Ryan Grant On The Bucs’ Radar?
April 22nd, 2012
Greg Schiano wants to run the ball. He’s drooling over his offensive line. Goodness, the way Schaino talks about running the ball, one might think he wants to take the NFL back to the 1970s.
Joe guesses that as a young lad Schiano was mesmerized by Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris dominating the NFL in 1972 and 1973, enroute to back-to-back Super Bowl wins. Want a mind-blowing stat? Bob Griese was a Pro Bowl quarterback with that ’73 team despite completing less than nine passes per game. Nine!
The point is with a high-priced, high-powered Buccaneers offensive line, and a coach in love with the handoff, the Bucs obviously need to add to their stable of running backs. Moisses Madu, Robert Hughes and LeGarrette Blount are nowhere near enough.
Joe expects the Bucs to draft a running back in Round 2 or Round 3 later this week, but they still need a veteran back to round out the stable.
Free agent Ryan Grant is a name that intrigues Joe, and one that seemingly would pique the interest of Schiano and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik. Grant, 29, is a high character guy, a former captain at Notre Dame, who came on strong in Green Bay in second half of last season and revived his career.
The Journal-Sentinel out of Milwaukee yesterday claimed the Packers want Grant back but money is likely an issue, along with promising young backs on Green Bay’s roster.
Last year, Grant started out slowly upon his return from ankle surgery, but late in the year he looked much more like the 1,000-yard rusher he had been for the Packers in 2008 and ’09.
In his last five games, he carried 50 times for 276 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a healthy 5.5 yards per carry. He also caught eight passes for 179 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown on a screen pass.
Grant is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
The Patriots may have brought in three backs at one time with the idea of signing the one who was willing to take the cheapest deal. Grant accepted a $1 million cut in pay last year but still earned $4.25 million salary and probably isn’t prepared to sign a minimum-wage deal.
Joe can’t speak for Grant’s pass blocking, but he’s surely a guy that can do some explosive stuff on third down and run hard between the tackles, plus he comes from a classy club and has playoff experience.
The Bucs shouldn’t look for a way around scoring a veteran running back. Maybe it’s not Grant, but they do need one.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:16 am
I would be fine with Grant coming aboard as well as Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower (if healthy), Joseph Addai, Justin Forsett, or Ronnie Brown. For those of you that want a more permanent, long-term solution at RB… bear in mind, there are no long-term solutions at RB these days. You spend your high picks and big money on other positions.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:26 am
Man you’ll try anything to try and keep the Bucs from drafting TR. Grant is old and damaged, not going to happen.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:27 am
Grasping at straws again? You might not want to admit it, but you and I and everyone out there knows if Richardson is available at #5 then Schiano will mandate that pick. And it wouldn’t be “irresponsible” to draft the most talented player in the draft over the most idiotic player in the draft.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 am
Joe here,
@Yar — Dude. How the hell does adding Ryan Grant as a backup running back stop the Bucs from drafting Trent Richardson??
@J 2.0 — “Grasping at Straws?” Where’s the reach? The Bucs paid dearly last year with Kregg Lumpkin as part of their depth. The Bucs need depth at RB.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 am
Richardson won’t there for the Bucs …
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 am
I have said this forever he is cheap and knows how to pass block!
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:56 am
It doesn’t stop them from drafting TR but if they do they will have depth with Blount, Dude. Don’t need Grant not now anyways.
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:58 am
The Bucs need depth and experience and it wouldn’t have any effect on who they draft with the 5th pick maybe later rounds though…we need to be able to pick LBs instead of RBs
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 am
If Richardson is there at 5, the Bucs will take him.
I think that’s obvious. But I doubt he will be and if not
Claiborne and/or Kalil will be either to take or trade down.
Can’t WAIT!!!
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:48 am
Grant is not very good and I do not want him. I live in WI so I’ve seen him play quite a bit. Despite having those numbers late in the year he is not a passing down back, he also does not offer much explosion. He was essentially their Blount in GB as far as passing downs are concerned, albeit with a little more pass catching ability than Blount. Kuhn and Starks were their main 3rd down/passing backs.
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:06 am
RICHARDSON WILL NOT BE THERE AT 5. Cleveland is taking him, end of discussion…Im not a huge Ryan Grant fan but its a legitimate topic discussion by Joe considering the weak lineup of RBs on the roster. I also agree there’s no question the Bucs will draft a RB. Seems like everyone wants Doug Martin, but dont forget about Lamar Miller from Miami. He has a nice burst through the line. Could be a nice contrast to Blount.
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:27 am
@bones Mahoney cause you are from Wisconsin doesn’t mean anything, everybody gets to watch GB play the last couple of years.
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:57 am
Joe,
What they mean is: you are trying to propose every possible option that leaves the appearance that Blount is a/your #1, your desired outcome.
If allowed to compete evenly, Grant would outperform LB – so will Doug Martin. T Rich is in a completely different stratosphere than Blount – there really isn’t a comparison, unfortunately T Rich will be gone.
So take Martin (in the 2nd) and be happy. Martin will be the starter by week 4 if not sooner.
Get over it, nobody thinks that Blount is a feature NFL back, no one honest and objective. Blount will be relegated to spot duty by week 12 next year.
Claiborne is the pick and he will be fine, unfortunately the dividends won’t begin next year (corners rarely make an immediate impact with Wins), it will
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:57 am
Take a while
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:28 pm
@bucncrazy I’ve watched Grant play his whole career. But because I live in WI, I can also tell you what people around here say about him. And I can tell you no one is crying about him probably leaving. He is not that good, the Bucs would be better off looking elsewhere.
Also, I wish people would shut up with “RICHARDSON WON’T BE AVAILABLE” “RICHARDSON WILL BE AVAILABLE”. No one knows if he will or won’t be. Considering I’ve heard everything from, they are talking Richardson, they are taking Blackmon, they are taking Tannehill, they are trading down, they are trading up… No one knows what the Browns are going to do and it is all just guessing.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Jesus only knows 😉 who they r taking.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Let’s leave Tim Tebow out of this Buddhaboy…
And no Joe, just no, Grant is a has-been now and could barely ever stay healthy, career is over, period, end of story.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:58 pm
All of you fanatics:
Just let go of the remnants of this last failed regime, i.e. Blount, McCoy, Miller, Biggers, Black, Winslow etc, with the exception of Free.
I am not saying that none of those players will survive, but most wont, so you cant be too attached. Schiano’s slate is clean – he isnt responsible for the last 3 horrid years – so he gets to start anew.
Many of these players who looked capable under rah’s hideous roster, wont be good enough for Schiano. Other than Free they all are disposible over the next 3 years. Hooray!
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Matt Forte of the Bears was the talk of sports radio today, and for good reason.
Seems there is bad blood between Chicago and him, and he wants out of there.
Maybe we swap with Chicago for him, and still get our linebacker/corner back help ?
One can only imagine what he will do in a Tampa backfield, with Nicks and Joseph blocking for him.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@ Thomas
It isn’t just us fanatics. Minus his Fumbling issue from last year. MOST experts and analyse believe Blount is a special back and can become a complete back..
Dude hasn’t even had an off-season yet. You critique is with out substance.
Oh and i seriously doubt Martin will take over as the starting tail back this year, unless Blount turns out to regress even more. Bank on it buddy!
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@AppleRoof
Everyone thought I was an idiot for suggesting we trade #5 to sign Mike Wallace. Mike Wallace is far superior to Matt Forte. So why would trading our #5 for Matt Forte be acceptable?
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:23 pm
@Thomas
Also everyone of those players (minus Miller and Lewis) has shown promise even under what everyone calls a “Horrid Coaching staff”
So you are trying to tell me with proper coaching none of those guys can become stars? I just don’t see that.
Blount is and will continue to be the starter (par fumbling).
McCoy will be good as long as he stays healthy
Biggers is still good depth (not a starter) but serviceable filling in.
I agree with you on Miller, Lewis, Black and K2. Those 4 are no longer worth anything and are just taking up valuable roster slots.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:26 pm
J 2.0 Wallace is superior to Forte? Maybe only because it’s a passing league.
Forte is one if not the BEST all around RB in the league right now (out side of AP and Ray Rice).
Wallace isn’t one of the top 5 WR’s in the league. He is decent as a receiver, it’s his speed that makes him deadly tho (not his Receiving skills).
Not to mention we have V-Jacks already, Forte would be a hell of a pick up. Only other RB i could want that may be better would be Ray Rice.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:30 pm
@J 2.0 Trading the 5 straight up for Forte would be a terrible idea just as trading it for Wallace was. And you can’t be serious thinking Wallace is better than Forte. Wallace is a deep threat only. A very very good deep threat but I will take the every down great RB over the very good one trick WR every time.
If we traded for Forte, our 2nd and 5th or 6th and maybe a future pick would make the most sense. But I highly doubt it happens. It would take a lot of picks and a lot of cash.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:00 pm
I have heard a lot of talk about different trade scenario’s. The Forte trade kind of made me think.
What about Ray Rice and the Ravens? I know Ray Rice isn’t happy about the Franchise tender and wants a long term deal (currently sitting out OTA’s). So what do you think the chances of The Ravens Trading Ray Rice and Their 1st Round pick with The Bucs for the 5th over all spot? Especially if Richardson is still there.
Ravens would get a RB to replace Ray Rice, so they would be happy. Schiano would have (his cowbell ) Ray Rice plus still a 1st round pick we could use on someone like Dont’a Hightower.
What are your guy’s thought?
I think that would be the best over all scenario if it could happen.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
@BonesMahoney
To acquire Forte it would only cost us a straight up trade with Chicago, pick+player for our #5 pick.
The 5th over all pick is a top shelf quality pick. Even more so this year because the top 2 teams are taking the QB’s. That literally puts the #5 spot actually as the #3 spot.
So Forte would be in place of a 2013 1st and or 2nd round pick which i am sure Chicago doesn’t want to give up.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:15 pm
With plenty of serviceable, veteran #2/3 RB’s on the market, the leverage is definitely with the GM’s as far as contracts go. Most of these guys are used to making 3/4 million a year (or more), not surprising their probably balking at the offers they’re receiving. Some still probably see themselves as #1 backs as well. As long as the Bucs get a quality back in the draft, agree with Brandon that I would be fine with Grant, Torain, Hightower (if healthy), Addai, Forsett, or Brown coming in to compete for a spot.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:22 pm
The Bucs won’t be taking a RB before round 4…most likely round 6.
It’s a smokescreen. I just love how you Richardson wanters are acting like the pick is already made. At best Richardson is third on their wish list…at best.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Pete,
If TR is there then we will take him and you will eat your words. Only scenario we don’t take Richardson is if he is
Gem before us.
Exceptions to rules.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Please no!!
Pick up a veteran ILB.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:44 pm
If they’re still gonna take Claiborne in the 1st, why did we waste almost $40 million signing Wright?
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:46 pm
I am going to laugh if Richardson is on the board and we pass on him. I can already see the blog world imploding.
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Patrick:
Ronde= ancient, Talib = imprisoned, Biggers = sucks.
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:30 pm
@Patrick, they could still want him because at some point talib and barber and both gonna be gone an there are still two sides of the field to cover. Need more than wright for the future.
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:33 pm
The Bucs will not pass on Richardson if he’s there at 5. I’m sure of it.
The Bucs certainly will not trade any draft picks for a used RB, even more sure of that.
The Bucs might get another FA RB after the draft but that’s not going to be an expensive one and shouldn’t be.
I’ll take whoever we get Thursday – Saturday SMILING!!!
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Im hoping for claiborne in first round and doug martin or lamir miller in second round
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:01 pm
CEDRIC BENSON
CEDRIC BENSON
CEDRIC BENSON
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:02 pm
If the Bucs take Richardson then they are dumber than Raheem…..
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:10 pm
I can not believe you Joe – wanted Ryan Grant over Cedric Benson?????
ARE YOU NUTS????
Let’s let their rushing numbers do the talking for them shall we:
Ryan Grant:
2011 – 559 with 4.2 avg
2010 – 45 with 5.6 avg – hurt
2009 – 1253 with 4.4 avg
Cedric Benson:
2011 – 1251 with 4.2 avg
2010 – 1111 with 3.5 avg
2009 – 1067 with 3.9 avg
Who’s getting better with time? Who’s have more 1000 yard seasons?
This is a NO BRAINER! Except you weren’t aware of Cedric’s numbers because you don’t watch the AFC – maybe a lack of knowledge????
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Joe here,
@Mr. Lucky — Ryan Grant is a much more explosive back and a better complement to Blount, in addition to being a capable backup. And Benson has how many arrests? Four or five?
They’re not going to sign Benson. Isn’t it odd to you that the guy has three straight 1000-yard seasons, coming off a playoff season, and his team doesn’t keep him?
Yes, Joe watches the AFC.
April 22nd, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Been saying we should sign Grant since the 1st week of FA signing. He would be awesome as a situational back and great mentor to Blount and the RB we draft. Would be a great move IMO!!!
April 22nd, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Matt Forte is one of the most complete backs in the NFL.
I would give up a number 5 pick for a proven player like him, especially if Chicago adds some extra later round picks.
Chicago screwed him over big time, promised him a new contract 2 years in a row, then picked up Bush from Oakland!
Guys, we aint gonna get Trent Richardson, Cleveland will take him, so why take a chance when we can get a proven TEAM player like Matt Forte ?
I say IF Chicago sweetens up the deal enough, Tampa should go for it.
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Ryan Grant would be a MUCH better 3rd down back than Blount, that is for sure. He can pick up blitzes fairly well, plus he scored on an 80 yard screen pass last season. There is not a lot of wear on the tires either, as Grant didn’t play much with the Giants before the Packers traded for him in 2007. As Joe says, Grant is a high character guy too. Maybe he’s not a full time back anymore, but he finished strong in 2011 and would be a solid pick up.
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:28 pm
How about Blount, Grant and Pead as the RBs for the Bucs in 2012? I definitely see the Bucs drafting a RB.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1155229-tampa-bay-bucs-final-mock-draft-2012-7-round-predictions
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Pass on Grant. He’s done.
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Matt Forte WAS one of the most explosive backs of the league for a span of 11 weeks. Before 2011, he was a mediocre back and after the injury at the age of 27, who knows how good he will be?
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Sure Benson has had trouble in the past
BUT
aren’t the Bucs keeping Talib around?
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
One of the reasons that Cincy isn’t keeping Benson is the the owners of the Bengels is almost as cheap at the Glazers!
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
a 29 year old, injury prone, over the hill running back? No thanks. If the packers, who have a worse backfield than we do didn’t even want him back for pennies why should we even kick the tires
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
It’s called a backup running back, and the Pack does want him back.
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:04 pm
joe you love makeing up thinks.
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:20 am
Ever since we hired Greg Schiano and Ray Rice put that great tweet out about how much respect he had for him I have been intrigued about us reeling Ray Rice in somehow.
He is not happy about being franchised so maybe next year it gets uglier between him and the Ravens and we swing a deal with them. I can’t see this happening as the reality is that he is their offense. But what if Schiano and Dom have something in their back pocket? Can you imagine Ray Rice behind the Bucs line mixed in with Blount…. that’s a real 1-2 punch right there.