Don’t Inhale
February 12th, 2016
Jason Licht
Once upon a time, Bucs overlord of football operations Jason Licht shared power with Lovie Smith, a guy who insisted there was absolutely no reason not to maximize every nickel of available salary cap dollars.
Keep in mind Licht said there was total personnel consensus at One Buc Palace.
So here we are today, the morning after longtime Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud talked to Licht and claims the Bucs won’t be big-ticket spenders in free agency, despite $50 million+ in available cap room for 2016.
Stroud also claims Doug Martin will hit free agency. You can read it all right here.
Joe advises everyone against inhaling all this smoke. It’s bad for your health.
If Licht is going to throw in the towel on a segment of free agency, then, well, that’s flat out silly.
Free agency is a great tool. Just pick the right guys. Simple as that.
Ironically, Stroud writes about how Vincent Jackson and Logan Mankins are key cogs in Licht’s plan, despite their bloated salaries and advanced ages. Jackson was a big bucks free agent, and the Mankins acquisition was a free-agent style hole-filling.
As for Martin, Licht is doing good old fashioned negotiating through the media. So Doug Martin is going to walk? Really? After your brand new head coach, Dirk Koetter, begged for him to stay and you have a pile of money to spend?
Again, Joe advises all fans to enjoy the circus.
The free agency dinner bell rings in 26 short days.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:08 am
Silly season
February 12th, 2016 at 9:09 am
I’m with you Joe. Spend money on good fits for our team. Spending all the money does not guarantees wining games.
Licht will learn and evolve from his young career as the GM. I don’t expect another grand slam from him but filling some holes in this team with the right guys will go a long ways.
Go Bucs!!!
and yes the circus is always on in the off season…
February 12th, 2016 at 9:10 am
If Licht lets Martin walk he is incompetent too.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:20 am
I read Stroud this morning. I don’t think anybody is saying let him walk. They are happy to let him test the FA market to help determine a price. It’s the most fundamental way to negotiate. You are worth what the market says you are.
As for high priced FA’s there was another point in that story that Licht made that I completely agree with. He’s concerned about locker room chemistry. You have to wonder how the other guys felt when Lovie brought in the Ghost and Collins at those high prices and their performances never matched their salaries.
It’s hard to be playing your butt off for a fraction of what some other guy who is just phoning it in is drawing.
If we can get Mario Williams…fine…but I’m far more excited about the draft than FA. If other teams don’t want to pay them why should we?
February 12th, 2016 at 9:27 am
The Bucs should go ahead and pay Martin a fat salary for the next 3 years while they have the benefit of having Winston on his first contract. Once that 5th year option hits, Winston will be making the big money and the Bucs will have to scale back spending on other players like Martin. Just like the Saints, Ravens, and Seahawks have found out the hard way.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:35 am
I read his article last night. I think it would be reckless to allow Martin to hit the market. The Bucs need a strong running attack to help take pressure off Jameis.
Licht says – you can’t think you’re going to put yourself over the top by signing high dollar guys- I bet he’s referring to Mario Williams who has a 100mil contract.
Looks like we’re building through the draft and with that said let me introduce Tyler Boyd. Apparently the baddest mf in Pitt history second only to Tony Dorsett. He’s taken down Larry Fitzgerald’s receiving records for receptions and total yards. He returns kicks and has some of the most amazing catches I’ve seen since OBJ, yea I said it!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QSh6yeGjWs8
February 12th, 2016 at 9:38 am
Would anyone expect Licht to say……..”We’ll pay whatever it takes to keep Doug Martin off the mark et…..and, we are going to spend a bunch on high priced free agents”………He’s smart to be understated at this stage.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:46 am
Let’s not forget that two of Doug Martin’s four years in the NFL have been well-below average. So which running back is he?
The franchise tag is a viable option, no matter what some want to believe or have you believe. A tag is also a prove-it contract (never a bad thing) and it is only one year.
When a team is far below the salary cap like the Bucs, a franchise tag on a running back is not a sinister move.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:46 am
Can someone plz tell me how to add your pic to your profile? Plz message me if u know how. I don’t understand why it’s so hard. Plz fix fix that crap joe!
February 12th, 2016 at 10:06 am
No one is talking about it around here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Seahawks make an offer to the Dougernaut, with Lynch retiring and all.
February 12th, 2016 at 10:13 am
DB55- Wow, go ahead and bury that tape, talk about attacking the football, he would be the finisher that we need at WR. Maybe send that to ME13 so he can remember how he used to do it!
February 12th, 2016 at 10:13 am
I think we do have a reason to worry about Doug. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Licht learned a spit ton from Belicheat and he treats running backs like cheap easily replaced mules. I would not be surprised if Licht does the same. I do think it would be a grave mistake though. Dougie got a ton of his yards by breaking multiple tackles before he got to line of scrimmage. IMO he’s not just a throw away mule, but a thoroughbred and is worth the money.
February 12th, 2016 at 10:21 am
If they want Martin back they have the tools to do it. Plenty of cap space to franchise him if they have to.
February 12th, 2016 at 10:34 am
Can someone tell me who was the (GM) when the Bucs brang in The Ghost and Collins and got rid of Revis!! Anybody! Come on I’m waiting………..
February 12th, 2016 at 11:10 am
Yes Big Hog, there are short memories around these parts. When in doubt, blame it on Lovie!
Licht has as much to prove as Koetter, if not more when you look at his GM role. I, for one, am giving him a pass for the previous 2 seasons for the fairly decent drafting job.
Keeping Martin just makes sense to me, but around these parts common sense ain’t so common!
February 12th, 2016 at 11:10 am
I would be careful with Martin. He is 27, and has been hurt half of his career.
February 12th, 2016 at 11:29 am
Martin is vital. and I REALLY do like sims. very capable back who could start on most teams, but comeon. we have the BEST RUNNING BACK IN THE LEAGUE right now. most yards after contact. most yards per run. Dougie is truthfully a dougernaut. As long as he stays motivated and keeps his slimmer but strong build he will continue to dominate.
I am a massive Winston fan, but Dougie helped JW put up his record setting rookie season by taking alot of the pressure off. Dougie and Sims is the best 1-2 RB combo in the league. We got the money, why not be the best?
I liked what Johnny “America’s Commenter” Dejay said, we are going to be fine salary cap wise until players like Kwon, Marpet, Jaboo start earning the big bucks. at that point Dougie is gonna be getting old anyway and Sims can take over.
February 12th, 2016 at 11:46 am
They should sign Martin to 4 years. That is his prime years. He has been great when healthy.
They must see that Simms is a great complimentary back but not the main guy. He just doesn’t run in the crowds or hit the hole as good.
February 12th, 2016 at 11:53 am
Kinda hard to figure out exactly how Stroud arrived at his assertions…especially given that the Bucs HAVE TO SPEND UP TO 90% of all that avail cap space per CBA rules…smh, research much Stroud?
February 12th, 2016 at 11:54 am
Exactly, his 2 down years he was injured. The two years he wasn’t? Absolutely outstanding performance. You don’t have to over pay the guy, but he he should get good money as one the best RBs in the league right now. We have plenty of cap space anyway.
Also lets not forget- this is Rick Stroud. One of those ‘writers’ who likes to type a his over-dramatic opinion as fact. Didn’t he also start the the story of the alleged rift between JW and GMC? Recently I’ve come to place little value in what Stroud says these days.
February 12th, 2016 at 11:57 am
Martin won’t have three more good years in him. His running style won’t allow it. I was pleasantly surprised by what he did this year, but there’s a little bit of a pattern that he has built. His rookie year was good, not great, and then he had two down years. Guys that have huge rushing years almost always take a step back. Giving him a big contract at this age is paying for past performance.
Continue to build the o-line and add more speed on the edge and your quality of running back doesn’t need to be stellar.
That said, franchise tag him this year, and find a RB gem late in the draft.
February 12th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
This not a team that can afford to let good football players walk, especially ones we drafted.
Once again, if Licht fails to retain Doug Martin he is categorically incompetent. We will know he was behind the moves to kick Revis, Zuttah and Penn to the curb.
Case closed.
February 12th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Personally, Imo its not wise to spend big money on RB’s…im always wary of players who have big seasons in their contract year…Doug is a solid back but he isn’t special…if we can’t find middle ground with him and his agent we should let him walk…I love Charles Sims’ game; I love to see what he can do in a full time role…
February 12th, 2016 at 12:16 pm
@DB55
I talked about Tyler Boyd last week. He is special and available in the 2nd more than likely.
As far as Martin goes, I would rather have Chris Ivory for less money. Or Lamar Miller for more money. Ivory is the realistic option IMO.
Sign Tashaun Gipson to fix our safety issue. Jeff Allen to replace Manks. Marvin Jones to compliment Evans. William Gay to mentor Banks and Verner. The DE we need to sign is Olivier Vernon. He will be expensive. As long as its within reason, we need to sign him. Another guy to look at is RT Ryan Schraeder from ATL. We get a talented young RT and take away an important cog from ATLs team.
February 12th, 2016 at 12:19 pm
As long as they bring Doug back & sign Mario Williams we will be good.
February 12th, 2016 at 12:27 pm
@onebuc55
I agree with you about Charles Sims. I love watching him play. He runs so silky smooth. I would love to have a pairing of Sims and Ivory. Or Sims and a guy we draft like Kenyan Drake or Alex Collins. I like Drake and he will be around in the 3rd or 4th. Sims and Drake would have a ton of potential for many years to come.
February 12th, 2016 at 1:04 pm
don’t see the logic of getting 5 new free agents.We been there,done that.Look at the results. As running backs go I would not overpay for a seventh year running back.with Doug Martin yards after contact and the amount of runs over 20 being so high Martin has way more potential and only played 4 years.
Sims receiving skills should be used more this season.They are a good complement to each other.Both averaged nearly 5 yards a carry.
February 12th, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Man again im all fine with Martin coming back one more year but im shaky on the long term for him and I think the front office is as well thats why hes testing the market for a long term deal. Martin has a lot of inconsistencies such as his health and ball security as well but I think if we give him one more year his work will be done because scouting wise there are plenty of Running backs that will be better than Martin.
As for free agency I think we should spend all the money we have. Its time to build a short term contender here for this fan base and I feel we should trade for that contract from the Bills. I also know we need to go after Jason Pierre Paul as well for more speed off the edge. JPP can give us five seasons and I believe Mario Williams can do the same under Mike Smith and with Jay Stoker coaching and motivating . If we get Martin under the franchise and Williams in a trade then thats two players that will be off the books next season as well as Mankins and Vjax which I think those two will play their contracts out and retire in fashion. I also feel we should trade for Nick Mangold and let Evan Smith walk. Marpet and D. Smith are coming along. Our only weakness on the line is at center Mangold can give us one good year and retire as well but I would love for us to obtain Alshon Jeffrey as well but that may be a long shot. As far as the draft whatever it takes to get Jalen Ramsey
February 12th, 2016 at 2:18 pm
The problem with letting martin test the market is that he could sign with who ever he wants. Even if the bucs offer more money. Some players value things other than money. Maybe martin would rather play in Dallas than in Tampa. You dont honestly believe that 22 is just a random number do you?
February 12th, 2016 at 2:28 pm
Spending money just to spend it is not wise. If we find the right type of player then offer them a good contract. But squeezing every penny out of the glazers just to do it, isn’t a wise career move for licht. Spend it wisely and make sure to target the guys you really love. we don’t need to waste money on mike johnsons and anthony collins.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:04 pm
$52.8 million and we won’t be signing any of the big-ticket talent in free agency this year? Great way to alienate your fan base. I understand the concerns with the past failures in FA but to ignore available talent when cap space is there is incompetent. Signing Doug Martin is not an option IMO. The two seasons Martin was “off” he had a shoulder injury in one and Anthony Collins in the other. He has yet to suffer a major knee injury and is in his prime. If Licht does not get some help in the Secondary, DE and WR we are going to be in for a long next two years. I would actually be happy with Mario Williams and Packman Jones. You are finally in the drivers seat Jason, don’t start penny pinching now.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:56 pm
You think JPP has 5 good seasons to give us, but Martin only has one? smdh.
Good thing the fans on this site aren’t real GMs.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:08 pm
DB55… I don’t think Pitt’s Tyler Boyd is in the same class as Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was a number one pick and played one less season at Pitt than Boyd.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:12 pm
@Unbelieveable
Thats exactly what i was thinking. The guy is missing fingers and only had 1 sack I believe it was since he came back while letting the leagues 2nd leading rusher go in his prime… They must be smoking that really good stuff.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:41 pm
I love Doug Martin and appreciate what he did for our offense.
I love him enough to franchise him for a year if that’s required. I do not want to get stuck for any long term deal however because of his injury history and age.
Now am I the only one here who was frustrated watching Doug get hauled down from behind despite some big head starts? He’s not a guy who can take it to the house. Is that nitpicking?
That doesn’t happen with Sims.
February 12th, 2016 at 7:16 pm
Nfl network is talking about Doug hitting FA and I don’t think it’s a good idea. If he does hit FA he WILL LEAVE. I think he wants to win. Nobody but us thinks Tampa can win.
February 12th, 2016 at 7:46 pm
@Couch,
and here I thought I already had the good stuff!
February 12th, 2016 at 8:07 pm
This just struck me. Koetter and M.Smith used BIG rbs in ATL. So that may mean that if Martin walks then we could draft D.Henry in the 2nd. I like Henry, but I don’t want to pidgin hole us into drafting a rb high. There is lots of 2nd round talent not @ rb that we could use. So maybe this is a play for D.Cook or L.Fournette.
February 13th, 2016 at 1:33 am
The lack of appreciation for a drafted player that most teams would love to have in their backfield if they could afford it is astonishing.
Doug Martin is a Buc in 2016 or the tent folds.
Lichts out
February 13th, 2016 at 9:18 am
D.Henry won’t last until the 2nd rnd he will be gone in the 1st and there’s no way we use a 1st or even a 2nd rnd pick on a RB. not with all the needs we have.would luv to see him in pewter and red running b**ches over tho. If he does walk I could see us signing Matt forte to 2 yr deal tho I’m not a big fan of that scenario. Hope they find a way to resign #22. Let’s pray because there isn’t any better options out there, in FA or the draft.