A Deeper Look At Curtis Lofton
March 22nd, 2012
Refusing to sign his name on what has to be a Bucs contract worth eight figures of guaranteed money, free agent linebacker Curtis Lofton is still out there.
While Joe might advise Lofton to seek mental health counseling or find a new agent, bowtied Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter has opted to dig deep into Lofton’s bizarre free agency in an interesting feature for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Joe definitely recommends this piece.
NFL films guru Greg Cosell is quoted explaining that Lofton is complete player but not a great player, and Ledbetter serves up some stats.
Lofton has played 95, 95 and 99 percent of the defensive snaps over the last three years. Lofton, the team’s leading tackler over the past four seasons, was drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft. He had 577 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and seven forced fumbles.
Lofton sounds a lot like a harder-hitting, 25-year-old version of Barrett Ruud. The Bucs could do a lot worse and they’re desperate for a solid, veteran starter at linebacker. Joe’s hoping Lofton comes to his senses.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:59 am
I’m with Joe. I hope Lofton comes to his senses too. Detroit is out, won’t go near Saints, Eagles acquired Ryans. Other than maybe Seahawks looking also, unless he wants to force his way back to Falcons at less money (with Tatupu signed there), his smartest move by far, is here!
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:01 pm
I’m with Joe as well. Thing is, it makes the most sense for everyone concerned, including Lofton of course.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:01 pm
I hope they sign him. Maybe he can cover a little better than we give him credit for but I would hardly compare his tackling to Ruud.
Lofton can flat out stuff guys at the line.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Quarles was not great, very good, not great. (Great = Brooks). Sounds like a guy that could be an upgrade at least if not the leading tackler on the Bucs.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Did some Mock Draft research —– from Walter Football, NFL Net., Draft Countdown, Bleacher Report and FF Toolbox:
15 MOCKS TOTAL
ROUND 1:
11 have Morris Claiborne CB LSU
3 have Trent Richardson RB Alabama
1 has Dontari Poe DT Memphis
10 of them give a ROUND 2:
5 say David Wilson RB Va Tech
1 has Lamar Miller RB Miami
1 has Lavonte David LB Nebraska
1 has Vontaze Burfict LB ASU
1 has Mychal Kendricks LB Washington
1 has Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska
I would be pretty happy with Morris Claiborne CB LSU & David Wilson RB Va Tech
AND the signing of Lofton at MLB
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Burfcit = trainwreck
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
THe amount of snaps Lofton has had the past few years proves he isn’t an all-around LB. He’s played all of those snaps, yet had 2 interceptions… AND most importantly, Atlanta has/had a premier pass rusher in John Abraham, two really good CBs in Robinson and Grimes… and they still sucked against the pass. Lofton has a ton of experience with Atlanta, and Atlanta knows a lot about their team, and one thing they knew moving forward was that in order to be a better team, they needed to get rid of Curtis Lofton.
I’m glad he’s priced himself out of the Bucs range. Within a season or two the team would realize they needed an upgrade and made a huge mistake. Now the big mistake would be letting a stud MLB like Luke Kuechly slip by them, like they did with Patrick Willis, and suffering for the next several years because of it. Not getting Lofton is a blessing. Bring on Kuechly!
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Joe..good video there too, courtesy of Eagles. Why don’t, other than JBF, do any of our local Bucs outlets produce good Free Agent pieces like that on obvious FA needs our team will have. Make for website hits, and a good read. Even the stuff on Hawthorne too.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Bucs should go after and sign London Fletcher and Erin Henderson instead of just getting Lofton. Lofton is a solid LB that’s weak in the passing game, and he wants to get paid like he’s a great LB. Fletcher would give us a high volume tackler and a great leader on the field and in the locker room, and he’s a champion. Henderson would give us a good young outside linebacker, that also has the skill set to play the middle. Their 2 contracts would come very close in value to the one contract for Lofton.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
bucbelevr:
Joe cannot speak for Jack Sheppard or Joanne Korth.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:38 pm
It’s pretty obvious he’s just trying to find some team dumb enough to use $7 to 9 Million per year of valuable cap space on him and when it doesn’t happen he’ll be back on Artie Blank’s doorstep begging him to let him play for $3Million per season.
They can have him! I side with Dominick here. It’s pretty obvious linebacker is going to be our major weakness this season, so do what you can in the draft. Remember, Schiano’s a defensive guy, maybe he sees some promise in a few of the linebackers we now have on the roster.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I’d be fine with bringing in Vontaze on a UDFA contract.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Joe,
What the heck is with Tullochs contract details ?? 48 hours ago now ??
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:47 pm
I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!? @Jvato24…..
Where the hell are Tulloch’s numbers?…, every other d*mn contract is in and released since FA began…
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:49 pm
He is only worth 4 years, $20 million max.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Also with the additions of Fletcher (MLB) and Henderson (OLB) we would have a very formidable LB corp and on paper the D would be in place (respectable on paper) prior to the draft. Of course from a defensive perspective I still think we would need to upgrade the talent level at CB, S, DT and Pass Rusher
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Everyone was looking for Stephen Tulloch to set the market for MLBs. Strange, he re-signed with Detroit on 3/20 and no reports of the deal, only that it was 5 years. I’ve been to Rotoworld, Detroit Free Press/sports, and I follow 20 of the local and national analyst on Twitter and nothing – not a word. Anybody explain?
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@Que589…like Henderson at OLB too. Good affordable solid upgrade. Lofton, Henderson, good LB’s, no teaching/shepherding. Just sign, plug, play…
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Macabee:
If that is the case, it’s clear the Lions haven’t released Tulloch’s contract information.
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:05 pm
I heard that Megatron is payng Tulloch’s contract
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:11 pm
But the way that Schefter, sometimes Florio, and Mortensen get the contract details are not from the team sources usually, almost always their league office sources that notify them, once the contract is faxed, etc…for league approval.
In my humble knowledge..
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Hawthorne known in seattle as” Heater” for bringing the heat. Would be great value and a solid 3 position backer
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Jb- nope
Nobody- no Bo dy would see any promising talent on our roster at LB
Our LBers have been described at “inside Sports” as the worst collection of LBers in the history if the league!”
I disagree. I don’t think they are that good.
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:34 pm
If I were Loften, I’d patiently just wait the Bucs out.
They have no choice, but to sign new LBers. Ours are so horrible, that we will continue losing 42-10 if we don’t replace them. They can’t afford letting that happen to Schiano, right out the gate.
If he waits, they will have to sign him for what he wants. It’s our own fault, for keeping the crap we had last year- and losing our only good Lb.
We will get new LBers. It’s just a matter of time.
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Isn’t Ruud a free agent?
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:51 pm
I’d feel comfortable with a MLB and at least one other free agent or rookie OLB. We need to move Mason Foster outside where I’ll think he’ll have success, plug in a guy life Lofton into the middle, draft a player and see what we have with the free agent/rookie, Dekota Watson, Adam Hayward and Quincy Black. If Black doesn’t crack the starting lineup, he needs to go as he makes too much to ride the pine.
March 22nd, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Just because Atlanta wsa dumb enough to leave Lofton on the field on 3rd down does nothing to prove he is a 3 down LB.
Atlanta was 29th in the league on 3rd downs, giving up a woeful 44%, worse than even the Bucs! Lofton was a huge reason for that. Luke Kuechly is the way to go.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Lumpy getting a visit in Seattle….lmao
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
“They have no choice, but to sign new LBers. Ours are so horrible, that we will continue losing 42-10 if we don’t replace them.”
You mean 42-28. Our offense has improved.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:18 pm
I’m not high on Erin Henderson. He has already been suspended once for banned substances, and only has like 50 tackles to his name in 5 seasons. How is that plug and play?
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Many of you are bashing Lofton… fair enough. he is not Ray lewis in his prime, but he would be the best MLB the Bucs have had since Quarles.
It would allow them to move Foster to the outside where I think he will be very good and draft another OLB.
The last thing they want right now is a rookie MLB from the draft calling the defense.
I think Fletcher is way too old. They need someone, at the very least, to be able to step in for 2-3 years if they plan on drafting a rookie. Fletcher can still produce, but for 3 years??
With Lofton or Hawthorne they wouldn’t need to draft a MLB, they could get themselves a OLB in round 2-3. A
Then if they were not working out great they could draft one next year or the year after to eventually take over.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Cut K2 give lofton what he wants
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:30 pm
I wouldn’t be upset if we signed Lofton at a reasonable price. I would actually be thrilled. Too me, though, Hawthorne does seem like the wiser move due to the fact you get similar production for less scrilla.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:37 pm
K2 has trade value. could probably easily get a 3rd for him, maybe even a 2nd.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
J:
People named “Erin” should not play middle linebacker.
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Your not getting a 3rd for k2. maybe our fourth back if we are lucky
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:44 pm
@ Joe
I was thinking the same exact thing. Although his name is Erin, he isnt sackless.
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:10 pm
I feel you Dave but Fletcher has championship pedigree, proven leadership and he’s still playing at a Pro Bowl level, something that Lofton isn’t doing and he’s limited. On a young squad Fletcher is the way to go. Not to mention the price tag
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Off subject but im excited to see Devin Holland or Ahmad Black get a chance to shine this season ! Devin Holland has been smacking people hard as we seen.
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I would love to have Lofton, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if we got rid of this youngry idea and signed one of the best MLBs in the NFL last year, London Fletcher, to a 2yr 12mil contract with 1yr guaranteed as a player/coach. Then draft his heir-apparent MLB in the 1st (Kuechly or Hightower) or 2nd (Bobby Wagner or LaVonte David) round, depending on whether we trade down or not. Then tie the heir-apparent to Fletcher’s hip for the next 2 years until he knows the position hands down.
We would be getting a 3-down (not 2-down like Lofton) proven pro bowl MLB who can still play at a high level and a 2yr training program for his successor. With Barber coming back, we would have 2 leaders in the locker room that could mentor the younger players.
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@ J 2.0 – “K2 has trade value. could probably easily get a 3rd for him, maybe even a 2nd.”
I’ll have what you’re smoking.
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:51 pm
???….so if Erin Henderson, were named Aaron Henderson, like say, Aaron Hernandez, then….it would be okay to play MLB?!?!?? Nice to know our Buc crowd is so profound.
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Signing Lofton to the amount of money he wants would be more detrimental to the team then not signing him. There are plenty of options at LB this year in the second and third round. We don’t need an over rated Lofton on our team especially at the money he wants. Why are people so willing to pay this guy?
I know we need linebackers, but he isn’t the long term solution in my opinion. I prefer a complete player as a mike backer not just some quick (expensive) fix, Lofton isn’t the long term solution. Why do you think Falcons haven’t resigned him? If they really wanted him back they would have resigned him by now.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Good point Macabee I would much rather bring in Fletcher, than to sign Lofton. Then draft a linebacker to sit behind him for a year and watch how the position is really played.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I am not worried because the rockstar is a “defensive fundamentalists” from back in the Monte Kiffin days.
Setting the franchise record for points allowed notwithstanding.
Ill take a Chuckyesq quick fix.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Joe
Good thing Erin Henderson plays outside linebacker. Lol
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:17 pm
J 2.0
K2 does have trade value but not more than a 4th at best.
personally, i don’t see him going anywhere this year the more I thought about it. Reason: they do not have a TE besides Stocker and him. I see Stocker getting alot of playing time this year (stay healthy my friend).
There are no real good TEs in the draft and none on the market anymore.
Next year is when a TE will be drafted high in my opinion.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:18 pm
A Chucky Fix?
London Fletcher- come on down!!
And believe me- he’s a huge upgrade- he would be an upgrade at 48!
Quarles- right now- today- is better than the slobs we have!
But I am confident it will get at least partially adressed. Can’t fix it all in one off season- we’d need 6 LBers
Honestly- I thought Foster played so bad last year( probably due to his tutors!), that he could only be described as a huge Bust! .
We got nothing at Lb.
Good team in a lot of areas- but Lb is the worst if ever seen- anywhere. Secondary was worst in the league last year
They should bite the bullet, and sign Lofton and Fletcher. Then draft Lavonte David.
Hell- we’d be in the playoffs then!( with Claiborne and Dennard, also, of course!)
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:21 pm
2nd and 3rd round draft picks, can’t START at MLB for US, and combine that with the need, we already have at MLB.
Short of an Urlacher back in the day, at MLB in the 1st round, Bucs sign a veteran MLB.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@ Capt Tim
“Honestly- I thought Foster played so bad last year( probably due to his tutors!), that he could only be described as a huge Bust!”
Wha? Bust 1 year in? Rook at MLB playin out of position. Get off my ship…Captain!
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Lol- trade our leading reciever. And replace him with- no one
You guys really gotta stop with that one
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Capt Tim….you things at times that make me laugh out loud they are so ridiculously absurd.! Foster a huge bust?? LOL! Who is at the top of this page?
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&statisticPositionCategory=LINEBACKER&season=2011&seasonType=REG&experience=0&tabSeq=1&qualified=true&Submit=Go
For a kid who played out of position all year I thought he showed great promise. He played hurt most of the year too. Of course, you have to be able to recognize talent to realize all of this. Maybe you’re a little deficient in that area?
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Cpt.TIm- Mason Foster a bust? Oh please. That must make Mario Williams a bust as well, according to your calculation of deciding what makes a bust. Starting a 3rd round rookie at MLB in a 4-3 defense is about a dumb a thing as a coach and GM could do in the NFL.
March 22nd, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Foster sucked this year.
That is all
March 22nd, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Bobby- nope , he played horrible this year. To say he showed promise- means you couldn’t have actually watched him. He didn’t tackle RBs. He was totally lost in coverage. He didn’t know how to adjust the defense.
He didn’t have his socks pulled up high enough.
Kid didnt do anything right. There was no evidence of any talent at all
Meybe he was screwed, by putting him at a posistion he had never played before, calling the defense- which he had never done before.
That was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen attempted!
But no- he didn’t give anyone even a glimmer of hope.
Meybe it was a fluke. We’ll give him thru training camp, to see if he is better than he showed. – otherwise- he’s outta here!
March 22nd, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Chris FWC- lol ! “a rook, playing outta position”
Geez dude, that’s all I got ta judge him by!!
I can’t tell ya what kinda sushi chef he is!!
But as a MLB – gag! Kid sucked- huge bust!
March 22nd, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Fosters good. He had no offseason then got put into the QB spot of the Defense when that wasn’t playing that position in college. He took on a big role. I like him better as a OLB, But thought he held his own for not having good coaches to coach him and help him develop.
March 22nd, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Ok Capt Tim Crow
March 22nd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Listen guys, can we have a lil talk.
You know I like and respect all of you.
Buuuuut. We can’t all say that last year was the worst Buc defense ever( we all pretty much agree on that one)
And then defend every player on that defense.
“man, our defense sucked last year!”
“sure did”
” Talib was terrible!”
“what! I thought he had a ProBowl year!”
” and Black couldn’t tackle his grandmother!”
” I thought Quincy played pretty good!”
“Foster was a disappointment .”
” no way! He showed real talent!!”
Etc, etc
If they are all such great hall of Famers, why was our defense so horrible?
Then let’s not sign anybody! Let’s just play with the same terrific players!!
Hello, 0-16!
Lol- to be that bad, somebody on that defense is not a hall of fame player.
I know some of you are having a hard time accepting that. But it’s true.
There may be players on the Buccaneer defense who( gasp!) aren’t perfect players.
If any of you require therapy or counciling – after this shocking revelation- please contact yer mental health professional!
Next weeks revelation
” Not all Buccaneers are nice people!”
Smelling salts will be handed out at the door
Work with me here guys! They ain’t all allpros!
March 22nd, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Man, I’m glad I didn’t have seats near some of you guys!
Bobby-” man that defense is playing great today!”
Chris FWC- the offense is afraid to throw at our secondary!”
SteveK” but they have to! Sure can’t run against our LBers- Foster is an Animal!”
Bobby- ” what’s the score now?”
SteveK- “we’re down, 56-7″
ChrisFWC” yeah, I think they are intimidated by our hard hitting defense!”
SteveK and Bobby” oh yeah, we rock!!”
Listen, I got on my Buccuneer boxers, too.
But I don’t think it would kill us to be a bit more critical of some of our defensive players
I mean- we did go 4-12 last year, and did NOT capture the Lombardi trophy( somebody please confirm that- it seems like we are coming off a championship year- listening to some of these guys!)
And we did have a horrible 10 game losing streak.
It is possible that we may have a few players that aren’t Di great
Jus a thought!
Lol
March 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d827cd28d/Comparing-Andrew-Luck-with-NFL-QBs?module=HP11_cp
Josh…
If you are reading this you are the underdog. You are more talented. There is less pressure on you than your peers, and you have more character than these other men because of the ten losses you endured. Because of the 7 losses you endured. Stay on track. Ignore the noise we all create, and give us something to root for.
March 22nd, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Capt. Tim you’re an idiot….how can a total bust manage to lead all rookies in tackles?? It is so rare that I read a comment from you that is actually coherent and makes sense. Calling Foster a bust after he actually played fairly well, out of position and without an offseason is just another example of a Capt. Tim comment.
March 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
I’m confident that Foster could start at MLB next season and play at a very high level. If he plays at his true position of outside linebacker he’ll do very well also. The kid can play football.
March 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
I’m not going to take quite as big a dump on Foster as Capt. Tim did, but he looked very uncomfortable out there at MLB to me. He’s a Sam LB that was foolishly forced to play in the middle in his rookie year. Maybe in the future he might be able to make that switch, but for now I think he would be a more valuable player to us on the outside.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:04 am
K2- yeah, the whole defense played really, really good.
I thought everyone of ’em shoulda been in the ProBowl, yeah that’s right.
Bunch of friggin superstars! Just dominated their opponents- absolute flawless execution by every one. Hope we don’t bring in any new guys- and risk disrupting that sweet ass chemistry we got going!!
Friggin idiots! Ya did notice us getting our ass stomped by 40 points plus fir ten straight games- didn’t ya. Or are ya that blind.
Ya did notice that we lost 12 games outta 16. Right.Einstein?
There were NO Superstars running around out there! They all looked like Crap- but the worst, most confused one- was Foster.
He was totally lost all damn season
Was it his fault? I don’t think so. As always- I said before the season that he was always a SAm. Throwing him in at MIKE, without even a training camp- was idiotic. I also said we’d loose if we cut Ruud.
As always- in so friggin right that it isn’t even a challenge anymore.
Must be nice to be you! I imagine EVERYTHING is challenging!!
But , at least you can look at one of the worst defenses in NFL history, and make yourself believe you are looking at a bunch of great players !!
With that kind of imagination, and self deluding- you probably don’t even own a TV, or go to the movies!
You can just warp reality in yer own lil mind, and believe what ever you want!
Oh yeah, Foster just ROCKED last year!! That’s why he was league MVP, and we won the SUPERBOWL !!!
Gosh, Gee! It’s welly, Weally fun being confused- isn’t it!
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I don’t know Capt….but if it is fun being confused you’re living Disney World.
We show you that Foster led all rookies in tackles and you call him a bust. I think that qualifies as ‘confused’ on your part but I guess in ‘bizzaro world’ that means something different like ‘leading all rookies in tackles=bust’. Well…nice little world you’re living in there….