Bucs Won’t Cut Aqib Talib
March 31st, 2012
Since his trial on gun-related assault charges has been delayed (again) in Texas, this time pushing the trial past the NFL draft, there have been cries from seemingly all corners for the Bucs to cut ties with troubled cornerback Aqib Talib.
The loudest of the shouts has come largely from Tim Ryan of SiriusXM NFL Radio, who earlier this week all but assured listeners if the Bucs (rightly) drafted LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, it would be just a matter of hours before Talib became an ex-Buccaneer.
This, so Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune suggests, is premature speculation as Cummings explained in a TBO Bucs Q&A.
Q: I saw the article about drafting Claiborne and dumping Talib. I believe it would be best to have all three with Talib at No. 1, Claiborne No. 2 and Wright in the slot. Talib has shut down star receivers and in 2010 he proved he was a shutdown cornerback, when healthy. Last year he played on a bad hamstring.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, MD
A: I don’t think the Bucs have any plans to dump Talib. They’ve dealt with him and his problems for this long; it wouldn’t make much sense to dump him now or even after the draft. Not with only a year left on his contract. And for a player of his abilities, he comes rather cheap this year. Talib is due $1.85 million, which is a bargain for a top-level cornerback. I believe the Bucs’ plan is to see how Talib responds to the more disciplined approach of new coach Greg Schiano and take it from there. This is obviously a big year for Talib. If he can stay out of trouble and clean up his act he could earn himself a new contact here. If not, the Bucs will probably move on with someone else.
— Woody Cummings
Now that’s an angle Joe didn’t think of: Talib’s inexpensive salary this season allows Bucs decision makers more leeway into tolerating the drama that seemingly always follows Talib.
Now to expect Talib to somehow stay out of the off-field headlines, fairly or unfairly, may be a stretch. Roughly every six months something seems to pop up about Talib, and it wasn’t like when Talib played for Chucky that a tight ship kept the drama away.
Everything Joe has heard is that Talib really is a good teammate. There were times Joe himself saw Talib take a young defender aside to help him on the practice field. When cornered, Bucs officials will state the same thing.
Talib’s work on the field and in the locker room is not the issue with his job security. It’s all the drama off the field. If Talib is able to stay out of the headlines under Schiano’s first year, is that just a temporary reprieve or a complete turnaround?
That, Dominik will have to weigh after Talib’s contract ends following the 2012 season.
March 31st, 2012 at 3:57 pm
1.85m would be a bargain for a top-level CB. It is too bad Talib is not one.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:08 pm
I don’t know why some people, like Capt. Tim and a few others, say Talib sucks and that he’s no good.
Not true at all!
How many cornerbacks had 17 interceptions in 4 seasons, with 15 of them being in the first 3 seasons?
Sure he didn’t have a great year last year, but no one on our team did!
But the guy overall has been well above average for us. He HAS shut down some of the best receivers in the league. He would’ve gone to a pro bowl already if he had played for a bigger market team.
The guy hasn’t even been found guilty yet, so I think we should WAIT before just dismissing him like this. Sorry guys, I’ll be honest, I think Eric Wright was a huge waste of money. He’s alright, but not worth the contract he got. Still hope he’s a warrior though.
I’m not defending Talib as a person, but I don’t think it should overshadow what he’s done on the field. He’s not Deion Sanders, but the guy is more than a solid starter for us.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Like I said Talib will be better under Schiano and Ron Cooper as his DB coach.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:13 pm
For those who think Talib is not a good corner clearly have no idea what they are talking about. He may have his problems off the field but he is a very good corner back on the field. The people who are saying he is a bad CB need to quit speaking out of their asses.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:13 pm
It should be fun to read the outrage when it comes time to sign Talib to a new deal. We all saw how much CB’s go for in FA this year. I can already hear the shaking fists and indignation at the number Talib is going to command. Ronde will be gone & Biggers will still be Biggers. Talib’s no Mo Clairborne you say? You’re right. Talib actually tackles.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Talib is actually a good db its funny ppl who r so clld bucs fan say he is terrible but across the league he is viewed as a good corner
March 31st, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Right at this moment, I am picturing Captain Tim’s head spinning at a very alarming rate.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Nah, even I’m probably ok with keeping the lil scumbag around one more year. He sucks as a human being. He is a below average as a CB( Cummings is clueless again), and the team can’t depend on him
But, at that price, why not. If the Bucs are smart, they’ll draft two CBs this year . Taliban isn’t worth much, but he is a stop gap til the new guys get their feet under them. Then when his contract expires, we throw him out with the other hefty bags!
Of course- he’s stupid! He’ll screw up again, and ruin that plan.
I think the smart move is to trade him to Raheem! If we get a 4th rounder, it’s more value than he has to us
Then he can get on with his life’s work as a convict.
Think even Tim Ryan would be on board with that idea- and he’s a smart guy!
March 31st, 2012 at 4:30 pm
@Capt. Tim
How exactly is he below average Tim? Provide some evidence as to why.
He had 15 interceptions in his first three years. How many CB’s did that?
March 31st, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Deminion- only across this board.
Number of ProBowl votes, from Nfl players /coaches- including his team
0
Number one need of Buccaneers- per all analyst
CB- all state we need 2
Defensive secondary last year
Record high receptions given up, record yardage, record TDs, record passes over 20 yards.
Just horrible
2 years ago- we ran a 3-3-5 to protect crappy secondary
3 years ago- Taliban in his prime- 3-13, secondary was as bad as this year- Just given up long TDs every series
Now why would anyone think this loser is any good? Our secondary has been the worst in team history, since he started playing here.
I think it’s because Gruden wasted a 1st round pick on him
Don’t let that fool you. Gruden wasted a ton of Picks!
Talib is not a good Cb. He’s more trouble than he’s worth. The good Anslyst will all tell you that
March 31st, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Frankly I don’t give a crap what he does off the field, it’s not any of my business. Below average CB are you nuts? If you really believe that then you don’t know much about the NFL.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:41 pm
He has 15 interceptions, because Breez, Ryan,Cameron, etc all throw at him every time he’s on the field.
Good Cbs( Revis, Joseph , Nnamdi, etc) don’t get many interceptions! Only an idiot would throw at them very often!
March 31st, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Just because we had a weak secondary does not mean Talib is not a good corner back. The Jaguars were terrible on offense last year, does that mean MJD is a below average RB also? He must according to your standards. Your logic is illogical dude. EJ biggers and our safeties were the biggest reason for our secondary being as bad as it was.
March 31st, 2012 at 4:49 pm
only 1 WR burnt talib last yr and tht was Megatron and who didnt he beat? tell me who actually dominated him last yr?
March 31st, 2012 at 4:51 pm
joseph is as good as advertised u say tht cuz he had a good yr ? well if im not mistaken the texans had a unstoppable front seven last yr even Lewis wuda looked good on tht team
March 31st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
my bad not good as advertised
March 31st, 2012 at 4:56 pm
SensibleBuc = Nostradamus
Where’s Pete? We’ve been arguing about this forever lol
It NEVER made sense to cut him when we’ve kept him for this long. As I said before, if they really wanted to make a statement they would’ve cut him as soon as the incident happened once the season was reinstated. He’s cheap, he’s talented and he has every reason to keep his nose clean so he can get a new deal with us or another team. A player is never more motivated than when he’s in a contract year.
March 31st, 2012 at 5:58 pm
This is definitely his last year, even if the Bucs want him back, he will want more than Easy E is making
March 31st, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Jesus- again! Some of you are hopeless.
The guy is the stupidest player in the league. He screws up every six months.
That’s why every intelligent( no- not many of you) NFL person knows we get rid of him.
It’s because he’s stupid, he’s a bad person, he isn’t a good player, he gambles and gives away TDs by gambling
We are paying him like a special team guy. We got nothing. So yeah, we use him till his contract expires.
You want a disciplined team? Then, as Tim Ryan, Gil Brandt, and everybody but a few blind zombies on here know- Talib has to go.
His behavior would not be tolerated by any employer, anywhere in America. You bring that much bad press to the company- based only on stupid personal choices- bam- you are out in the street!
March 31st, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Capt. Tim, he hasn’t made the pro bowl, because he plays in TAMPA. He would’ve made it had he played for a team that’s actually respected across the league and gets attention.
“Good Cbs( Revis, Joseph , Nnamdi, etc) don’t get many interceptions! Only an idiot would throw at them very often!”
That’s a ridiculous statement Tim. When you get an interception, you take the ball AWAY from the offense and your team gets an extra opportunity to move it down the field. Of course, our offense rarely did that last year.
Our cornerbacks weren’t the worst in history, our linebackers and d-line were (mccoy and price were injured AGAIN).
March 31st, 2012 at 6:16 pm
Between Goodell and the State of Texas, Aqib may not see a dime of that $1.85MM or a blade of grass on the field. It is all speculation at this point and after Goodell finishes slamming the Saints, he’ll likely be in no mood for Talib’s crap, innocent or guilty. He may get a year regardless.
March 31st, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I’m not quite as harsh on the kid as the Captain, but I agree with about 95% of what he says here. 100 interceptions don’t mean jack if you are giving up 40 yard touchdowns on every 3’rd play. I believe Aqib has the talent but he loafs and takes plays off, all the freakin time. Yeah maybe its a hammy or knee or whatever this week’s excuse is, but he gets burned constantly. Raw talent most definitely, but consistency is what he needs if he manages to see the light when his head pops out of his butt. The guy is a walking disaster area and I fear he was absent on the day the Lord was handing out brains. He was definitely present on the day the Devil had the runs.
March 31st, 2012 at 6:54 pm
@Capt If we get a 4th round pick for Talib, remember, 4th rounder got us Myron Lewis. Would you say Lewis was/is a better investment of a 4th round pick than Talib?
March 31st, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Talib is a good player, but does he “LOVE” football? Buccaneers will be “Good men, pillars to the community” and must “LOVE” football. Two things that I think Mr. Talib will have to prove just as much as Blount will have to prove he can grip the ball with 2 hands while extending runs. If they pull through, their talent will be undeniable. Diggin this Schiano guy if you can’t tell.
March 31st, 2012 at 7:12 pm
wasn’t it the Raiders a few years back who used to win suoer bowls with players of Talibs character? Don’t be so to pull the trigger on this guy, patience patience patience. Also, It is Talibs physical gifts and healthy presence (body and mind) that makes the Clairborne pick a high impact one which would give them to game changing type big play corners…highly unique in the NFL. This is the only positive Ican think of in taking Mo Clairborn over Trent Richardson. But don’t worry TR regurgitators , that team with the bland uniforms in Ohio will take him before us since Trent knocked its running backs coach on his butt cheeks. It simply makes to good of a story and irony not to mention being BBA
March 31st, 2012 at 7:16 pm
sorry about the obvious bad spelling…too tired and lazy to change it right now
March 31st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@ Have a Nice Day
Actually Myron Lewis was a 3rd round pick that year….which makes it even worse lol. Mike Williams was the 4th round pick that year
March 31st, 2012 at 7:22 pm
I’m willing to see what Schiano can get out of Talib, at that price.He’s not the greatest but has the potential to be great. I’m very anxious to see if they can get anything out of Myron Lewis Ahmad Black Larry Asante. I would like to see them draft Ronnell Lewis in the second or third round!
March 31st, 2012 at 7:28 pm
I believe Talib is a good NFL cornerback. Even though he had a career low in interceptions (2) last year, he did score 2 touchdowns.
When he goes to trial, the jury will see his accuser led into the courtroom wearing his prison uniform, shackled hand and foot while
Talib sports a thousand dollar suit flanked by a team of top rate lawyers. I know how justice works in Amerika. I believe the jury might wonder why the accuser is in handcuffs and leg irons while the alleged shooter is free. When the news leaks to the jury that the accuser was arrested for chronic child molestation, I suspect that there won’t be a single juror willing to convict.
Google jury nullification. The jury has the absolute right to throw out any court case regardless of the law or evidence.
Nobody cuts a 1st round draft pick in the NFL.
March 31st, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Guys – you can’t just say good/bad/excellent/terrible with Talib. He’s a very good man cover corner with excellent ball skills, but is a gambler and always has been. That’s why he gets so many picks but also gets burned a lot (both sides of the argument are correct in some ways).
Woody Cummings’ analysis is spot on (I’m a little surprised you didn’t realize this beforehand, Joe). There is absolutely NO REASON to cut Talib with a cheap salary and with one year left on his contract. It wouldn’t even surprise me if they re-signed him for a year or two next offseason if he keeps his nose clean this year, too. All short commitments, though… for now.
He has the talent to be one of the best corners in the league. He just needs a little discipline, which just so happens to be the focus of the new regime.
March 31st, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@Big Marlon Thanks for the correction, sir. I knew that but somehow still messed up lol.
March 31st, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Nobody cuts a 1st round draft pick in the NFL. See Gaines Adams, I couldn’t remember his name.
March 31st, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Talib is a horrible teammate, ask Corey Boyd and Torrie Cox.
Talib is unreliable due to behavior and injury.
Nobody in their right mind would ever give him a significant guaranteed contract.
Why did the bucs sign Wright and Barber if they thought Talib would be here? Use your head people. They just arent telegraphing that they are drafting Claiborne. They may keep him around for depth until his sentencing or league suspension – if he isnt arrested again before then.
March 31st, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Lmao- since he has started- we have set records as the worst secondary in the league, and team history
Yet I have idiots saying who’s a GREAT CB.
Who do you idiots blame all those 40 yd plus TDs on- the ball boy??
Lmfao – ” that’s the fastest race horse alive!!”
It finishes last in every race, has never won, and usually finishes way behind the rest!”
” but Capt. Tim, you can still tell its great, even though all the numbers says it sucks!! Can’t you just admit its great, even though it’s work proves its a massive failure!”
In some countries, blatant displays of ” overt stupidity” are actually a finable offense.
I’m glad that’s not the case here, some of you couldn’t afford to post, you’d be ticketed after your”thought( lol)” hit the site!
And SteveK- who has probably already mailed his panties and bra to Trent Richardson- I think he would have already been incarcerated!
Which might not be so bad- other than bowing Richarsons horn- has he said anything anyone gives a damn about in weeks???
Don’t be shy- tell the truth- lol
March 31st, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Capt. Tim sounds like a 15 year old boy who’s stuck playing soccer because his mom wont let him play football.
Such dribble.
March 31st, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Captain Tim also thought Winslow was our leading receiver. Not in the last 2years,
He said Penn was all pro. Not, he was a pro bowl alternate.
He said Blount averaged 5 yards per carry. not. He averaged 4.2 this year and 4.6 for career. The great earnie Graham averages 4.3.
Tim has a tendency to stretch, especially late in the evening. But it’s all good. He thought RahRah was the answer at HC. Lol
March 31st, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Interesting take on NFL1000 where they rated the top 100 corners. Very interesting and well written. The Bucs had 4 in the top 100. Biggers squeaked in at 94. Barber was at 54 due to age related issues. (love you RB). Wright was 56 with attributes that will complement the Bucs. Finally Cap Tim, Talib was rated 32. Injury off feild issues and the propensity to gamble keep him from a top ten status.
March 31st, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Sorry Barber was at 57th.
March 31st, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Talib was 32nd. That means he is the number 1 corner on only 1 team, ours.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@Joe
” Everything Joe has heard is that Talib really is a good teammate.”
Tell that to the rookie RB he got kicked off the team after Talib was drafted.
So far as Woody’s opinion, he’s been wrong muliple times the past year. Talib will not be on the final roster if we draft a CB in the first round. In a later round? Maybe…it depends on how much later.
And I am betting he will get a season suspension with a review in the 10th week.
And besides…news will break that Talib has gotten in trouble before too much longer…and he’ll be cut.