Bucs Sign DE Robert Ayers
March 11th, 2016
Cashed in
And here comes an eight-figure contract for the former Giants defensive end.
The Bucs did what they had to do today, inking Robert Ayers to a fat payday.
Per NFL Network, Ayers will get $10.5 million guaranteed, as part of a three-year, $21 million contract.
One reason Joe is very ho-hum on this signing has nothing to do with Ayers’ advanced age (31 before opening day) or him being let go by a team that was desperate for pass rush help.
It’s because Ayers is known for being an inside rusher over the past two seasons, arguably his best two in the NFL.
Jordann Raanan of NJ Advance Media explains.
Synopsis: Ayers (2 years, $3.7M) was an absolute steal for the Giants when he signed in 2014. He’s been their most consistent pass rusher the past two seasons, with 14.5 sacks in 24 games. He’s an ideal No. 2 defensive end who also moves inside – where he does a chunk of his damage – on passing downs.
With Gerald McCoy and a healthy Clinton McDonald, a guy Dirk Koetter loves, the Bucs really don’t need another inside rusher. Remember, Bucs defensive tackles Gerald McCoy, Akeem Spence, Da’Quan Bowers and McDonald combined for 18 sacks in 2014. That was the highest total at the position in the NFL.
Since then, William Gholston has shown he can be dangerous rushing inside, too.
If Ayers is best as an inside rusher, then Joe can’t feel a lot of value in him wearing pewter.
However, coming off a 9 1/2-sack season, Ayers is way better than sackless George Johnson, who now has about a 1 percent chance of sticking on the Tampa Bay roster. The Bucs had to take a chance, the result of failing with the last two Johnsons.
Prepare to live with Ayers, Gholston, Jacqueis Smith and a highly-drafted rookie DE this season.
The Bucs will need more depth, though, Ayers has missed four games in each of the past two seasons.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Hayes gives me hope.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
I would still draft 2 DEs. 1 in the first, an another in the 3rd or 4th
March 11th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Joe…what I am seeing is guys that have the Pro Bowl work ethics and determination, that know how to maximize their talents. We need more guys like that on both sides of the ball…. those young guys you mentioned are making strides…Ayers isn’t the future…. but can help us in the present and help those young guys grow…as well as the DE draft pick(s). I love what Licht is doing on many levels with this team.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Better than nothing why not?? At this point anything is better than betting on a couple of rookies stepping in and expected to get 8+ sacks.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Sweet
March 11th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
I’m glad the bucs did something to begin the process of addressing the DE position. This guy will at the worst help with the rotation and provide a small boost of production. If we draft a DE, then he also helps us by being another mentor.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Lets go ayers u late bloomer. Good sign! How bout a lb? Or safety?
March 11th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Joe reason I think that this move is great u have to look at the system he played in he played for jack del rio in Denver the same system that mike smith will run also I gotta agree with William walls Hayes will coach this kid up
March 11th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
mark2001 Says:
March 11th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Joe…what I am seeing is guys that have the Pro Bowl work ethics and determination, that know how to maximize their talents. We need more guys like that on both sides of the ball…. those young guys you mentioned are making strides…Ayers isn’t the future…. but can help us in the present and help those young guys grow
—–
That’s exactly what they are doing! Smart move!! And this will help with the young guys coming through next couple of months..
Very smart indeed…
Love this signing too..
Now let’s sign Roddy and we will be looking even better…
March 11th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Need a WR now. Let’s go, Roddy.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Man, that’s a lot more than I would have expected to pay him! At least we signed someone.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Another good thing about this signing is it should allow us to put the Da’Quan Bowers era behind us for good.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:15 pm
nice signing… he can only help… relying on a first round draft pick to step in is a much bigger gamble than gambling on Ayers who is proven when healthy he can put the qb in the dirt…
March 11th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
I think you guys are not paying attention to whats going on . You are watching the New England Patriots way right in your face . This shows who is running the show now and who did b4. Please dont be surprised if you the greg hardy signing comes up in the next 2weeks
March 11th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Best move Licht has made in his tenure? NOT drafting Johnny Rehab. Boy did we dodge a bullet on that one (and I was all for drafting him). Liking this signing. He’ll have to prove his worth though this season
March 11th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Not a game changer, but the biggest benefit to today’s signings of Ayers & Grimes is the flexibility it gives us in the draft
I could honestly see us adding a weapon for Jameis (if Treadwell is there), an OT to protect him (if Stanley is there), even a LB like Jaylon Smith or Leonard Floyd to pair with LVD & Kwon to give us the best young LB corp in the league for the next 5 years
No need to reach for a DE at this point, however if there’s one there you love obviously you jump on him
March 11th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Need bodies, ain’t that much guaranteed money. Good signing.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Im friekin telling everyone dont freak out….lovie could not manage the defense and hayes will make this look good. Someone made a GREAT point the other day in that this time last year we were all discussing how bad our oline was and how we would make it through a season. Draft a stud pass rusher and let hayes coach up the line just lime koetters system benefited our o line last season. This team is playoff bound this year Im taking bets people!!!!!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:18 pm
He had no help last year, G men were the worst defense in the league. JPP was out and when he returned he had one hand. Sometimes guys take a while to develop at DE. Now lets go get Buckner.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Licht said he looks 3 years in advance. draft a DE and a corner when Ayers and Grimes are done the young guys will be able to step up without missing a beat, while watching 2 dudes who know how to put in work.
I like it. Would rather go this route than paying what NY paid for Vernon or JAX paid for Jackson.
This is how a team is built to compete long term ladies and gentlemen!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:19 pm
His last name is not Johnson. There is hope!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
BOOM
March 11th, 2016 at 5:25 pm
ayers is a good signing…about time we got a quality starting de…imagine ayers and Mario Williams on the end with McDonald and McCoy inside…sounds nice don’t it….thx for effing that up licht…now gmc has no excuses…ayers had the 9 sacks last year and he can play inside and out…hopefully no more double teams or excuses for gmc…GO BUCS!!!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:25 pm
Reflecting back to something I posted 2 yrs ago
(2014 Free Agency)
(March 20th, 2014)
• Now sign DE Robert Ayers!! (5.5 sacks 2013) Value Pick!
Robert Ayers could push-Bowers/Means for a rosters spot.
Either way the camp battle will be intense.
Not only for them but also the linemen lining up across from them in practice
DE Robert Ayers (28)- In 2013, played in (15 games) with (3) starts.
• (29) Tackles,
• (5.5) Sacks
• (1) Forced fumble
March 11th, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Another One! Another Champ! Keep’em coming licht. Seems like licht only signs dudes with hardware. (AFC champs)
I see what you’re doing here Jason.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Thanks Life for putting the exclamation point on what I was trying to say. This is how you build a great team.
And for Joe…yes Joe…as they used to say in the corn fields of central Illinois….even a blind ISU grad finds an acorn every so often (one of those many good old rural sayings).
March 11th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
@ kevin
I agree with what your saying about Hayes. I think he might be a difference maker for this D-line. Just watching him run Bosa through his drills at the Ohio state pro day make me think he can help ayers and a rookie blossom on this D-line
March 11th, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Now we getting somewhere!!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Now sign Reggie Nelson and we are the closest we’ve been to a playoff team in god knows how long. We are finally signing players that play angry. This team needed the edginess and drive. Grimes and ayers are perfect examples of that. Patience was truly the key this free agency. Both contracts seem spot on
March 11th, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Now go secure todays trifecta and lock up Weddle with the same type of contract!!! Go Bucs!!!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Where are we with the cap…..somewhere near $40 mil?
I knew we would make some moves……we had to pay more but that’s OK….it’s not for years down the road…..I like our mix of Vets & younger players.
We need a WR….a S & LB…..we still have enough money to do that.
I’m OK with some of the cap because we have a lot of players becoming free agents in 2017.
These two signings gives us extreme flexibility with the draft….we can definitely draft the BPA now.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:39 pm
@mark..welcome! your statement, well spot on!
They are working with the boys on the field and in their heads..sign champs and build that winning mind set..
I wonder does anyone know what other teams wanted Ayers??I know Giants were trying to get him to stay..
OMG..If I was a guy, I would have to walk around with a bed comforter around my waist..
This is good…now I am waiting for Roddy’s contract announcement and this will be one happy lady..
March 11th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
This is a good signing all the way around. No need to pay 80 mil more for players who have the same production over the past three years. This may turn out to be a steal.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:43 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ECH34b2aM
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:43 pm
OK – now we are make some progress. Pass on the over the top expensive FA pass rushers in day 1 – who frankly are probably not much better than the “2nd tier” of FA pass rushers like Ayers is considered – and save many MILLIONS. Its a stop gap measure either way so why grossly overpay?
I still expect to see at least 2 DL players drafted this year. Hopefully they are both DEs.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:43 pm
@Joe
Will these three FA be handed starter roles or will they have to compete for their job please let me know! Because if I can recall that was a problem
March 11th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
At least his last name isn’t Johnson.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:53 pm
Guzzie likes…good move a veteran to teach our young ones how to grow into professionals
March 11th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Prediction : Mike Johnson won’t like this signing.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2016 at 5:59 pm
Don’t forget guys. We need to spend a good bit of change just to reach the cap floor so give Licht a break. Better to have several ‘not so splashy’ signings than Huge signings that turn into busts.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Better than what we had last year
Now build through the draft
March 11th, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Honestly don’t know much about him, but in terms of value, seems to make a lot more sense than what the Giants did with Vernon. I mean, even if he’s a bust they won’t have to swallow too much in guaranteed $$$. The only question is whether he’s an upgrade. Clearly, he is. Solid signing.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:13 pm
@87
MJ is probably a distant relative of Lovie’s or just a guy who lives in his mom’s florida room with nothing better to do. There has been many times where I wanted to respond to his BS but not even worth it.
By the way I will be there first game of the season screaming my head off right next to the ship. I have the same problem people think screaming and yelling isn’t allowed at a Buc’s game anymore. It’s sad.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:14 pm
From what I have read on both Grimes and Ayers I am quite satisfied…..for now. If we can replicate last years draft success then its skys the limit. Go Bucs
March 11th, 2016 at 6:26 pm
Hope his middle name is not Johnson.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:26 pm
I got a feeling someone’s confidence poll is going up.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Life
What you know about Carl banks? I had the honor of growing up watching the greatest lbs ever: Banks, Johnson, Carson n LT. Later on I got to see DB55.
They don’t make them like that anymore.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
I hate to say I’d like a gator.. But I’d like to sign both Harvin and Anquan. (At least one is a Nole, thank the Licht.)
March 11th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Even though Grimes will have a bigger impact, I love the Ayers signing! A move like this opens the door, IMO, for a dominant interior lineman at #9. I would take Rankins over either Clemson DE. Build depth all over the line! Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2016 at 6:42 pm
Ayers had 1 sack prior to JPP retirning to the lineup.Hmmm.
March 11th, 2016 at 6:53 pm
Joe you miss the point yet again. This team needs veteran depth on all positions. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the good teams in this league have more than 22 starting caliber players
March 11th, 2016 at 7:05 pm
Mistake
March 11th, 2016 at 7:06 pm
We are a third tier franchise
Nobody wants to come here unless they are over the hill and being over paid
March 11th, 2016 at 7:14 pm
Good signing. Welcome aboard Robert!
Now we need to get Bosa or Buckner to complete the D line!
March 11th, 2016 at 7:20 pm
On the sidenote thingy……….I am grilling fresh Rainbow trout right now
March 11th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
Madmax…. Works for me!! Would immediately be excited about that line and I’m sure more moves would come.
March 11th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
ok licht…not sure if cleveland would accept but offer glennon and the 9th pick for the 2nd pick so we can grab bosa or ramsey…..one can dream.
March 11th, 2016 at 7:29 pm
@ cc
He missed the 1st 4 games due to a bad ankle. So maybe it took him some time to get back in shape? Maybe playing next to mccoy can make a difference like jpp did? Hmmmmm…
March 11th, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Ayers signing = yawn, zzzzztttttttt He was really only effective when he had a #1 DE (JPP) to take the double teams off him. Ah well, he’ll probably be decent depth/rotational guy.
March 11th, 2016 at 7:33 pm
there is a caveat to this signing. Big Dog has the same agent as ayers used to have. he apparently told big dog he stopped representing him because he has a bad shoulder and should retire. agent gave permission to quote him since it was common knowledge.Hope licht and co. checked this out.Agent also said he would only make it 12 or 13 games. hope he got some kind of solution to this.
March 11th, 2016 at 7:42 pm
I should say agent thinks he should retire.and maybe bucs can figure a way to rotate himin on passing downs
March 11th, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Joe reason I think that this move is great u have to look at the system he played in he played for jack del rio in Denver the same system that mike smith will run also I gotta agree with William walls Hayes will coach this kid up…
——————————————————-
Why not go for the best talents, the works hard, that coaches will scheme for rather than try and make it fit a certain system? You have to have talent regardless of the system….
March 11th, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Robert Ayers was the third rated 4-3 DE in FA behind Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. Based on who was left at DE we should consider ourselves very fortunate. Joe, 7 of his 9.5 sacks came from the outside, which is a testament to how well he can rush from the edge. So I wouldn’t get locked into Ayers being an interior pass rusher by no means. He racked up 94 pressures (15 sacks, 25 hits, and 54 hurries) on 602 pass rushes—one of the most productive 4-3 defensive ends on a per snap basis, over the past two year. If we draft Deforest Buckner, Noah Spence, Shaq Lawson or my favorite Leonard “the freak” Floyd in the first, then go after Vernon Butler in the second round, our defensive front with Gerold McCoy and Robert Ayers will be unstoppable. Things are looking up my friends. Great comeback Jason Licht. Now sign us a Safety and we are on pour way.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Wow did they blow it with Mario Williams…
Anywho better than nothing – it’s not my money I suppose.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:19 pm
I like what Licht is doing; he’s trying to build a winner…good teams usually have a mix of young talent and solid vets…None of the free agents we signed were the “sexy” picks fans wanted but the consensus for each player is that they’re good locker room guys and hard workers; also, definite up-grades from what we had last year, with the exception being Sweezy being a slight down grade from the retiree Mankins…that said, Sweezy is solid and still hasn’t reached his full potential yet…chicken little BuCs fans need to relax, the sky is not falling…
March 11th, 2016 at 8:26 pm
Joe jas been whining all week that the bucs need to sign a DE. We sign the best available guy left and Joe doesnt like him.
Mcdonald isnt a very good pass rusher from what i remember. So if Ayers can help us add consistent pass rush. Then why moan about it? Is he the best DE in the league? Of course not! But we need all the help we can get. Literally anything is better than we had.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:33 pm
Some people just need to cry about any move Licht makes. Ignore them.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:41 pm
The good teams are able to draft players to replace aging expensive players. That is what licht is setting up. We are adding veteran player to fill gaps. Players that arent cap busters, but good enough to fill in until we draft the right rookie to replace them. Both grimes and Ayers are short term solutions. But they are both desperatly needed to make this team competitive next season. We don’t want to rely on just rookies. We want an atmosphere of competing, earning, and winning. It’s just like what we did with Bruce Carter. We brought him to fill a gap we had until a rookie could replace him. Unfortunately for him, (and luckily for us) kwon was drafted last year and developed far faster than anyone predicted. If we continue to do that type of drafting we will be in great position to win games in the near future, and we will never be in cap hell again.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:57 pm
It is funny the people that complain about Ayers, wanted JPP or Mario Williams. 1 guy has 1 working hand, and had 1 sack last season. The other has been accused of quiting on his team, and complained about the defense he was in. Clearly he was a great teammate.
But yeah Ayers was a terrible pick up. Should signed up these dudes to lead our young impressionable team.
/sarcasm
March 11th, 2016 at 9:10 pm
This signing is Licht’s best thus far this season. Good value at approximately $1 million per expected sack. Compare that to the $2 million per expected sack the Giants are paying Vernon.
Ayers upgrades our number two DE; he is better than both H. Jones and G. Johnson. It will be interesting to see how they use him in nickel packages, especially if we draft someone who can bend the edge. He offers flexibility to allow us rotate DEs in 3-4 packages with Gholston and McCoy. Nice addition to the team.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:15 pm
godzilla13 Says
“Robert Ayers was the third rated 4-3 DE in FA”
A rating that does not take into account his injury history.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:18 pm
I’m still not impressed. At all.
People here are desperate for anything, so you all think this is great. It’s not.
Neither was JR.
Grimes? He may work out. Hopefully.
What I see happening is Jason Licht throwing massive amounts of money at bad players and injury prone players.
Same old mistakes as the last two year. You guys are buying right into it…again.
I wondering why I even bother paying attention before the draft.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:21 pm
ToesOnTheLineSays – Watch the link. Robert Ayers is a very good DE and his sacks were not all because JPP lined up opposite him.
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2016/02/was_robert_ayers_sack_binge_directly_linked_to_jas.html
Any one else interested check out this link. It breaks down all 9.5 of Ayers sacks last year.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:24 pm
And for those expecting 9 sacks? ROFL!!!!!!
The man got most of his sacks inside. He might play 13 games. He is in his 30s and only now reaching 9 sacks (SYSTEM PRODUCT!)
Good lord. Come on, people! Stop settling!
March 11th, 2016 at 9:27 pm
Interesting Bob… know anything about the law? I would expect that if what you are saying is true, the agent might as well forget representing any NFL player in the future. After all, would you ever sign with a guy to represent you that will disclose personal information about you if you ever decide to go elsewhere? Don’t know if it is true or a sack of dung…but I find it hard to believe that the agent would be that stupid, or that the Big Dog would have such a stupid agent.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:35 pm
—
Free agency blues got you down? Irrational, catastrophic thinking ruining your life? Are you annoying those around you with incessant complaining and b!tching?
https://www.crisiscenter.com/what-we-do/suicide-prevention-services/
(813) 964-1964
—
March 11th, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Wow Bonzai….I’m usually the pessimist on the block. Aren’t you tired of the same old big money busts? This guy has maybe a couple good years left in him… But do you really expect us to be SB bound next year? I don’t…but we need a well seasoned DE to work with the couple I expect we draft…Plus we need a great deal of cap space to sign our own next years crop of FA’s. If you trust Licht…and I have no reason not to so far….just give him another couple drafts and FA cycles.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:38 pm
BONZAI U SUPPORTED LOVIE. U KNOW JACK YOU KNOW WHAT. BEEN HOLDING IT IN FOR YEARS
March 11th, 2016 at 9:43 pm
Recap-
DE- Ayers. Smith. Gholston. ROOKIE
DT – McCoy Spence. McDonald. —–
LB – David. Alexander —– ROOKIE
DB – Verner. Banks. Grimes. ROOKIE
S – conte. Tandy. Mcdougald. —–
OLine is good. Add a ROOKIE
RB Martin. Simms.
QB JW. Griffin
WR – VJax Evans bell Humphrey ROOKIE ?white? Shepard
TE – ASJ. Brate stocker
They have a great base a some good vets.
They have to hit it in the draft with a DB and a DE.
ID LOVE TO SEE Smith healthy rotating in at DE as pass rush specialist. I think he could hit 10 with McCoy and spence and ayers. I would love the rookie spence IF IF IF they do their HW and determine he is clean and ready to go
March 11th, 2016 at 9:44 pm
I also think they could still grab a safety in FA. Weddle?
March 11th, 2016 at 9:45 pm
DB55
U know I got LUV bruddah – and I respect your POV.
Madd Respect for
• Lawrence Taylor
• Harry Carson
• Pepper Johnson
• Gary Reasons
Sorry Fam – but that Unit can’t hold a candle to..
• Rickey Jackson
• Vaughan Johnson
• Sam Mills
• Pat Swilling
I use watching that defense destroy teams ALL game long. While their terrible offense- bungled around, turning the ball over.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Everybody knew Bonzai supported Lovie.
March 11th, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Good evening mein bruddah LUV. I hope things are good with you tonight. I am mixed on the Grimes signing but I understand the need to spend$ and fill a need. Same thing with Ayers. Totes on board with Martin signing. I am not all wrapped up in FA like most of my Bucs buds. That’s because I dont expect the playoffs next yr tho. Not sayin it couldnt but I would be a fool to expect it and I have been a Bucs fan for 40 yrs so………….
March 11th, 2016 at 10:04 pm
BUCBONZAI
So what DE do you suggest ?
Mario – was hell bent on Miami. No chance.
Johnson – was offered. It was a ploy. He was never leaving Carolina
JPP – was never leaving NY
Vernon- hell bent on as much cash and a spotlight. No chance
What’s left that’s better than Ayers and a rookie?
The reality is you and others freak out when they don’t sign every big name that comes along. The reality is 70% of the signings are going to fail. That is the history. Personally I wanted Mario Williams but if Mario didn’t want to come to Tampa, it wasn’t happening
Every year there’s a bunch of fans like you who think free agency’s bailing because they didn’t sign all the top stars like you wanted. I also want to Janoris Jenkins. Oh well, didn’t happen. I like grimes for a couple years along with s rookie and banks and Verner
March 11th, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Bucs SB with Jameis
Evening Bruddah
I hear U. I approach every season like …
“Hey If we do this and that we could make it 2 the playoffs.”
I guess I’ve seen too many teams – come out of no where.
2 know that anything can happen. If you make the right moves.
March 11th, 2016 at 10:16 pm
Yes Sir! It totally can happen. I just keep my expectations in check if possible. I am going to play some xbox with my son. Peace out and Go Bucs
March 11th, 2016 at 10:21 pm
Still would LUV to see this lineup going into camp
*Robert Ayers | William Gholston | George Johnson
Gerald McCoy | Clinton McDonald | Derrick Lott
*Terrance Knighton | Akeem Spence
*Greg Hardy | *Noah Spence | Jacquies Smith | Howard Jones
I would keep Johnson on the roster until finally cuts. U never know who could go down. He played very well in the wide 9 in Detroit. I know coaches Hayes is one of the best wide 9 coaches in the nation. So if the kid is motivated – he should improve.
Let the best man win..
March 11th, 2016 at 10:21 pm
Nite Bruddah
March 11th, 2016 at 10:32 pm
This is a true test for this coaching staff:
Ayers does all of his damage from the inside, especially as he grows older. He’s either at guard or over the center – WHICH IS FINE. Throw him in there on 3rd down (McDonald/Spence for 1st and 2nd), gives us some speed inside while McCoy eats the double team (allegedly).
GOLDEN QUESTION that will determine whether this team is better coached than last year: do we play him to his strengths, or do we force him outside?
—> and rotate Gholston, Smith, and (future DE)
March 11th, 2016 at 10:33 pm
This is a true test for this coaching staff:
Ayers does all of his damage from the inside, especially as he grows older. He’s either at guard or over the center – WHICH IS FINE. Throw him in there on 3rd down (McDonald/Spence for 1st and 2nd), gives us some speed inside while McCoy eats the double team (allegedly).
GOLDEN QUESTION that will determine whether this team is better coached than last year: do we play him to his strengths, or do we force him outside?
—> and rotate Gholston, Smith, and _____ draft pick @ DE.
——> Even gives you flexibility w/ that first pick, I’m ok w/ Myles Jack @ 9th overall.
March 11th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
^ either over the guard or center*
March 12th, 2016 at 12:08 am
This dude showed his worth while he was with the Broncos, and He played well last year. I like this signing.
March 12th, 2016 at 1:14 am
I find it hilarious everyone love these jabber washed up players no one wants except for us.. Doug Martin and the Seahawks players I get these last two are terrible players… I mean the giants signed a guy with 1 hand over this guy.. and the dolphins could t stop anyone..
March 12th, 2016 at 4:08 am
My gf is a huge Giants fan, so I watched a lot of their games last year too. Bonzai, you’re entitled to your opinion….but so are the rest of us who like the signing. And I wont knock you for not agreeing with me.
March 12th, 2016 at 4:20 am
LUV preaching wisdom and fact as always….but I still dont feel it on Spence. Im sorry, and I could be proven wrong. We’ll see….and trust me, I’ll be following him.
Shaq Lawson had a great pro day and Dodd was also looking good, just not as much spring to his step as Lawson. If Bosa and Buckner arent there for us, then I’d take one of those guys over Spence, even Hargreaves. Spence will probably drop to the 2nd round anyway.
March 12th, 2016 at 5:47 am
Keep bringing in players who have had success in the league like Ayers and Grimes. Can only help out this defense from where it was last year.
March 12th, 2016 at 7:17 am
@mark2001
the gist of ayers former agents statement was he thought that Ayers was
further injuring his shoulder and should not keep playing.So he stopped representing him.He said the injury was common knowledge. Hope Bucs did due diligence on this. With Gholston playing on obvious running downs and ayers playing in passing situations it might extend his career. I think he missed 4 games last year due to ankle injury,not shoulder. So its possible it is healed enough that bucs don’t see it as a problem.
March 12th, 2016 at 7:26 am
When the hell are they going to re sign sterling morre?????
March 12th, 2016 at 7:54 am
@Godzilla
thanks for the link and good analysis.No sign of shoulder problem there.So the analysis basically said that he wasn’t really until game 8 due to hamstring injury.So 7.5 sacks in 9 games is impressive.He has a good combination of power and speed.
March 12th, 2016 at 7:56 am
oops, I meant:i meant he wasn’t really healthy until game 8.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:04 am
from video analysis of sacks.he is definitely an everydown player when healthy
and could even lineup inside Gholston to give different defensive looks.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:07 am
While games are not won in March (see Carl Nicks, Eric Wright, Anthony Collins, Both invisible Johnsons, etc), I really like what Licht has done so far. Adding necessary pieces at marginal cost as opposed to paying max dollars to one or two players. They should have several good pieces at all 3 levels of defense, the key will be Mike Smith and his coaches’ ability to make it gel. Mccoy, Smith, Ayers, Gholston up front, two good to potentially great pieces at linebacker, and I actually think Verner, Banks and Grimes could work with upgrades at safety, although I’d still take Hargreaves or Ramsey if available. I would still use 2 of first 3 picks on d line and defensive back, using the other to look for value at receiver or right tackle.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:14 am
Broy3434 Says
“BONZAI U SUPPORTED LOVIE.”
And you twits support Jason Licht, who it turns out is the one who made all of those horrible free agency signings (he even admitted it!).
March 12th, 2016 at 8:23 am
Buccfan37 Says
“Everybody knew Bonzai supported Lovie.”
Dang straight. Because when I decide I like a person, I make no secret about it. I don’t create other names to post under. I don’t give props until earned…and when they are earned, I give them every time.
I say what I believe. I’m a straight talker. I don’t set out to stir up trouble like certain people around here. I set out to get at the truth.
And the truth that so many around here are choosing to deny is that Jason Licht was as much to blame as Lovie Smith.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:33 am
Dave Says
“BUCBONZAI
So what DE do you suggest ?”
Now? None.
Jason Licht failed to reign in a decent one.
Let me ask you something…when you go to the local produce market and you want to buy an apple…and you see there are only a couple good apples and the rest are rotten…BUT…everyone beats you to the good apples, leaving bad ones.
Do you still buy the rotten apple?????
No. You buy other , better produce and buy get apples elsewhere!
So, because Licht did not get a good DE, he should have spent his time on getting better players at other positions. He should have broken the bank on the best RT available. He should have signed WR Jermaine Kearse, along with WR Roddy White (still might).
Instead, he signed a Guard for big bucks whose ability is highly in question (when we have Evan Smith, a man who plays well at guard) and Ayers, a guy who cannot make it through a complete season and who has only had one good year in many.
He signed Grimes, who is certainly good enough, but he could have gotten one of two quality young CBs at a good price if he knew what he was doing.
And then? With RT, LG (Smith), 2 WRs and 2 CBs in place through free agency, he could have focused on getting 2-3 top notch DEs in the draft…and the team would have been a contender.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:35 am
MadMax Says
“My gf is a huge Giants fan, so I watched a lot of their games last year too. Bonzai, you’re entitled to your opinion….but so are the rest of us who like the signing. And I wont knock you for not agreeing with me.”
Handled with class.
Well done. You have my respect. 🙂
March 12th, 2016 at 8:45 am
@TrueBuc
I think Macdonald is primarily a run stopper but does have the ability to produce splash plays on occasion.He can really help defense when he comes back and it might free up McCoy more often.
March 12th, 2016 at 8:57 am
You guys are seeing the blue print for the bucs now. Let all the garbage teams break the bank on over hyped FA and wait until the dust settles and sign 2nd tier guys for a little cheaper that have a resume.
By filling those holes in FA we are able to draft the BPA and not by need. Signing these veterans for a couple years will let our rookies grow in to there roles and replace them one there contracts are up.
This is the way you build a winning Franchise folks. Now imagine Ayers and Joc Smith on the edge with G-Mac and Sheldon Rankin in the middle.
Theres too many talented DT to not pick one up this draft. I’m pretty confident we will snatch one in the first couple rnds.
Besides another WR our offense is set. Now we will focus on the Defense this coming draft. And if we can put together a decent one, we will Def be a playoff bound team.
Pressure on the QB is the key to us having a winning season or not. Simple as that.
March 12th, 2016 at 9:12 am
@bonsai
I only know of one free agent that Licht has admitted to, picking Anthony Collins.Common sense says he didn’t pick any of the ex bear players.
And he certainly didn’t keep trying to put Mike Jenkins in the lineup when
it was evident to the masses he wasn’t any good. Please provide proof that
any other free agents were Licht’s picks,not signings.
Now lets talk rotten apples since I bought a few in my time,Most are found after you bite into them or peel off the skin.Thats what happens with free agents you have to get them on the field,only then you if you know if you got a bad apple or not.
As the Jackson Browne song says:We may lose,We may Win but we will never be here again.Most of us would rather be here than where we were for the last two years.Thats the truth as I see it.
March 12th, 2016 at 9:16 am
AYERS is slightly above average and as of lately has been injury prone. Decent signing but not great. We shall see what he can do.
March 12th, 2016 at 9:20 am
I like this blueprint for team development…sign talented end of career quality for a fair price, and draft their replacements for development…just like Bruce carter / quan Alexander senerio. Now go get a wide reciever with speed, and draft one in third or fourth rounds
There is Licht at the end of the tunnel finally!
March 13th, 2016 at 11:01 am
Jason Licht is awesome!