Clayborn’s Bucs Days May Be Over
September 12th, 2014
Joe is pretty sure Adrian Clayborn played his last game for Tampa Bay last Sunday
With news this morning that Adrian Clayborn’s season is over with a biceps injury, it’s very doubtful fans will see him line up for the Pewter Pirates again. Joe’s pretty sure Clayborn’s days in Tampa Bay are done.
Before the season, Bucs general manager Jason Licht did not pick up Clayborn’s fifth-year option, essentially turning 2014 into Clayborn’s contract year. So the Bucs were, in effect, telling Clayborn, “Prove it.”
What did he do? Well, the lone highlight was getting hurt and missing the season. Not exactly what Joe would call leverage.
Clayborn, drafted 20th overall by the Bucs in 2011, showed promise his rookie season with 7.5 sacks and punished Matty Ice. Clayborn’s second season was also abbreviated after three games due to blowing out a knee.
Clayborn returned last year and despite the gibberish college defense of Bill Sheridan, was able to collect 5.5 sacks when he wasn’t covering Darren Sproles on pass plays. Not very good, but he still damned near doubled Michael Johnson’s sack total in 2013. In fact, those 5.5 sacks are what Clayborn has totaled in his last 20 games.
Let’s see, when Clayborn played he was marginal to be polite. Half of his career he has been injured. And in his last 20 games averaged almost one sack every four games. Does that sound like a guy Licht would rush to re-sign?
September 12th, 2014 at 10:40 am
Another Dominick Bust.
September 12th, 2014 at 10:46 am
Too bad, because although he’s a first round pick who played more like a third rounder at best, he adds value to this team as strong depth. There definitely are NOT any DE’s better than Clayborn just walking the streets right now.
English and Solomon are a step, no, a BIG step, down from Clayborn and this team will be worse off this season because of him being gone. With Johnson, Gholston and Bowers dinged up this couldn’t have come at a worse time. Do we even have a healthy DE right now?
September 12th, 2014 at 10:56 am
You don’t think he could take a pay cut? He may not be a starter but like others have stated he was strong depth
September 12th, 2014 at 10:59 am
Time for William Gholston to step up and show that he can get constant pressure on opposing QB’s! I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a very solid year and leads all our DE’s in sacks. He’s got the skills, he just needs to show that he can do the job.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:06 am
Jeagan1999:
Gholston has to get healthy first. Talked to him yesterday. Wasn’t sure if he will be ready to go Sunday. Can’t produce when you are in street clothes.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:07 am
It seems like the new regime wanted to move on anyway. This should give a full season of evaluate what we have on the roster and continue to weed out Dominik’s guys (pretty much everyone except Mccoy and David).
September 12th, 2014 at 11:08 am
@Jeagan1999
Yup. I’ve been waiting to see what Gholston can do when given more snaps. Don’t like seeing any of our players get injured, but at least we get to see Gholston now a bit more. Need to get a better idea of what he can do on game day.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:09 am
Bummer. i might be the only person to own a clayborn jersey. He came into the Moe’s i was working at with a cute lil white girl his rookie year. Nice guy. We had a nice little chat and i got him to sign a to-go bag for me. Good luck to ya AC
September 12th, 2014 at 11:09 am
Almost better this happened now vs. later in the season…..both for A.C.
(rehab) and the Bucs. Let’s see what English, Bowers and Gholston have in perhaps their last and only chance in Tampa.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:12 am
So let me get this straight…we are looking at playing a limping Johnson, a limping Bowers, a Bills practice squad player in Smith, and two guys in English and Solomon who were sitting on their couches as recently as yesterday? You’ve got to be kidding me.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:13 am
This defense is being exposed for its lack of depth. No depth at DE, no depth at CB, little elsewhere. Man, things could go south in a hurry with just another injury or two.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:15 am
Clayborn never seemed to fit the mold of a pure pass rusher. The injuries have really held him back. Hopefully he can get healthy and have more success, unfortunately it probably won’t be with the Bucs.
The injuries are starting to pile up. The defense looked like it could do some real damage this year, now it’s starting to look, well…damaged. Depleted depth at CB and injuries and underperformance on the D line. The offensive side of the ball has it’s share of nagging injuries too. We’ll get to see if some of the backups can perform. If preseason was any indication, it doesn’t look good on that front.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:26 am
hate to hear of an injury, and the man gave his all.
that being said. It’s effect on the field will be negligible and may actually be a positive. he’s done nothing for far too long.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:28 am
I think Clayborn may end up being a pretty good 3-4 DE for someone like the Pats or Steelers. When healthy (a big caveat at times) he’s pretty stout against the run and can hold his own at the point of attack, a prerequisite for a 3-4 DE.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:29 am
I wanted Cam Jordan in 2014, and I want him even more now. More evidence of wonderful drafting by the dynamic duo of Rah/Dom.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:30 am
*2011, sorry. Been a long morning at work.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:32 am
how about that, all offseason some fans were pleading to trade him for at least sth.
Now
there is much reason to believe he will get cut
signed by another team
and end up as a prductive (above) average rotational guy.
and the bucs will be left with nothing for their 1st rounder……
thats the buccaneer way
September 12th, 2014 at 11:36 am
Was expecting a good season from Clayborn, always liked him and his demeanor. However I’m sure his production can be replaced.
Let’s bring back the prototype. At least he’s spent the whole off season with us learning this scheme, and to my knowledge has no injury.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:43 am
I now wish that the bucs did not announce this, just to see if anyone would notice that clayborn was not playing, then after the game the sheep would tell people how he did not put up any numbers but still “flashed”.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:45 am
What kind of injury is Gholston trying to come back from/
September 12th, 2014 at 11:48 am
Jason Licht said the biggest thing he has learned from Bill Belicheat is to “move on.” If a guy isn’t producing, don’t hang on to him hoping he magically turns things around. Move on.
As Joe wrote, the Bucs basically told Clayborn, “Prove to us we should re-sign you.” Why keep the guy when he is hurt half the time (he’s missed two seasons in four years) and you have young players (Gholston) who are cheaper and just as good if not better?
September 12th, 2014 at 11:49 am
Freeman – bust
Clayborn – bust
Bowers – bust
Barron – pretty much a bust for the pick
Can’t be a good team when 1st round picks don’t pan out.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:50 am
Bowers obviously a second round pick, but certainly had high expectations
September 12th, 2014 at 11:54 am
This team is just f’king cursed with injuries to our key players. Constantly.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:55 am
Neil, it’d be a long list if you presented everyone who was a bust from last 6 seasons.
A much shorter list would be the guys who have definitely worked out:
1. McCoy
2. David
3. Foster
….And a lot of guys on the bubble.
That is all
September 12th, 2014 at 11:55 am
Man that sucks. Still rooting for the guy to succeed when he recovers. Tough tough break.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:56 am
@neil
you forgot the trade a very high first rounder for 1 year of Revis to rehab
September 12th, 2014 at 11:57 am
BTW, if this season goes down the crapper, losing Clayborn won’t be the reason. Collectively I get a sense from everyone here of “so what?”. My thoughts exactly.
September 12th, 2014 at 11:58 am
He could still be re-signed… Just takes away any leverage he had for anything more than a cheap one year contract… I normally would agree and think he’s gone for good as well but Lovie “covets” pass rushers and I know AC doesn’t fit the typical Lovie mold of pass rusher but he would be a good rotational rusher and depth player…
September 12th, 2014 at 11:59 am
@louis friend
the question is when will the fire sell be? does licht trade Martin to the ravens for a third?
September 12th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
@Phillip – an important point to pay attention to, Lovie covets pass rushers who get results. You guys might not know this but I’m a pass rusher. I’ve never gotten a sack or even a tackle for loss, for that matter, but I call myself a pass rusher. I’m not expecting Lovie’s call. AC got few results so i doubt he should be expecting Lovie’s call either.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
I look at it as an opportunity to finally find a good passing rushing specialist, since there wont be any more wondering about what to do with Clayborn. We can start looking now and hopefully find our guy by the start of next season.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
yes, the mighty ship, HMS Glazer has taken a big hit and she is listing starboard side, as she limps back to the familiar waters of the bay of tampa alas one of the mighty ships defenders has sustained a grave and deadly wound. the crew suffering from a huge defeat on her maiden voyage, were all taken aback by the ghastly site. But fear not, for captain smith is at the helm! stone faced determination and a steely eyed look about him. at his side a veteran of many treacherous voyages, one that instilled trust from his captain, first officer josh Mcown with young glennon at his side will shore up the gaping holes, and venture back to join the battle….. more to come on the voyages of HMS Glazer as the reports come in weekly
September 12th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
They might be able to sign him to a low value short-term deal as a backup next off-season and give him another chance to prove himself.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Offer doug Williams a FO job already so we can end this curse.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Joe..do you still think we have a good defense?
September 12th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
AC was a bust. I have been saying this since last season.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Hey joe are there any notable defensive linemen that have gotten cut or at least some that are better than what we have on our roster with exception of GMC. Johnson has looked like sh!t and I hope that changes but as far as I have seen he was not worth half of what we paid for him. What are your thoughts ?
September 12th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Injuries make guys a bust? I’ll make sure I remind Gerald McCoy and both his biceps. Feel bad for him.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:26 pm
@realist
I don’t think trading Martin would get a 3rd. A RB like him might get a 5th rounder as compensation. Seriously, he hasn’t done anything in 2 years. Hard to say he’s worth more than that. Nah, they’ll keep Martin. Might as well.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:26 pm
I’m surprised no one has commented about Jeremy Zuttah starting at center for the Ravens, who crushed the Steelers last night. My point in bringing him up, is that the top echelon teams consistently evaluate talent better; both with respect to current starters as well as their backups. They consequently keep their good players, or waive or trade their weaker players. Sometimes they do this when a player is still quite serviceable, but declining in their evaluation, so they get maximum value before the player declines noticeably to even the casual fan. They even do this with available waiver guys, and therefore consistently have better depth when the inevitable injuries strike. These skills are the purview of the head coach and the GM, and with all due respect to mpmalloy, likely have little if anything to do with the owners. That is why the very best teams seem to always draft the best player available, which leads to eventual solid depth. So the very best teams always have “backups who could start on many other teams”. Witness Carolina having their left tackle retire, but his replacement didn’t seem a huge dropoff last Sunday.
tickrdr
September 12th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Injuries didn’t make Clayborn a bust… His inability to consistently pressure the QB makes him a bust…. Even when healthy he was below average… Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya…
September 12th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
if we had a bust starting for us what would you call any player that is backing up a bust…..we lost a pass rusher, the rams lost a pass rusher and neither had a decent quarterback on their roster this should be a fairly boring game to watch the ram’s defense is still better. when our is called elite the ends should have the high sack numbers, the chance of McCoy being triple teamed just dramatically increased
September 12th, 2014 at 12:37 pm
I actually forget sometimes he was a 1st round pick. Another Dominik bust.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
@Patrick
Then please explain why he would bring in Larry English Scott Solomon and keep Bowers… Please if you are going to attempt to make a point do some research first…
September 12th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Feel bad that Clayborn got an injury. But honestly, he was really a non-factor on the field. You could go the entire game and not hear his name being called once even though he was playing the entire game. Would be nice to get some guys on that line who can make splash plays.
September 12th, 2014 at 12:52 pm
This sucks man. I really thought he was gonna thrive in this system. Hopefully Lovie can coach up the backups and create a solid game plan. I’m tired of excuses. Green Bay didn’t make any when they lost all those players and won to the Super Bowl that year. NEXT MAN UP!!!!
September 12th, 2014 at 12:56 pm
I think Clayborn was one of Joe’s favorite picks by his favorite GM Mark Dominic. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Mark is a complete failure to himself and to this team. Don’t expect a winning record around here until we can recover from all those years of bad picks. Oh, and yes Joe, he did leave the cupboard bare.
September 12th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Another top pick swirling down the shitter.
September 12th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Oh boy this might mean bowers is going back to rush of the edge…
September 12th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Neil you forgetto add bowers and brian price… both busts…there is hope next year maybe we can get mariota….
September 12th, 2014 at 1:10 pm
We can talk about not busts michael bennett and jermy zuttah.. both on other teams… trading a first round pick and a 4th for revis is a huge bust as well.. remeber thinking we could of gotten the dt the jets drafted thst year… sigh it really is looking sad…
September 12th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Get well Adrian…See you next year Big Dog!
GO BUCS!!!
September 12th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Agreed Joe. His days in Tampa are done. I didn’t think he was anything special anyway and quite frankly there were times last year where it looked like he wasn’t fully committed.
September 12th, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Another first round bust from the brain trust of Morris and the “Rock Star” Dummy-nick.
Whose left that Larry and Curley drafter. Oh yea, Mason Foster. Would someone call Foster up and tell him when a TE runs past him in the middle of the field would he please turn around and at least try to catch him.
As draft inks go, Morris and Dummynick made a great bridge team.
I like Clayborns will and hustle and hate to dis the man, but when I first heard he had a physical handicap in one arm, I groaned out loud.
You might be able to overcome that in college, but the NFL doesn’t.t have any Vanderbilts in the league.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
September 12th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
I don’t know how anybody that was at the Senior Bowl could’ve possibly passed on Cameron Jordan for Clayborn. Jordan was a monster all week and during the game, Clayborn opted out…due to a claimed injury, I think he just didn’t want to injure his draft status by showing everybody how unexplosive and limited of an athlete he was. Either way, HORRIBLE DECISION!!!!
September 12th, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Da’quan- it’s now or never