Cap Clearing Was “Ownership Directed”
January 1st, 2013
Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik is all fired up by the bags fulls of money behind him as the free agency bell prepares to ring.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network yesterday, Dominik credited Team Glazer for pushing to restructure the contracts of Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson, which, per ESPN, creatively accelerated much of Nicks’ and Jackson’s 2013 pay under the 2012 cap.
“That’s from ownership directed, which I think is fantastic,” Dominik said. “Because that continues the commitment from the Glazer family, what they want to do and how they want to build this football team. That’s actually opened up a lot of cap room for us going into 2013, a tremendous amount.”
Dominik went on to say the Bucs can be players in free agency again this winter and retain their “nucleus of players.” The Bucs have 10 unrestricted free agents, including key cogs Michael Bennett, Roy Miller, Ronde Barber, and long snapper Andrew Economos.
Joe doesn’t mean to get all pie-in-the-sky, but Joe’s damn glad Team Glazer appears to going all-in with a win-now attitude.
When your team has a pile of veterans, as the Bucs will next season, plus dynamic young players at key positions, it’s time to go all out to win the big prize.
January 1st, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Maybe this was the plan all along? Gut the roster, build a majority of the roster back up through the draft for a couple years then start spending wads of money to fill in the rest of the gaps once the cba was back intact. It’s hit a few snags here and there but plans rarely ever go the way you hope. Glazers are doing there part for the team and the community. Never understood where all the hate came from and always found it amusing that people would complain how others spend money as if it were there own.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:13 pm
The Glazers sat and watched the dismantling of a Superbowl winning team. Then went on the cheap after purchasing Man U. It has been laughable ever since.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:21 pm
They clearly aren’t on the “cheap” anymore.
This offseason is going to be a fun one to watch.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:26 pm
haha *all out to make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years, or win the first playoff game in 10 you mean
January 1st, 2013 at 5:26 pm
Silence- I’m with you I never understood the hate either. I think people like MTM were not around to see what a bad owner like the Culverhouses were really like. If we get a few quality FA, keep Sully, get more consistency out of Freeman and stay relatively healthy and have a good draft. That a lot of ifs but if these things happen we should go deep in the playoffs over the next few years.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:32 pm
I love Ronde but its time to end it. He’s become a liability too often. He still has plays when he looks like the old Ronde but they’re few and far between. It kinda feels like when the team had to end it with Brooks. No one wants to but it needs to be done.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:33 pm
So what is the best guesstimate of how much cap space we have this off season?? I read the article espn wrote and I’m still at a loss. 98 million or 120 million? And this does include Wrights salary as no changes have been made.
Sorry for being a noob, salary caps just don’t add up to me.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:37 pm
I think the team can get roy miller back for great value considering his impact in the running game. Bennett is the story to me. The offers he receives in free agency will be interesting to see or if the Bucs overspend on him early so he never hears another offer…Bennett has been great but I dont believe losing him is the end of the world. Gotta love Clayborn and Bowers, plus this is a deep D-Line draft.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:42 pm
I’m sorry if I don’t give the Glazers a pass for the aweful team they trotted out there the last 8yrs. I don’t need to look at the Culverhouse regime (which I saw firsthand) to make the Glazers look good. Does anybody remember the Superbowl team that was decimated for Man U? It has been one bad decision after another. Hopefully Schiano can pull it off.
January 1st, 2013 at 5:58 pm
My Wsh List has Osi Umenyiora and Brent Grimes. Bennet can walk if we get Osi or come off the bench.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000120842/article/osi-umenyiora-ready-for-life-after-new-york-giants
January 1st, 2013 at 6:02 pm
Bucs fans are clueless. The Super Bowl team was gutted because that was a time when it was very difficult to re-sign star veteran players. The Bucs weren’t the only team that had this problem as the Ravens went through the same thing. You can’t just look at everything on the surface without considering what goes on behind the scenes.
The Glazers are an NFL fan’s dream for an owner. They’re committed to winning and are willing to make aggressive moves, defying tradition if need be. How many owners would trade a boatload of picks and cash for a star coaching prospect? How many owners would promote a DBs coach to HC and then replace him with a college HC? Fans might hate these moves but I’d rather see the ownership try to win rather than hire old re-treads to stay mediocre.
The Glazers are trying to build another contender for a Super Bowl win. They, along with Dominik, carefully planned to make a free agency splash when there was a nucleus of talent from the draft. This offseason is a chance for the Bucs to plug remaining holes, add depth and tweak the schemes to make a run.
January 1st, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Our salary cap situation is as such.
We have 22.5 million dollars in 2013 cap space right now
We have 8.0 million in 2012 cap space which can be rolled over.
That means we have 30.5 million in cap space for next year off the rip
If we let go of Wright (7.75 million) and Black (5.75) that would be an extra 13.5 million, bringing our cap to 44 million dollars.
If Josh or Gerald get extended it could easily reduce their cap figures for next year as well, giving us even more.
The Panthers are 16 million over next years cap already and New Orleans is 18.5 over….this is before any FA’s, depth, rookies or re-signings. They are going to have serious problems.
January 1st, 2013 at 6:19 pm
I thought Dominik said “that Free agency meant that they made a mistake in the draft”. Their has been so many “Plans” , I forget which one the Rock star is on?
January 1st, 2013 at 6:24 pm
I think we should look into trading Arrelious Benn as well……let’s face it the guy hasn’t stayed healthy through 3 seasons and plus we had two 1,000 yard receivers without him. That would clear up extra cap room for us.
January 1st, 2013 at 6:33 pm
next year is benns last year under contract and hes only making 1 million….they either keep him or cut him, you wont get much in a trade
January 1st, 2013 at 6:46 pm
@ Brain, I agree with your take. So risks go bust, but some get rewarded. I’m happy to see the Glazer’s are willing to take some risks in an attempt to better the team. I never cared for the Culverhouse ownership.
In regards to the salary cap, it would appear the Bucs are well positioned to make some interesting moves in the off season. Looking forward to reading more articles from Joe during the off season.
January 1st, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Need a slot guy Greg Jennings
January 1st, 2013 at 7:18 pm
Maybe the Glazers should rehire Chucky and he can win a Super Bowl with Schiano’s team.
No really, I am super happy with the Glazers and how well they are treating us. They want to win badly and it shows. They can’t help the injuries and if not for losing those key players this team might have made the playoffs. The Bucs may be closer than it seems and a few more key players may do it, but you have to stay healthy and Freeman has to get his head in the game, every game, every play. No more panicking and stupid mistakes.
January 1st, 2013 at 7:21 pm
How many QBs would kill to have Freeman’s physical stature and attributes. I hope he started his vacation yesterday in a Shrink’s office.
January 1st, 2013 at 7:49 pm
forgive me for being still skeptical as to whether we spend all of this freed up cap space, but I am. I guess its because the Glazers didn’t spend a dime for 8 years all the while having an insane amount of cap space. on the consistently spending in free agency front, Ill believe it when i see it.
January 1st, 2013 at 7:54 pm
BigMacAttack… not many, because a couple of his attributes are inconsistency and an inability to progress through a play quickly.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:03 pm
THEY’RE playing THEIR game over THERE.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Danny amendola. And bucs added TE zack miller today.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:12 pm
Zach Miller Source?
January 1st, 2013 at 8:15 pm
thats not possible bud, you must be confused
January 1st, 2013 at 8:27 pm
https://twitter.com/ZMiller86/status/286190191432069120
That’s his verified twitter feed. Interesting.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Didn’t think it was possible either… But yes saw it on his twitter with a congrats from T. Underwood
January 1st, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Luxury boxes are 70 % empty….think the Glazers are tired of it and are gonna turn it around.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:57 pm
I think the twitter thing meant something else, teams can’t sign free agents and he’s still on Seattles roster and supposed to play this week.
January 1st, 2013 at 8:59 pm
Joe with all due respect…are you crazy. Win the big prize next season. These guys had a soft schedule and couldn’t win half there games. While I think they improved, they need much more experience to win any big games let alone the Super Bowl.
January 1st, 2013 at 9:00 pm
@Drew, I believe you are confused by my post. Physical Attributes are how you are built and what you look like. Freeman is a beast physically. He has excellent height and muscle definition. I personally think he should run more sprints and do movement drills because he moved slow and sluggish this year. His body should produce more speed and better results. He lost weight, gained muscle and got slower, which defies logic.
January 1st, 2013 at 9:02 pm
I see he’s a different zach miller from the Jags.
2006 6th Round 7th pick
Only has 45 receptions 470 yards and 4Tds since ;/
January 1st, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Ahhh that must be it haha not very exciting then
January 1st, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Thats not Seattle’s Zack Miller his official twitter is@ZachMiller86
not @ZMiller86
January 1st, 2013 at 11:43 pm
You mean the forty losses since the grand plan was instituted isn’t good enough?
Perhaps they should look to how Bruce Allen has orchestrated such a marvelous turn around in Washington.
Might learn something.
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:49 am
The Skins are good cause they gave up three 1’s for RG3… Not Allen.
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:58 am
No matter who you bring in, if you do not have a quarterback we will not win.
Questions anyone?
Load up everywhere but no QB to lead > Freeman consistency
I am glad we are all in but with this guy as our leader I’m not sold. Get a winner and I’m flying back into Tampa with my wife.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:10 am
Wow, where did all the mind numb, jellouse, owner – wanta-be’s, football ignorant posters come from? What does the past with Chucky have to do with our teams building progress now. As for Raheem, they gave him a three year run and only let him go because he lost the respect of the team members. That should be a learning lesson for Josh, but I’m afraid he is also too slow a learner.
Mr’s Glazers; the true fans appreciate your efforts and dedication to bringing a winner back to Tampa. A winner will put butts back in the seats and fill those expensive luxury boxes.
Go Bucs!
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:30 am
@ladyz,
Very true, I hated the glazers 2 years ago but they have earned my respect and after being truly embarrassed 2011 I’m sure they vowed to do their part.
As for next season the Bucs will be yet again dangerous. But how do you go from dangerous to down right good. Beating the good teams and learning to play as a good teams. I’m afraid that requires leadership, which we have but not in the key position. Nicks, Joseph, Ronde, David, VJax, GMC are good leaders but the person that touches the ball the most need to lead the charge.
If he speak people should listen and receive but it seems he’s lost and so is the consistency of the team. It seems like a plague, it spreads through all faucets of the team.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:20 am
Funny how the players say he is their leader, national media typrs say to keep him and be patient, a couple of local radio negativce types rip on him (and everything else related to the Bucs), but the people that post cannot even comment on an article without bringing up how bad Freeman is. Baffling.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:20 am
1st thing we need to do is make sure sullivan stays.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:25 am
Bucfanjeff is correct!
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:16 am
I think the new cap rules and owner peer pressure have dragged the Glazers kicking and screaming to force them to field a competitive team. This is not a voluntary act.
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Unless it is to bring in an “nfl Quality” Qb, I’m not believing it….
Bring in the greatest players on defense and they will just be a tired defense with a QB that is prone to 3 and outs or turn the ball over and great players on offense are uneffective sitting on the bench when the ball is continually turned over!
It is often said that this is a QB driven league and The Bucs do not have a QB that can drive a team successfully!
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:26 pm
The most dissapointing thing going on with the Buc’s is the local fan’s.I guess you guy’s are waiting tell they make the playoff’s to fill the stadium.Sure the Glazer’s didn’t spend much after Gruden.It’s called a rebuild would you rather we sign high priced Free agent’s in Freeman’s rookie year.Just pay any amount of money to try and go 6-10 instead of 3-13.In a rebuild you have lot’s of holes to fill with lot’s of young player’s to evaluate.Every player get’s the chance to prove his worth or potential.If we had signed a high priced DL maybe Bennett or Miller doesn’t get a chance and get’s let go.A player needing a few year’s to develope won’t slip thru the crack’s in a rebuild.Look at the freakin Raider’s they are terrible because they went and signed guy’s like Seymour.With bad draft’s an aging QB that is still costing them draft pick’s and cap problem’s they are doomed.But hey at least they didn’t cheap out like the Glazer’s Lol
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:33 pm
I don’t believe there is any better option available than Freeman, even in the Draft. The Bucs need to keep him and help him get his swagger back. The guy can play when he really wants too. He threw for 4000 yds and 27 TD’s. Those are winning numbers, but just have to limit the mistakes. Now when the next Peyton Manning comes along in a couple more years, that’s when they need to mortgage the draft and get their guy. Give him time to develop much like Aaron Rodgers did and then you’re set for a decade or more. If Dilfer won a Super Bowl, Freeman can too with a good enough team and defense around him. The defense is almost half way there. The Bucs will bounce back strong, I can feel it.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:34 pm
LadyZ, my Gruden comment was a joke. Sorry if it shot right over your head.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Almost all of the fans on this site are anything but Clueless. Opinionated, definitely, humorous for sure, confrontational at times, absolutely. But pretty much all of you know this team inside out, upside down and backwards. That is our job as fanatical fans and we take it seriously.
Happy New year and Bro Hugs All Around!!!!
January 2nd, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Hahaha Amen, Happy New Year BigMac
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:19 pm
@bigmac : my comments were not directed at you, but rather to those who were ranting about the dismantling of the superbowl team. I too was sorry to see some go! Still miss them. But I just feel we have to let the past go and concentrate on where we are now. Now , going back and retracing your post, I must admitt I missed your excellent humor. Sorry.
I also appreciate the posters here who are thoughtful, and knowledgeable.