guys.
July 31st, 2011 at 2:17 am
“I cant wait until Barrett makes pro bowls in Tennessee while Mason Foster takes 3 years to understand the Tampa 2.” – Douche.Douche
Proof, in print, that this troll is not a Buccaneers fan. It’s been said again and agian but I’ll say it yet again.. 2.2″ rather be right than see the Bucs succeed. He “can’t wait” for failure! Just read the quote if you doubt me.
Get a life dude and not the pathetic, miserable, lonely one you have now.
July 31st, 2011 at 9:13 am
I think everyone just needs to ignore thomas 2.2/tampa 2/tampa 28 or whatever the hell his name is and he’ll eventually stop after a while.