Olivier Vernon On Licht’s Radar?
February 12th, 2016
Eyeing a Dolphins defensive end?
So will the Bucs shop once the free agency dinner bell rings on March 9, or will the Bucs prepare to sniff leftovers?
Only time will tell.
Of course, Bucs fans always want that big ol’ steak on the plate. Sometimes, a smaller, healthier portion works out better so you have room for dessert.
In a story on TBO.com, Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune has an interesting quote from Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht. Cummings offers up Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon’s name as a possible target, though a target Licht seems to believe won’t make it to free agency.
“Miami has (defensive end) Olivier Vernon and Denver has (defensive end) Von Miller, but neither of them has been sewn up yet. It’s a matter of finding the right contract for both sides.”
Now, just about any reasonable person knows Von Miller is not escaping Denver. At worst, he will be tagged. So it is a waste of time debating trying to sign Miller.
Vernon? That could be different. In a piece on CBSSports.com, former NFL agent Joel Corry selected the Dolphins as one of the three worst teams in salary cap hell. If the Dolphins can’t convince Ndamukong Suh to re-do his insane contract, the ‘Phins are in a world of hurt. Could they actually afford Vernon, or even afford to tag him?
How the Dolphins deal with their salary cap mess should have Bucs fans paying attention.
February 12th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Olivier Vernon would be a great addition to or DL. But don’t pay him like a top 10 De. He’s not that good. DON’T OVERPAY. If u want to overpay, u pay a guy like Mario or JPP
February 12th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
Overpay is relative……..we can “overpay” for a player that outperforms his paycheck….or we could get a “steal” for a player who under-performs.
The same thing happens with draft picks…..compare Kwon Alexander (4th round) to the new linebacker Mark Barron (7th overall pick)…..you choose.
So….yep, it’s sort of a crap shoot…..As a fan, I really don’t care how much we pay as long as it isn’t an extended guaranteed contract that hurts our cap in future years.
Then, there is the Carl Nicks situation….go figure!!!
February 12th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
I’d love for Vernon to come to Tampa! I’d say overpay for Vernon vs overpaying for Mario or JPP, one is old and has effort questions and the other has a mutilated hand requiring more surgery. Give me the young DE stud every time!
February 12th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
You have to look at what they are going to do different now. No more square peg in a round hole. Free agency is anyone’s guess what they want.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:09 pm
HIRE JIMBO
bad teams have to overpay until they start wining and become a desirable location. Given the bucs dreadful record the last decade unfortunately the bucs will have to overpay. It’s just like when people have to rebuild their credit you essentially buy your credit back with hire interests rates and less desirable terms. The beautiful weather and no state taxes only goes so far especially when a good CPA can offset state taxes relatively easily unless in California or Taxachusetts.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Is there cap $ for Vernon + Mario?
February 12th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
if they resign vernon then cam wake becomes the cap casualty . one of them will be gone
February 12th, 2016 at 3:25 pm
I wanna say something,if y’all think coach Koetter and Mr. Licht both of whom have no problem with bad boys. If you think for a second they not eyeing ole miss’s Nkemdiche you foolin ya self. Him falling over that balcony may end up being our biggest draft day gift.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:26 pm
Love and Warrick Dunn
cap is the least of the bucs worries. they have plenty of money to upgrade both the oline and defensive lines and throw in a much needed wide receiver. they can’t spend like drunken sailors but they can get what they need without putting the future in jeopardy. cap has not been the bucs issues for years it’s been the bad signings. depending on what cap site you research bucs have had 10 to 15 million unused cap space every year since 09… so there has been money glazers went cheap while paying down man u debt.. Put it this way in 2 years lovie had more dead money and wasted contracts than raheem’s entire payroll during the 10-6 season.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
Doubt they would sign two big-named free agents DEs. Sign one and draft one high? Sure.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:34 pm
Interesting.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
I would be for signing as many DE free agents as possible. Then I’d say draft as many DE’s as possible. Eventually, just dumb luck should give us someone that can rush the passer from the edge.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Sorta what Joe thinks.
Pretty sure Bucs fans can wave goodbye to sackless George Johnson.
February 12th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Hawaiian Buc
given the fact the bucs have wasted so many high round draft picks and wasted millions on failed free agents at the de position you may be on to something and that maybe the only way tampa can break the curse of the ever so elusive pass rusher.
February 12th, 2016 at 4:05 pm
Say no to signing a player with one double digit sack season 3 years ago (Vernon) to a big time contract. That sound like Michael Johnson.
February 12th, 2016 at 4:07 pm
My worry is this guy will be paid for limited recent production. Scary in an Anthony Collins sort of way.
I almost like the idea of Cam Wake / Mario Williams and developmental picks more (ideally Noah Spence or guy with elite potential)
Probably cheaper and more guaranteed production.
Then again if Olivier is a true stud DE we would have a young cornerstone player for awhile
February 12th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Good news is, this is the first year in recent memory where we don’t have holes at virtually every position, so we really can afford to focus on the DE position. I honestly believe that Banks, Verner, and Moore (if we bring him back) are pretty solid CB’s, as long as we work with their strengths. They will look even better if they don’t have to cover for 5 seconds every play.
February 12th, 2016 at 4:09 pm
No thanks to Wake. 34 years old and coming off an Achilles injury. That’s not a minor injury, especially for a DE.
February 12th, 2016 at 4:35 pm
The Bucs sit as the 6th best salary cap situation in the league. Fortunate for us the other three teams in our division don’t even crack the top 15.
The Bucs have almost 53 million to spend. In Licht We Trust
February 12th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
MUHAMMAD WILKERSON
February 12th, 2016 at 5:01 pm
Plank if left up to me I would seeking boys services.
February 12th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
If you recall Mike Smith defense in Jville was dominant in the middle. Coach Hayes shining D linemen played interior. My thinking is these guys going D tackle with that first pick.
February 12th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
“The Bucs have almost 53 million to spend.”
Don’t forget that # has to account for about $10M in rookie contracts and $15M+ to sign all the current Bucs that are FAs this year that they want to keep in house. Guys like Doug Martin – $6M+, Hawley $1.5-$2M, Sterling Moore – $2-3M, Russell Shephard – $1M, Kieth Tandy $1M, Jacquies Smith – $1M, Fatinicun – $600k – probably McDougald $750k, Lansanah $1M and Conte $1.5-$2M as well. It all ads up quickly.
There will probably be between $23 and $28M “extra” to spend – which is still alot and enough to get you at least 1 “premium” player and 2 or 3 above average starters. (assuming your eval is good which has been a major problem round here regarding free agency in the past).
February 12th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
They won’t overpay for Olivier Vernon. 7.5 sacks isn’t anything special. Zero forced fumbles. Why are people creaming themselves over that production? We can get better than that from Jacqueeeeeess Smith. If you’re gonna spend the money, spend it on a difference maker. Other than that, shoot for middle-tier contributors and role players, and pay them as such.
Every year, fans pitch a tent over average to slightly above average talent in free agency, wanting the team to throw gobs of cash around like a meth head who just won the lottery. Does it ever work? Nope. Best to approach free agency very soberly, study the film, assign a $ value to that level of play, and pay only what a player is worth.
February 12th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Still can’t believe tut underdrafted FA that was about to be released by the LIONS didn’t turn into the second coming of LT. Disagree that we don’t have a lot of holes. We need to DEs, two safeties, a LB to replace Lansanah, and two cornerbacks who struggled big ti wand may or may not improve with the coaching change. That to me is a whole lotta holes!
February 12th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
Banks and Vernor can probably get the job done at CB, but a 2nd rounder would be good there. Safety in round 3/4. DE in round 1. Better coaching. Solid improvement.
February 12th, 2016 at 5:47 pm
DL DL DL.
Spend away.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Our team is in such good shape monetarily that “overpaying” is a very subjective term.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:18 pm
HIRE JIMBO Says
“Olivier Vernon would be a great addition to or DL. But don’t pay him like a top 10 De. He’s not that good. DON’T OVERPAY. If u want to overpay, u pay a guy like Mario or JPP”
I would take Peterson because he’ll be a little cheaper, but no to Mario. We need guys that are young enough to last more than 2 years. Mario may not even be good anymore…between his stats and teammates saying he’s gotten lazy.
That’s not the kind of guy we want.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:20 pm
@Pickgrin
Assuming Mankins does not retire.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
@Buc1987
OL and DL really. If Mankins is even sniffing retirement, then we need to start the search for a replacement. Finding someone and teaching him the offense this year (if Mankins stays another year) will help the transition go more smoothly.
Question for EVERYONE:
If the Bucs, by sheer miracle, landed a top of the line DE in free agency…do we still draft one with the first pick?
February 12th, 2016 at 6:25 pm
“If the Bucs, by sheer miracle, landed a top of the line DE in free agency…do we still draft one with the first pick?”
———–
Yes, assuming the one we want is still there. The advantage in getting one (or twelve) in free agency is that we don’t need to reach in the draft. I would love to be in the position to draft the best player available.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:28 pm
TouchDownTampaBay Says
“Still can’t believe tut underdrafted FA that was about to be released by the LIONS didn’t turn into the second coming of LT. Disagree that we don’t have a lot of holes. We need to DEs, two safeties, a LB to replace Lansanah, and two cornerbacks who struggled big ti wand may or may not improve with the coaching change. That to me is a whole lotta holes!”
Two DEs…agreed.
Two Safeties…disagreed. we’ll resign Conte.
LB…Lansanah will be resigned. The bigger question…is he more of a depth player? I would love an upgrade.
Two cornerbacks…strongly disagreed. Banks is a slow bloomer, just like Ronde Barber was. Only his stats were better than Barbers were at the same point, until Lovie benched him. Vernon is a pro. Mike Smith will get him doing well…especially when the line improves.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:31 pm
@Hawaiian Buc
BPA would be a dream…but only established winning teams can do that. If we got multiple top DEs (dreaming) in free agency, we would still have the other spots to fill.
I went over the FA listings, barring cap cuts, there are not many options at all at WR. We may have no choice but to draft one in the first few three rounds.
I want Noah Spence, and getting a top DE in FA would give us less risk to take him.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:32 pm
I still want to know if Jack Smith can stay healthy. Someone was upset I brought up his name because they claim he’s just a situational player.
So would we be happy with ten sacks from him. If you look at the two years he’s played in Tampa he projects to slightly more than 10 sacks right around 11 sacks for the games he has played.
I look at Jack Smith like ASJ. Both have flashed…both have trouble staying on the field. Smith has produced stats when healthy.
February 12th, 2016 at 6:55 pm
St.Pete my belief with quality dept that would solve Jac’s health issues same for GMC. These guys just need a few dawgs to line up with them to take some of load off they’re bodies. Not saying he is but Jac’s measurables are similar to Von Miller’s and man did he look similar to Miller when he was fresh early in the season.
February 12th, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Point I’m making and I think we would agree, that dude is a keeper.
February 12th, 2016 at 7:53 pm
I agree with you Nole.
February 12th, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Yep Nole agree that Jack is a keeper. And sometimes injuries occur in succession and then the player actually plays a few years injury free. We can hope.
February 12th, 2016 at 10:14 pm
Who cares what we pay? Do you think the Glazers will reduce ticket prices if he is signed by the Bucs for $10? It is not your money.
February 13th, 2016 at 12:22 am
Not sure they can afford Wake or Vernon. Suh doesn’t strike me as the restructuring type. Vernon will be a 5 year 55 mil guy. That’s gonna be the price. It might be a bargain.
February 13th, 2016 at 1:52 am
Off topic question to one of the Joes :
Hey how about another article about Jameis and the civil suit?
I mean… I miss lightningbuc and his whiny ass!
February 13th, 2016 at 2:07 am
Damn it’s late.
Damn that tequila.
February 13th, 2016 at 8:30 am
Get him. Just know that he is not the answer. He is just part of an upgrade package.
A DE in the draft and Mario Williams !
February 13th, 2016 at 9:11 am
I would still take super Mario over Vernon or JPP. Dudes got attitude and dog in him, something we sorely lack. I’m so sick of being a soft @$$ team! I love GMC but his Mr nice guy attitude does not help our team we need more Kwons and JW’s . We gotta change the mentality of this team!!!
February 14th, 2016 at 1:08 am
@bucs4life86
Mario’s own teammates have questioned his work ethic this year. I think you need to do some research.
February 14th, 2016 at 9:48 am
Don’t overpay DE Olivier Vernon, Dolphins, he is not that good? Maybe, maybe not. The upside – Vernon led all 4-3 ends in QB hits, with 30, as well as 7.5 Sacks and 41 QB Hurries. He also added 11 “stuffs”(plays ended behind the LOS). From Week 8 onwards (when the Dolphins lost Wake) Vernon racked up 64 total pressures, more than any other defender over that period; not even Aaron Donald (58), J.J. Watt (57), or Khalil Mack (55) could match Vernon’s production over that spell. Vernon is only 25. His best years of football are still ahead of him. The downside – His production has been mediocre since he turned pro except for 2013 in which he managed 11.5 sacks. Looks like that season was a fluke since he hasn’t come close to building on that season.Sure he had a good second half last season, but he was in a contract year, you just can’t trust guys like that. Most Dolphin fans feel he is an average to good player who makes a great play and then follows it up with a stupid penalty at the worst possible time. He is not good at defending the run. Projected Value: 4 years, $20-$24 million. What the Buccaneers will probably have to pay to sign him 4 years, $28- $32 million or even more. Pass, we could sign JPP for this kind of $.