Bucs Say Ronde Asked For Time
March 9th, 2013
With all due respect to Bucs icon Ronde Barber, hasn’t he had enough time to think about his 2013 return?
The Buccaneers issued a statement this morning from rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, who made it very clear the ball is in Ronde Barber’s court.
“Coach Schiano and I met with Ronde this past week and expressed our desire for him to return to play another season with the Buccaneers. He asked us for some time to make his decision and we certainly respect that.”
Joe thinks it’s highly likely Barber will decide by Monday. But it’s not out of the question that he wants to wait longer, which would force the Bucs’ hand in free agency to obtain a safety, or look toward 2013 with Ahmad Black, Cody Grimm and Keith Tandy competing for a starting job.
The unknowns here are money, and what role the Bucs want for Barber. Perhaps the New Schiano Order is only guaranteeing Barber a role on passing downs but nothing else. And maybe the salary has Barber having second thoughts.
Hopefully, Bucs fans will have an answer Monday.
March 9th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Now he’s starting to become a prima donna. His indecision could hurt the Bucs. I hope he realizes that.
March 9th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Could it be possible that given the extra time over this weekend that he could be talking to other teams? Redskins come to mind.
March 9th, 2013 at 12:53 pm
^^ you two above me are idiots. 1) Ronde will never wear another jersey other than Tampa bays. 2) a prima Dona really? The man has given us 16 great seasons, and now that he needs time to decide about number 17 he’s a prima Dona ? He’s been as classy of a player and a person as the NFL has ever seen.
March 9th, 2013 at 12:53 pm
No he wouldn’t play for another team period. I imagine the question isn’t wether he wants to play or not, I’m sure it’s about his possible new role we don’t know what they spoke about money or position. I say we respect it and allow him SOME time.
March 9th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
He’s being a DIVA here….the Bucs need to know NOW. Love him 100% but it’s the truth
March 9th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@Sam – Thank you!!! Well Put!
Anyone who believes ANYTHING written or on TV about ANY FA the next 3 days is clueless. It’s all smoke and mirrors.
I don’t think Schiano lies as well as Chucky did nor does he play games with players head like Chucky did. Therefore, I must take his public comments about Barber to be legit and sincere.
Ronde is class. I hope he decides to play, if not we will see him in canton 5 years from now.
I really don’t get all the interest in Cox he has missed a TON of games.
GO Bucs!!!
March 9th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
The fact is we can get a outside corner for 5-6M.Why would we pay Barber 4M to come in on 3rd down as a slot corner.We will address the other safety position in free agentcy.For 4M we could sign a young guy with a lot of upside.
March 9th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
I will never understand why you would want to rush Ronde into a decision. Sheesh, Free Agency still hasent started. There’s no chance that he’ll sign somewhere else. Give the man the time he wants and be patient. He’s disserved that after all these years.
March 9th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Let me speculate for a minute. The Bucs want Barber back, but also want to sign a FA safety to start. This would move Barber out of a starter role and into a situational player. Does Barber want to go out with 215 consecutive starts or stay around as a backup to get a great number of consecutive games played (currently tied with London FLetcher).
If I were Ronde’s shoes and being told that my role for 2013 was only veteran leadership in the locker room and situational on the field, I’d retire & wish the Bucs the best of luck.
March 9th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
What’s with the personal insult, Samantha? He’s going to count for at least 4mil against next year’s cap. Not knowing when crunch time comes will hurt the Bucs.
March 9th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
That said, I do agree with tmaxcon. Smokescreen. Hopefully they already know. I wrote that in another thread yesterday anyhow.
March 10th, 2013 at 6:28 am
Ronde’s pick against the Eagles earned the right to take all the time he needs. I sure don’t get the disrespect toward this icon by some posters. Nothing’s sacred anymore. I wonder what fans would think if Dominik gave Ronde an ultimatum to as the Turtle’s old song, “Sometimes you got to make up your mind.”
March 10th, 2013 at 7:21 am
It’s bigger than Ronde. People’s jobs are at stake. I don’t get the disrespect towards people’s jobs. But like I said, it has to be a smokescreen.