“Jack” Is Back
March 9th, 2016
Once upon a time last year, Bucs left defensive end Jacquies “Jack” Smith led the NFL in sacks with four.
That came after he dropped three on Drew Brees and was dominant in a Week 2 must-win game against the Saints in New Orleans.
Smith didn’t do a hell of a lot after that. An often hobbled Smith found his way to seven sacks in 12 games, a total that might command him $10 million per year on the open market these days. Dirk Koetter even spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine about how the Smith might not have been healthy all year.
However, Smith was one of those faux pending free agents as of yesterday, courtesy of the complicated rules for undrafted free agents before they hit their third season. Regardless, the Bucs officially slapped a tender on Smith today, so he is assured an inexpensive Tampa Bay return in 2016.
One more strong year from the 25-year-old, and the Bucs will need to pay the man to keep the man.
The Bucs also officially slapped a tender on starting safety Bradley McDougald, a holdover from the Greg Schiano-Mark Dominik regime.
March 9th, 2016 at 9:49 am
Sounds like Javorskie Lane may no longer be with the Bucs. Just saw a tweet from him that seems to indicate as much.
March 9th, 2016 at 9:51 am
There you go Buc fans ! The big DE signing of free agency!
March 9th, 2016 at 9:53 am
Vernon is back in play. I like Jack
March 9th, 2016 at 9:58 am
No-brainer signing either as a starter or situational guy. Both actually.
I sure do wish that ALL our signings were no-brainers (ahem, Doug Martin!).
March 9th, 2016 at 9:59 am
Good thing we have $60million + in cap space! We’ll need it to wrap up our own players and keep this team right where we’re at!
Sarcasm aside, Smith seems like a good guy, and he has contributed on defense, so I’m glad he will stay. I’m just a little surprised…and disappointed if the truth be told….that the Bucs have been so …passive…so far in free agency.
There have already been several good free agents signed that could have really helped this team. Whats the good in having so much cap space year after year, if you don’t use it to make some good acquisitions?
Perhaps the ghost of Michael Johnson still haunts the office of Jason Licht?
March 9th, 2016 at 10:00 am
Negotiate a multi year deal NOW while he is still affordable Jason Licht!
March 9th, 2016 at 10:03 am
Jeagan NO free agents have been signed yet that weren’t already released or re-signing with their own team.
Free Agency starts at 4pm today.
March 9th, 2016 at 10:05 am
hopefully he is just depth/backup this year!!!!
March 9th, 2016 at 10:10 am
Everything we are not seeing shouts that we’re going to the draft for pass rush help.
March 9th, 2016 at 10:55 am
Getting really excited for the 2017 draft, with 1st pick in 2017 draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select….
March 9th, 2016 at 11:28 am
As long as we are hoping. I hope he has double digit sacks
March 9th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
I’d be remissed if I didn’t thank demarco murray!!