Odds Of Eric Wright’s Return Increase Daily
April 1st, 2013
Last year when Bucs cornerback Eric Wright got popped for popping Adderall, many Bucs fans screamed that the Bucs needed to jettison the troubled cornerback immediately.
It looked like that was about to happen when Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik invoked a clause in Wright’s contract, one that void it for being suspended by the NFL; Wright served a four-game sentence.
Sadly, per Dominik and Bucs coach Greg Schiano, they determined that the free agent class for corners was so weak, short of trading for Darrelle Revis and drafted two corners high in the draft, it gets more and more likely Wright will be back with the Bucs, warns Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.
Bucs fans might shriek, but I think it’s time they start getting used to the idea of cornerback Eric Wright coming back and wearing red and pewter again in 2013.
The decision not to delve into what most NFL scouts agree is a very shallow and muddy pool of free-agent corners is one reason the Bucs appear to be leaning toward retaining Wright, but there’s more to it than that.
The Bucs spent two years chasing Wright and wound up overpaying to get him last year, but they still like his skill set and upside and believe he can still be an asset if he can smarten up.
Later in the story, Cummings quotes Schiano saying Wright is a “reliable player.”
Yes, Joe is like most Bucs fans and thought waving goodbye to Wright was a good thing. But as Raheem Morris once famously said to Stylez White, “I will tolerate you until I can replace you.”
To date, the Bucs have yet to be able to replace Wright.
April 1st, 2013 at 10:44 am
The Bucs have never said they didn’t want Wright back. They have simply said we are no longer obligated by contract to pay Wright 7.75mil in 2013. They have never even said they wouldn’t, just not obligated to.
Seems like an opportunity to me for everybody to compromise. Good for business!
April 1st, 2013 at 10:47 am
Are they at least going to restructure his contract? What kind of leverage do the Bucs have in doing that, if there’s no one better in FA to replace him?
On one side he’s overpaid, he stands to lose 7.75mil if we cut him which he WON’T find in FA. But on the other hand there’s no one we’re willing to replace him with, so… will we restructure his contract and force him to take a pay cut?
April 1st, 2013 at 10:54 am
Jrock,
This will all be worked out, but it will take compromise from both sides or otherwise they invoke a situation called “fatal embrace” where ultimately both lose.
Listen to the music in the air. Schiano is saying the right things and if you read Eric’s Blog, he is saying the right things. Good for Business!
April 1st, 2013 at 11:00 am
I say we should keep Wright, even if we have to pay him 7 million. Draft a DE or DT in 1st and a corner and linebacker in 2 and third rounds. Although Revis “was” great, I can’t stand the thought of helping the Jets and coach Ryan. Let them keep that headache this year and if Revis is available next, make a play for him then. At least we will know if he is fully recovered and we won’t have to give up squat in draft picks. One player does not produce a super bowl, stay the course and build this team through the draft.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:15 am
He can be released up to training camp to avoid paying the salary. I’m not sold that he stays. If we draft a cb or two and land revis… I think wright is gone.
He’s not reliable and a risk.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:16 am
Wright or wrong, playoffs for Buc Nation in 2013 is the EXPECTATION.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:23 am
Incluce Wright in the package for Revis.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:26 am
The Bucs can cut him any time before opening day game. and not have to be on the line for his contract. If Wright gets hurt at any off-season activity or training camp then the Bucs have to pay the contract. The RockStar will not cut him as it will make him look bad again.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:32 am
Look if the guy takes a massive paycut I’d welcome him back to prove his worth. The CB’s on this team are the epitome of mediocre at the moment. Johnson, Gorrer and Gaitor have shown flashes, especially Johnson, but all three are still backup quality players. Wright is the best of the lot, which highlights the need for a quality corner (Revis).
If the Bucs can enter training camp with Revis or a 1st round CB, Wright (at reduced pay) and Ronde Barber returning to play nickel, I’d be a happy camper. We’d have Leonard Johnson as the 4th or 5th man, which would allow him to continue to develop as a player. Couple that with the Goldson signing and we are looking at a major weakness being addressed going into the season.
I’m confident enough in the Bucs landing Revis and reducing Wright’s contract that my main concern is filling Michael Bennett’s spot with a veteran pass rusher to add to the rotation and provide depth. I’d love to sign John Abraham for a one or two year deal but my guess is the need will be filled through the draft or through a younger player plucked from a practice squad or the 2nd tier of available free agents.
April 1st, 2013 at 11:40 am
If he hadn’t sucked on the field, I wouldn’t have really cared about the Addarall popping
April 1st, 2013 at 11:42 am
Abraham or Freeney would be great for depth
April 1st, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Wright was one of the worst corners in the NFL in both 2011 with the Lions, and then in 2012 with the Bucs. For all that suckage, he’s getting paid more money per year than I ever will make in my entire life. Cut. His. Ass.
Dominik = worst GM in football.
April 1st, 2013 at 1:12 pm
KEEP HIM
April 1st, 2013 at 1:28 pm
Dom is so clueless.
April 1st, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Like some of us have been saying all along lol
April 1st, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Oldguy Says: April 1st, 2013 at 11:23 am
“Incluce Wright in the package for Revis.”
This idea I like. Wright, this years 2nd. Maybe a 3rd next year. Jets get a CB for half the ptice, Bucs keep first round picks.
April 1st, 2013 at 3:09 pm
I have not been keen on getting Revis though. Health, salary and attitude questions. The thought of him healthy at #1and Wright or Banks/Rhodes as #2 is rather pleasant.
Its Revis’ attitude that worries me most though. He’s a MeShawn all the way.
April 1st, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Your crazy if you think wright compensates for a first round pick lol
April 1st, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Jrock, exactly so, thanks.
April 1st, 2013 at 9:30 pm
They will cut him no matter what cause 7.5 for someone who cant tackle which is a must need to be a buccaneer we need revis ,deal will be done soon
April 2nd, 2013 at 4:03 am
Wrong, he’ll restructure