Bucs Sign Veteran Linebacker Zac Diles
September 4th, 2011
The Bucs moved quickly to add a sixth linebacker to the roster today, as Joe projected this morning. There was just no way the Bucs would only have five entering the season.
The newest Buccaneer is veteran LB Zac Diles, per ProFootballTalk.com via the Twittering of agent Jim Thomas.
Diles, 26, started 30 games for the Texans over the past three seasons at weakside and strongside linebacker. He was signed as a free agent by the Rams this offseason and cut after St. Louis’ final preseason game.
Joe wonders what Buccaneer will be sent home sobbing to make room for Diles.
September 4th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Correction: Diles, 26, started 30 games……
September 4th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Well, I like the fact that they brought in a linebacker! Though, I really wish they’d go after Lance Briggs. He’s really be worth it, a beast of a player who’s been to the pro bowl 6 times.
September 4th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
It almost has to be a DB that gets cut. We have hoarded defensive backs like they are going extinct.
September 4th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Apparently, Rah coached Diles at K State.
September 4th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Hopefully they can get get this guy uP to speed, and he can replace one of those slackers we have starting
September 4th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
That’s a pipe dream Patrick, you know that.
September 4th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
the only way this guy starts is if he can play middle line backer
September 4th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Special Teams Player / Back Up Middle Linebacker?
September 4th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
No denying Briggs talent, but who wants the baggage that he brings with it. He’s never going to be happy with his contract. The FIRST time he demanded a new contract, he had a leg to stand on. Nobody around the NFL right now, including Deion Sanders, who always thinks players should get more money, thinks he has a leg to stand on this SECOND time. When Urlacher and then Hillenmeyer went down with injuries for the Bears a few years back, the team asked him twice to move to MLB and both times he declined. If you look at last year and the year before, Hayes stats were not that far off, if not equal (specifically last year, in only his 2nd season starting). And Black was on pace to have a nice year last year and very similar stats if not equal to Briggs. I’m not saying I’m totally sold on Black or Hayes, but Briggs is not worth the troubles at this point in his career.
One could even argue that Briggs is on the decline and trying to get the money while he can. You add in the fact that he wouldn’t help the Bears by moving to MLB when injuries popped up and take over that leadership position. One might even argue that he is selfish and not a team player.
September 4th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Briggs would cost much, much more than he’s worth at this point in his career, both in salary and draft picks to the Bears. Diles was a good move. He has some talent and can step in to start if needed. He’s a Hayward type…strong solid backup who has starting caliber ability when called upon.
September 4th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
If he has no talent at all, and just walks around the field scratching his ass, then he would be a huge upgrade over either of our outside LBers.
September 4th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Wow…guessing you’re not a Hayes or Black fan.
September 4th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
I’m guessing that DJ Johnson will be cut to make room. I think Devin Holland is just a placeholder until T-Jack gets back.
September 4th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
i like this move. A quality backup whom can also fill in if needed.
@FLBoyInDallas- Capt Tim aka Bo Ruud is still upset about his big brother being released in tha offseason,
September 4th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Lol- ok, that might be a slight exaggeration- but not by much. Those two pick which plays they are gonna actually exert themselves. They gotta be related to somebody in the front office.
September 4th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Capt Tim,
HAHAHAHAHa you are on a roll dude!!!
September 4th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
I think we can safely say that going from Ruud & Koutouvides to Foster & Diles is an upgrade. How much of an upgrade remains to be seen. Hopefully it’s substantial, but we likely won’t know for awhile.
September 4th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
If this guy sees the field for anything other than special teams, we’re in big trouble this year. Don’t get me wrong, we needed the depth at LB for kick coverages and returns. I don’t want our starters out there on ST risking injury. This is a needed signing, but hopefully one that we never have to truly test out.
September 4th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Johnl.
You mean a place holder because TJax gets high! And then he got high, and so he got high …
September 4th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Four Fingered Fisherman,
I can’t remember what it was I disagreed with you the other day, but I have to say I agree 100% with your last post.
People can hate on our OLBs all they want, but because they don’t know football they’re simply using them as scapegoats despite the fact that the real culprits last season were the Mike and horrible play up front. Black, Hayes, and Watson will shine this season.
September 4th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Thad getting high, Quincy Jane on his belly, being mounted by some lame lil FB . . . You know, I don’t think one of them are in this for the football, lol
September 4th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Good one Thomas.
September 4th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
***Crickets chirping…..***
September 4th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Quincy Black actually played pretty well last year. But again, if guys aren’t getting 20 sacks or 20 picks then according to Thomas they suck. You are so incredibly stupid man, blows my mind.
September 4th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Brandon – I wouldn’t want you to agree with everything that I say…this isn’t my facebook.
A lot of people look at a position and look for the biggest name they can find or know. They don’t look at all the variables that are involved with each and every decision.
Then you just have people who have their own personal biases and/or vendettas that they let get in the way.
I’m waiting for the people who start calling for Ruud back and/or Foster’s head early on in the season when Foster makes some mistakes. Forgetting that he’s a rookie at maybe the toughest position on defense to learn and play. And with a much shorter off-season and learning period than what would normally be this year.
September 4th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Brandon – That first sentence was supposed to say agree or like…just incase you didn’t catch the reference to facebook. My B
September 4th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
solid signing….i wonder why the rams cut him…..i was actually watching the texans play at one point last year on tv and diles caught my attention…i forget who they were playing, but i actually thought at one point while watching the game that he would be a nice piece to add to the buc’s puzzle…he was obviously having a nice game that day, and go figure, he is now a tampa bay buccaneer……….good solid signing of a player hopefully about ready to reach his peak here in tampa…adam from ny
September 4th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
I remember Diles at Texas as well, but Texas was deep in linebackers. He should be a good pickup for Tampa, especially if Raheem knows him.
September 5th, 2011 at 12:24 am
what his rating in madden LOL
September 5th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Obviously he has skills, the Bucs like him and his age is right.
I certainly have no problem with it.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Diles was signed by the Rams in July 2011 and was soon released. Not a good sign. At the time Rams fans were excited. Now, clearly, they are not.
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From ESPN Insider:
Diles has become a quality starter at the Will linebacker position. He played in all 16 games in 2009, starting 12, and finished with 62 tackles. Diles brings versatility in that he can play either inside or on the outside, and he is a smart, instinctive player who is quick to locate the level of the ball and picks good angles to get to the point of attack. He shows good speed and acceleration in pursuit and has the range to make plays on either sideline or downfield in coverage. He is a little stiff in the hips when dropping into coverage but shows good route recognition and the ability to read the quarterback from zone coverage.
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He’s young, which is surprising, but he’s a low quality guy. With Rah coaching him, he could get better, but I doubt that’s the goal here…at least not for him to outshine Foster.
Then again…Morris isn’t huge on politics unless you count Freeman’s case.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:54 am
I think it’s a good gamble. Diles won’t be coming in expected to start, and he is familiar with Raheem, and looking forward to playing for him. It’s a great move to add depth.
And for the posted asking what Diles is rated in Madden 12, it’s a 72.
j.
September 5th, 2011 at 11:55 am
He’s basically taking Koutouvides roster spot from last year so this can easily be considered an improvement. Koutouvides offered nothing whatsoever as a linebacker, only as a special teamer. At least Diles can step in and offer some solid play if need be.