Jags, Not Bucs, For Williams?
February 15th, 2016
Pointing toward Jags instead?
Joe has been vocal desiring the Bucs to sweep up expected soon-to-be free agent Mario Williams.
Look, the Bucs have stunk at defensive end for so long, it’s time to quit flea-market shopping for the sackless George Johnsons of the world — the second consecutive limp Johnson — in hopes the tooth fairy putting change under their pillows will turn them into double-digit sack guys.
The utter shame of this franchise — for a decade still trying to replace Simeon Rice.
However, the words of Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht sure seem to urinate on the fire for Williams, who racked up 38 sacks in his last three seasons playing in a 43 scheme for the the Bills. It seems Licht would pass in favor of being prudent with Team Glazer’s loot in free agency.
Mike Sando of BSPN believes that indeed Williams, when turned loose by Buffalo, is Florida-bound. But not for the Bucs, he claimed in a Q&A feature on the four-letter’s website.
Since Mario Williams is leaving Buffalo, where’s a good landing spot?
I’ll give you a few. Jaguars: They need pass-rush help even with Dante Fowler Jr. returning. Seattle reportedly pursued Williams when Gus Bradley was the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator back in 2012. … Bucs: 4-3 team needing pass-rush help. Spent for Michael Jackson and he busted out. … Cowboys: 4-3 team needing pass-rush help. Spent for Greg Hardy on a one-year rental. … Seahawks: They have been in the big-ticket player market year after year (Percy Harvin, Jimmy Graham). Their pass-rush petered out in the Super Bowl loss to New England when Cliff Avril was hurt.
Yes, Joe would love to have Williams, in addition to drafting a defensive end high. Rarely do rookie defensive ends make a dent in the NFL. By signing Williams, it gives a rookie a cushion to develop.
It sure seems, though, that finding Williams wearing Bucs gear this fall is akin to Joe finding Rachel Watson wearing something kinky in Joe’s bedroom.
February 15th, 2016 at 12:08 pm
“Spent on Michael Jackson and he busted out”…real attention to detail by the ESPN guys there..
February 15th, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Maybe it was a joke about how soft Michael “Jackson” Johnson was?
February 15th, 2016 at 12:17 pm
In the NFL, everything on the defense is predicated on a fierce pass rush. Make the quarterback get “Happy feet” and screw up. With our linebackers covering the run, the DL should pin their ears back attack the pocket. Especially in these days of pass happy rules, you have to make the QB pass quicker than he wants. It’s a no brainer ! We need Mario and the Glazers are sitting on a pile of cash. Just because you didn’t catch any fish last year doesn’t mean you should stop fishing this year. Get ‘er done !
February 15th, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Adrian Clayborne is a FA……he was selected as a first round pick by some team a few years back….
February 15th, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Mark Dominick’s drafts sucked.
February 15th, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I’ve gotta say, this is the first off season that we’ve gone in to since I’ve been a Bucs fan where I feel a real sense of optimism for what’s coming. I’m not going to pound the drum for anyone to be picked up in free agency or to be drafted because I feel like we have actual smart professionals calling the shots in terms of bringing talent in to the building. Plus, they don’t have to try to shoehorn players on to the roster that fit Lovie’s very narrow view of what a good player needs to be. We can truly take a BPA approach and fill the holes on the team the way we need to.
It’s a great way to experience the team. No hand wringing. No heated exchanges with some of the yahoos on here trying to get them to change their wrong opinions. I get to just sit back and wait to see what Dirk, Mike and Jason bring to the team and then see how they mold the team to take advantage of the talent on the team. It’s almost like we’re a professional football team now. Who woulda thunk it.
February 15th, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Ok, please forgive me, I don’t pretend to be an expert, but i can read. In 2015
Mario Williams had 5 sacks, 6 QB hits, 25 QB hurries and 13 tackles.
Michael Johnson had 5 sacks, 13 QB hits, 32 QB hurries, and 27 tackles. Both played a comparable number of snaps. Now I have seen Michael Johnson at the Ray Jay in several games and I agree he was a total bust. My question is did Lovie Smith and company maximize his talent? Is Mario Williams still the talent he was? Is he worth the money?
February 15th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
@Patrick in VA
I feel the same way!!! It is weird after so long to have hope!!! Just want them to keep building the team!!! I will even say,,,,
Go Bucs!!!
February 15th, 2016 at 1:01 pm
I’d rather have the other Williams on the Bills, RB Karlos Wiliams.
February 15th, 2016 at 1:13 pm
I will claim to be an expert….excellent pic of Rachel, Joe
February 15th, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Joe, is Rachel single? Why don’t you confess your love to her
February 15th, 2016 at 1:38 pm
Well if it was Michael Jackson that we signed, the nickname “ghost” makes even more sense. Not really much difference in production between the two.
February 15th, 2016 at 1:43 pm
JETS have several needs, one being a QB (Glennon?) I like Muhammed Wilkerson, 5 years younger than Mario Williams and a true beast. JETS will likely TAG him so it could cost us a trade and a draft pick IF, IF, IF we cannot sign Williams.
February 15th, 2016 at 1:46 pm
“Spent for Michael Jackson”
Heh. I just pictured Michael playing football. There must be a youtuber out there that can create the visual, lol.
February 15th, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Bucs Fan #7423 Says
“Joe, is Rachel single? Why don’t you confess your love to her”
Already done. She even told him she thought it was funny.
February 15th, 2016 at 1:50 pm
While whealing and Dealing with the J-E-T-S why not pick up Damon Harris to work along side McCoy? Harris made less than 4Mil last season, Bucs (Licht) have $50 nil to spend…….Just Saying
February 15th, 2016 at 2:21 pm
@GhostofTedford
Finally someone else mentions Muhammad Wilkerson. Guys a monster. Not sure why people think he doesn’t exist as a pending FA or something.
February 15th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
@Walkdaplank,
I think most people assume the jets will resign him. He’s an absolute beast!
February 15th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
The standard has been set so low by this team from the DE position. I think I would buy the jersey of any DE who can get 8 sacks. We used to have a guy that was going to be a great pass rusher, but then we got rid of him because he had a boo boo on his shoulder and the coach couldn’t get along with him.
February 15th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
I hope the Bucs are not planning to do this year…what I did many, many years ago..
I bought a cheap business suit from Kmart ( I was a typical college student..broke), spending almost nothing…lasted ONE wash..I had to put it on the trash pile..it doesn’t pay to go cheap for QUALITY!
Spend the freaking money…Mario Williams has my vote!..I still dream of Josh Norman in pewter and red..but no chance at all..
February 15th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Mo Wilkerson is a 34 DE not a 43 DE. That’s why we aren’t talking about him
February 15th, 2016 at 3:32 pm
Passed on Wilkerson…wait…Richardson in order to pay Revis $16 mil to rehab
February 15th, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Wilkerson is a football player to make mention of these guys as if they couldn’t perform because of a change from 43 to 34 is kinda silly if you ask me. Yea I know Williams didn’t perform well for Ryan but my question to you would be was it because he was incapable or just didn’t want to because of the change. Wilkerson and GMC would be our version of the cats Short and Lotu.
February 15th, 2016 at 4:19 pm
And like Joe noted in an article a week or so ago the cats didn’t have a double digit sack guy at DE this season. But pull up the numbers of those two monsters on the interior.
February 15th, 2016 at 4:28 pm
No way I want to give up anything for Williams. He may have a great year next year because he will be playing for a contract. If he was a free agent, with our cap room, I woudl take a run. But other than EDS, I can’t think of any significant players or draft pick i would trade for him.
February 15th, 2016 at 4:33 pm
I’m fine with letting the Jags overpay for this guy… He is 31 and had five sacks last year… If he was worth big money Buffalo would keep him…
February 15th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
was more like a michael jackson, than a michael johnson
February 15th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
I hate to beat the same drum over and over again…but….IF…and I get that’s a big IF…Jack Smith had stayed healthy his numbers over two years project to right at eleven sacks in a full 16 game schedule.
IF…again a big IF…Gholston continues to grow and improve he should produce some more sacks…
IF…Mike Smith uses our speedy LB’s better they as a group could produce ten sacks…LVD had 7 all by himself the year that Schiano turned him loose.
IF…again a big IF…GMC stays healthy for 16 games and the rest of these other “ifs” come true..he should easily hit ten sacks next year.
My point is not that we shouldn’t be looking hard for help at DE…simply that it may not be as bad as we all fear.
I remember this time last year we thought our OL would be one of the worst in the league…how did that turn out.
I also hear how much better our DB’s will be if we could get a rush…yes that’s true…but it would also be nice to get some cover sacks once in a while with our DB’s playing press instead of a ten yard cushion and giving up EVERYTHING underneath!
February 15th, 2016 at 4:50 pm
I kind of agree with you st. Pete. It would still be prudent to acquire at least 1 very good pass rusher, plus we need better depth.
The issue with Jac Smith is he really only has 1 pass rush move, and isn’t that great against the run. If heathy, I fully expect him to get double digit sacks. I just want to see more consistency from him in pressures, tackles for loss, etc.
February 15th, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Michael Jackson would have been a better player than Michael Johnson…at least Jacko was able to handle tight ends and get penetration.
February 15th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai
Is she single though?? I’ll give it a shot
February 15th, 2016 at 5:27 pm
@StpeteBucfan
I totally disagree!! If Jack Smith is starting this season I will be very surprised. I know that Lovie had him playing very light ( in the 250’s ) But he is a smaller guy that if he ever has a healthy season the worst his number will look, due to O-tackles leaning on him!! He is a great rotational guy and 3rd and long, but that is it!!
And I can’t believe that you are asking for coverage sacks!!! you need at least 4 defenders to cover all routes as opposed to 1 or 2 new DL additions for a hugely improved pass rush!!!! (and one of those might be a newly drafted DT)!!!
Go Bucs!!!!
February 15th, 2016 at 5:39 pm
realist- I’m with you. I would draft/sign at least 2 D lineman and live with our secondary. I think we have some value there as opposed to d-line. You can never have too many pash rushers. Lets’ load up on D-line.
February 15th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
My dream draft is DL in the 1st round, Braxton Miller in the second, D-line on the third, safety in the 4th and 6th CB in the 5th. I’ll leave it to Licht s to which players with the exception of Miller. He is going to be a rock star in the NFL
February 15th, 2016 at 5:45 pm
I think williams would come here before Jacksonville….This team has a lot to offer him and he has PLEEEENTY of gas left in the tank. GET HIM!!!!! And then draft BPA from now on
February 15th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Kevin he is NOT a FA, we would have to trade for him.
February 15th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
Wilkerson is getting tagged and bagged right back to the Jets locker room…Just heard they ain’t letting him go anywhere..
I still want Mario..hands down…
February 15th, 2016 at 6:05 pm
The switch to 4-3 is a huge change. Total fundamental scheme and tactic change. 4-3 ends pending defensive call, are edge setters, edge rushers or have string out duties. ( Minus stunts or fires) 3-4 ends generally are monsters that eat blockers up freeing LB’s to make plays. The stand up OLB in a 3-4 scheme are your edge rushers. (von Miller) The only DE I can think of off the top of my head that could make the quick switch would be Watt. Wilkerson would however make a terrific 3 tech. Why isn’t anyone talking about the huge void we have at LOLB. LOSTsanah was horrible!
February 15th, 2016 at 6:09 pm
Mario is a good fit.
February 15th, 2016 at 6:20 pm
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
February 15th, 2016 at 6:33 pm
I’ll believe it..when I see it. I do know this though. If we do not/can not get pressure on the opposing QB’s this upcoming season? Expect more of the same. What’s more of the same? Everybody singing Jameis and Koetter praises while the team…Does what it does best…Loses!
February 15th, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Bucnutz
In case you live under a rock…
THE BILLS ARE RELEASING MARIO WILLIAMS.
THAT MEANS HE WILL BE A FREE AGENT!!!
February 15th, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Lifeofabucfan don’t believe all the hype bro. Keep in mind who the Jets drafted first over all last draft. When teams pull stunts like that that usually spells they don’t wish to pay the vet currently playing that position the money he’s asking for.
February 15th, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Since mony is not a problem, the Bucs should get a D End and a Wide-Out in free agency, and a least one other player, all the choice of the BACK-STABBERS, I the draft, since we can’t find an edge rusher, get the pass rush from the inside by drafting Andrew Billings, might even be able to trade down about five spots and still get him and pair him with McCoy then trade back into the first round and get the best D-End available, by now we should have two 3rd round picks, I’ll go with an O-Lineman and then Safety!!
February 15th, 2016 at 7:14 pm
Williams would instantly be the best defensive end on our team. He’s too good to be a Michael Johnson type, Mike Smith can get production out of him. We already have 2 good fits at linebacker for the 4-3 defense, Mario Williams is an ideal 4-3 DE.
February 15th, 2016 at 7:17 pm
StPeteBucsFan Says
“I hate to beat the same drum over and over again…but….IF…and I get that’s a big IF…Jack Smith had stayed healthy his numbers over two years project to right at eleven sacks in a full 16 game schedule.
IF…again a big IF…Gholston continues to grow and improve he should produce some more sacks…
IF…Mike Smith uses our speedy LB’s better they as a group could produce ten sacks…LVD had 7 all by himself the year that Schiano turned him loose.
IF…again a big IF…GMC stays healthy for 16 games and the rest of these other “ifs” come true..he should easily hit ten sacks next year.
My point is not that we shouldn’t be looking hard for help at DE…simply that it may not be as bad as we all fear.”
So you are saying…IF 4 of 4 things go exactly as we hope (what are the odds on that?) we don’t need to draft DE.
Forget it StPete. It will never happen.
That’s like expecting the first 4 Bucs picks this year to be top players, from game one, all at the same time. It just doesn’t happen.
February 15th, 2016 at 7:21 pm
In other news: We hired John Spytek to be our new director of player personnel, since Jon Robinson left to be the Titans’ GM.
Spytek was the Broncos national scout for the last 2 years.
February 15th, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Hire Jimbo…thanks for covering that one. I was being lazy and really couldn’t be bothered with him this time.
February 15th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Oh yea unbelievable and looks like he has an eye for talent with the way his guys end up going to pro-bowls. I’m feeling the hire.
February 15th, 2016 at 8:04 pm
BucBonzai
I made it clear i think we should still be looking for help at DE.
My point is simply our pass rush is no more gloomy looking this year than our pass blocking appeared going into last year.
It wouldn’t take a miracle…and in fact wouldn’t take as much luck as we had last year with two rookies and some guys off the street on our OL.
February 15th, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Sign 1 stud DE (Mario Williams:), 1 stud Safety (Eric Berry:), 1 DL, 1 LB Draft 1-2 DE’s… 1-2 CB’s, 1 OL, 1 RB, 1 WR, and we’re ROLLIN!!!! It’s not as crazy as it sounds… Is it, and is E Berry gettin tagged? Football withdrawal remedies, FA & Draft talk! Love it, especially after a rough year! Loads of promise, ya?! lets go JL!!!
February 15th, 2016 at 9:40 pm
Michael Jackson played tight end, not defensive end.
February 16th, 2016 at 1:44 am
We should not be getting DE help because it may not be as bad as we all fear? I keep hearing we are fine at CB as well? Yes, our defense had 38 sacks (tied with 3 teams at 14th) which is clearly mid pack and of course giving up 70% completion rate is unacceptable. I am tired of hearing if we keep the same players because Lovie is gone and we have new talented coaches, everything is going to be ok? Is mediocrity acceptable? I was excited about this year because it is supposed to be the year this teams moves forward to be a potential contender? With an infusion of talent in FA and the draft we are only five to six quality players away from being contenders. Then we start hearing how the philosophy is to be more judicious in FA spending, stay away from the high ticket signings and build the team through the draft? Now we may not even re-sign Doug Martin? Didn’t I just read that a team is lucky if 50% of players drafted workout? Meaning at best, three starters a year? Well, I don’t want to wait another three years to become contenders. Why sign four or five mid-level players and have the same result? Jason Licht can not be afraid to spend big money because of what happened in the past. Mario Williams this, Mario Williams that. He is three times better than any DE we have even at the level he played last year. The question is how much will signing Williams cost? Between $12M and $16M a year? So what? If that is to much sign one of the next best FA available.