Keep An Eye On Matt Hasselbeck
February 10th, 2013
It’s nearly mid-February, the world’s largest indoor track practice NFL Combine is less than two weeks away, and Joe is still somewhat mesmerized by the Bucs’ declaration after 2012 ended that they desire competition for quarterback Josh Freeman.
That could mean all sorts of things from a trade for a backup to a free agent signing to drafting a quarterback in April.
Now Joe floated the name of Matt Cassel on radio today, just to see if that outraged the public or if perhaps the Bucs consider Cassel, the embattled Chiefs quarterback and virtual walking turnover would be considered “competition.”
Well, Joe has another, more reasonable name for “competition.”
That would be Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
The former starter and Super Bowl quarterback is in the final year of his three-year contract that, if he stays with the Titans, would count some $7.5 million against the Titans’ salary cap.
Pretty hefty price for a backup quarterback, no?
So don’t be shocked if Hasselbeck, now the backup to Jake Locker, is out on the open market. Joe’s not saying he will be, but it’s likely.
Last year, Hasselbeck played in eight games and started five times. He completed 138 of 221 passes for just over a 62 percent completion percentage. Hasselbeck racked up 1,367 yards seven touchdowns and five picks.
If the Bucs and Greg Schiano were really serious about competition for Freeman, and no, Dan Orlovsky is not competition, keep your eyes out for Hasselback and whether the Titans cut ties with him or not.
Joe would be more inclined to such a move if somehow Hasselbeck brought along his annoying yet way cute sister-in-law.
February 10th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Greg Orlovsky?
Probably a better quarterback than Dan Orlovsky. — Joe
February 10th, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Please, please, please. Anythingto replace The Moron
February 10th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Makes sense. Hasselback would only be a stop gap type of QB. Freeman should be able to beat him out just with his athleticism. If not Hasselback stays around for a year or two while we draft/ trade for a new QB prospect. I hope Freeman does it but this is a make or break off season/training camp for him in my eyes. Can’t wait til the opening of Free agency. Should get interesting. Go Bucs!
February 10th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Matt Hasselbeck would be a great and much needed addition to our team as a backup. a solid backup QB with a lot of experience is exactly what we need. I really think we should pull the trigger on getting him even if it means we would have to make a trade to the Titans or even if he wants a slightly expensive contract. he could impart some of his Knowledge to Freeman or take his place as the starting QB if Josh Freeman needs to take a seat on the bench. still, there is to many variables right now to ever know if it will happen for sure.
February 10th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
It would be a wise pickup for sure.
February 10th, 2013 at 5:18 pm
I wouldn’t select another QB in the mid or late rounds to compete with Freeman. First, I don’t subscribe to the idea that Freeman is holding back and with a little nudge or a mild threat, he will play better. Nor do I believe you should draft anyone that you can’t envision as an eventual starter. I doubt that he is going to be an epic fail, more likely more of the same. If we’re not going to want him, then nobody else is either. Either he makes it or sign him to a back-up contract and/or do what you have to do in the next draft to get our franchise QB (you know the one the Bucs have never had in their 37 year history)!
However, if they’re dead set on doing this competition thing, then do something bold that may have a reasonable chance of working. With the advent of and seemingly success of the pistol and read option in the NFL, Chip Kelly will be bringing his Wild West show to the NFL and will need a mobile QB to run it. Nick Foles is not that guy. Mike Freeman of CBSSports is reporting that Chip Kelly is not very high on Foles.
I would offer to trade LeGarette Blount for Foles. If he balks, my final offer would be Blount and a late round pick for Foles who the Eagles picked in the 3rd round in 2012. If Kelly keeps Vick around for another year and picks up Dennis Dixon, Darron Thomas from the CFL, and Kenyon Barner in the draft, then he would have his old offense back together and the Bucs would have a QB that could provide immediate and legitimate backup for Freeman and could possibly develop into a starter should Freeman choose to walk in 2013 or not work out this upcoming season. If he was good enough to beat Freeman, then he’s good enough to compete with him! The cap hit would be 500-600k annually for the next 3 years, less than the 1.5mil currently paid to Orlovsky.
Given the opportunity, even I could sell this to Kelly! If Hasselbeck can’t outplay Jake Locker, he can’t outplay Freeman either. And he won’t be cheap – money we could use in FA to improve our secondary.
February 10th, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Draft one with the x-tra 4th rounder we got for Talib. Like Zac Dysert, Aaron Murray, Landry Jones, Tyler Bray, Ryan Nassib. Competition shouldn’t be from a QB on the downside of their career. If Josh can’t cut the mustard then we’ll need the future to step up, just like this years crop of rookie QBs did for their teams. …this may get the message across to Josh. I mean really, look at this offense ….who wouldn’t want to be it’s Field General! ….Matt Hasselback definitely would…
February 10th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
4ever:
Murray did not declare for draft but you could include E.J. Manuel in your list.
February 10th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
@ Macabee
or we could use some of those plays from the pistol and read option that he likes to run and pick up a running QB from the scrap heap, like a Dennis Dixon, to run it. just a thought.
February 10th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Waste of cap and roster space….
February 10th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Joe,
if EJ Manuel is still on the board, by all means take EJ over those guys, but I have this feeling he’ll be gone before the fourth round. Especially, if he does well at the combines.
February 10th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Hasselbeck would not be a good move. He’s done. I also wouldn’t draft EJ Manuel unless you are prepared for Josh Freeman 2.0. If Freeman sucks this year then we will let him walk. I doubt he will suck. I think the bucs are going to be good this year and Freeman will be a big part of the reason. BUT, if for some instance he looks really bad all season, I like Tahj Boyd in next years draft.
February 10th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Johnny football!!!!!!!! 2014 bucs first overall pick
February 10th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
just read on PFT that Welker and Lloyd could both be done in NE. I would love to see Lloyd as our third wr.
February 10th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
I’ll do a SWAN DIVE off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge if we waste a draft pick on a QB. I imagine The Rock Star using both 4th Rd picks to move up
February 10th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Get ready to jump than
February 10th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Joe is right on.Hassleback is perfect.Another would be kyle Orton and work on drafting Murray next year or if possible Teddy bridgewater who i think looked great in his bowl game ,had a solid season and i saw him in Hs he was a stud there as well.
Ya know if we pick off foles,Jackson scores against the saints and we close out the skins nobody would be talking about #5 like he was a lepper.we woulda went to playoffs with a mash unit line and piss pour secondary and with all the records he broke he would be the belle of the ball.hes got some work to do but hes not all bad and with a D that can Close things out we will be fine.But then again im a buc fan that was a huge Craig erickson fan back in the day.
February 10th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Hasselbeck c’mon is this a joke? Orlovsky actually out dueled Hasselbeck in 2011. He beat Houston the week prior and went 30-37 for 350 VS the Pat’s.With our weapon’s on offence who know’s?
February 10th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
I agree, Johnny Football to Tampa Bay in 2014!! My high school played against him 3 years ago, I saw him, the guy is legit!
February 10th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
All this team has needed 2 of the last 3 years was an experienced QB to get them to the playoffs, I like this idea Joe.
February 10th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Manziel is a knucklehead. I wouldn’t be surprised if he falls flat the rest of his collegeiate career. If you can’t see a primadona attitude coming along with “Johnny Football” you have another thing coming. Definately not a “Buccaneer Man.”
February 10th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
imagine if Freeman had Joe Flacco’s defense……Hassleback would be a really good back up , but has no chance to beat out Freeman…
btw…the other k-state QB – Collin Klein looks good…not as good as Josh but he looks good..
February 10th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
I’m gonna have to agree with Justin P’s drc and say I will be very disappointed if we use a premium pick on a QB. Believe what you want, this team is still Josh Freeman’s whether you like it or not. At the midway point of the season he looked like a $100 mllion dollar contract QB. I refuse to blame him for unimaginative game plans and poor defensive play. He’s probably never going to be an All Pro selection, but that doesn’t mean he can’t lead us to the promised land. You don’t need to look any further than this year’s Super Bowl winning QB. Flacco and Freeman are very comparable. Flacco’s a better pure passer, but Freeman is better at extending plays. Freeman will have us in the playoffs this coming season, mark my words.
February 10th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
agreed gotbbucs …^^^^
February 10th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Hey Joe any chance the Bucs make a trade for Percy Harvin? Bring him back 2 Florida.. He would make an excellent 3rd wide out option and a great kick returner and punt returner.. I think the move would help the bucs in special teams.. He can also do some running back moves…
February 10th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
If we can get hassleback, great . I like Carr from NYG. Any QB will be happy with our Oline, when we get both G back.
Same here big Erickson fan.
Colin Kline is a player is like to see with our offense.
February 10th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Dylan said it,Johnny Footbal is are man in 2014 if freeman cant get it done which Im pretty sure he will because Im calling for the Bucs to win the Super Bowl.
February 10th, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Bucobruce said it, therefor it will be done.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:02 am
Nate:
Hope not.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:03 am
Looks good at what? Shoveling snow?
February 11th, 2013 at 1:17 am
Colin D. Klein isn’t even slated to be qb in the NFL…
February 11th, 2013 at 3:52 am
Delaine Walker what does bucs nation think of this or Jared Cook if at a decent value for TE. For CB Keenan Lewis would add good value if the price is right and also……..can’t believe I’m typing this and BUCS nation will be all over me…..Adam Jones. Decent starting caliber corner who is great where we need help as well special teams. Move down in the draft I possible and select Lane Johnson to solidify the OL, draft Logan Ryan in the 2nd or Desmont Trufant but I’m sure he will be long gone. Then take BPA and hopefully can find some pass rushers…..well lets have it BUC nation, can’t believe I had a post and mentioned “Pacman”…….
February 11th, 2013 at 10:19 am
Two words
Alex Smith
February 11th, 2013 at 11:35 am
Matt Cassel is 1 of 6 NfL QBs I would NOT get rid of JF for… Matt Hasslebeck, I would…
He is in the late stage of his career but at this point anyone that could offer genuine relief from the horror of JF’s QB play would be greatly appreciated by many!
February 11th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Next years starting line up(just a dream scenario) judge if u wish!! Receivers:Jackson, Williams, harvin, underwood
Tight ends:Bennett/walker(which ever is cheaper) Williams
Oline:penn, nicks, zuttah, Joseph, brennen Williams
Backfield:free, martin, lorig That’s an elite offense
Defense
Dline:Bennett, McCoy, shariff floyd, clayborn
Linebackers:David, foster, Jarvis jones
Dbacks:asmougha(trust me I kno he sucked with the eagles but he fits system perfect n schiano will change his mind on not hitting and good one year stop gap remember at one point best db on fball, Barron, barber/black, another fa not sure who.
That’s my starting line up mock draft here we go
1st: Jarvis jones BPA and is undeniably talented will fall do to back but is a natural leader and this team needs more of them
2nd:Floyd I see him falling due to the depth this draft has on lineman at same time he can rush from the NT position something miller has no hope of doin
3rd: traded for harvin giving us a true slot receiver and the best return man in fball while giving freeman no excuses he doesn’t succeed his own damn fault
4th:Brennan Williams gives us a true rt who will grade the road for Martin, if dj swearinger is their thts my pick
I personally feel that NO corner is worth the value they are being placed at trufant is the only corner I truly lik and I dnt believe he is worth more then a 3rd at best I say wait till next year and load up when the talent is better feel free to judge just my dream scenario thanks for reading!!!
February 11th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
I’d be comfortable benching Freeman for Hasselbeck any time. Preferably early in the first game.