Foolish Clamoring For Roddy White
August 3rd, 2016
It was inevitable; eye-RAH! has decided to blast Joe and set Bucs fans straight.
By IRA KAUFMAN
We’re only a week into training camp and my comrades at JoeBucsFan are already suffering from heatstroke.
How else can we explain their obsession with Roddy White?
Now I’ll be the first to acknowledge Mr. White has enjoyed a stellar NFL career. He is considered the most prolific wide receiver in Falcons history, and he was THE man in Atlanta — at least until Julio Jones arrived.
But after 11 NFL seasons, White simply doesn’t have it anymore.
If White was still a dependable, dangerous target, some team would have snapped him up — most likely the Bucs. Who knows this guy better than Mike Smith and Dirk Koetter?
But the Bucs have passed on White for five months, since Atlanta let him go. The Falcons jettisoned White partially for financial reasons, but primarily because they didn’t think he could help anymore. He turns 35 in three months and can no longer be counted on to be productive. Playing for a team that averaged 38 pass attempts per game last season, White reached the end zone exactly once.
That’s the same number of scoring receptions as Adam Humphries, who didn’t start a single game for the 2015 Bucs.
Koetter says Humphries already is the No. 3 wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. There’s little veteran depth at wideout, especially with Louis Murphy coming off a torn ACL, but Tampa Bay is being understandably patient.
No Grandiose Claims At One Buc
The regular season is more than a month away and Koetter and crew want to evaluate what they have before deciding whether to add pieces.
“It’s a fun group,” says Humphries, far ahead of Kenny Bell, Donteea Dye and Russell Shepard on the depth chart. “We’re all young guys, joking around and just having a good time. But at the same time, we’re here for a job and trying to earn that spot, so it’s fun.”
Trying to forge a winning 53-man roster is fun — and challenging. Koetter and GM Jason Licht aren’t making any grandiose claims about the depth of the receiving corps.
Except for Murphy, Tampa Bay’s reserves have much to prove. But isn’t that what training camp and preseason games are for? Let’s see what Bell and Dye do in the next month before writing them off.
And if Koetter doesn’t like what he sees at that point, the Bucs will dissect the final cuts and make a move or two.
Meanwhile, Roddy White waits for another chance to display his diminishing skills. Loyal readers of this website have seen lots of love sent Roddy’s way in recent weeks, but this league isn’t based on what you’ve done in the past: can you help me now?
I’m skeptical White can make a difference this fall. Not only have his skills dropped off, but White was whining in Atlanta last year, complaining about the number of footballs Matt Ryan sent his way.
He wasn’t the guy anymore, and that’s a tough truth to accept, no matter how many digits are on your paycheck.
Better Veterans On The Street
Beyond White, other veteran receivers remain on the market. Marques Colston (33) and Lance Moore, who turns 33 later this month, used to be prime targets for Drew Brees in New Orleans.
At some point, one of these guys may make sense for the Bucs. Not now.
“All our guys can play, they showed that last year,” Evans says. “They came in and they made plays when they had to … when VJax was down, and Murph went down. There’s a lot of talent on this team, and they’ll show it in camp.”
If they don’t, the Bucs won’t waste time bringing in replacements. Sorry guys, Roddy White won’t be the first name on that list.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Would love to see a vet like Colston suit up for Tampa as many times as that guy has torched us over the years. He would easily beat out the entire depth behind Jackson and Clayton-Evans and probably them too.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:46 pm
He ain’t wrong.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Which is why you never see me clamoring for White even though I know how thin they are at WR.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Colston would be good depth behind Vjax probably but guy’s play has definitely deteriorated. Lance Moore is like a Humphries type. Dependable hands / route running.
I wanted Anquan Boldin or Mike Wallace. Those guys were good values and still can bring something. Boldin with his hands and Wallace with his speed.
The WR FA market wasn’t that great though (along with DE). The top guys were way overpaid for what they are.
I’d feel fine if I knew that ME, Vjax, Hump, & Murphy would all stay healthy. That’s 2 elite options, a slot guy, and a deep threat. Historically Vjax never missed a game the 3 years prior to last year and everyone has said the injury was flukey
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Ira is Righta.
Makes more sense to use the roster spots to see how far they can develop the young talent. You don’t sacrifice any of those guys for a 1 year fix at this stage of the team’s development. I mean, if it were a solid guy with a few years left and a team first mindset who was clearly an upgrade, OK. Otherwise, let’s see what KB and the Stampeder can do.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:57 pm
Colston? As bad as White…why don’t we bring James Jones out of retirement, shall we? lol
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:58 pm
the goal is to retain our young talent long-term….let them gain experience and reward them with new contracts.
August 3rd, 2016 at 5:59 pm
We already have vets on the roster in VJax and Murphy…..let a young guy come-in and get the experience.
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:00 pm
time to stop using the waiver wire as a crutch….draft and groom our young talent. Now I’m done.
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:04 pm
This was geat. I was kinda hoping he would call us all fools like the headline hinted but this piece should set us all straight about Roddy White. For the most part fans are pretty foolish when it come to personal decisions.
It really does make way too much sense for Dirk and co. to evaluate the players we actually have before they drop a wrench into the gears, doesnt it? The Roddy White crowd will die down if , just say, Reddy goes off next week……….and if Reddy were to get some first team snaps and do it again the Roddy White crowd completely disappears.
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Where is this said “obsession”?
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:09 pm
Maybe ocho cinco is ready for another go too! I think T.O. Is also looking for work.
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:25 pm
You joke, but T.O. can still ball, if he wasn’t such a dillhole he’d be on a roster
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:44 pm
Patience…..in other words….I have agreed all along with Ira…..
We need to see if we have our WR depth with the players we have first….there will be time to add a piece…..
There is a reason why these guys are available…
My neighbor is a Falcon fan and he was all excited about them picking up Dwight Freeney….I told him they picked him up because Clayborne is their #1 DE.
There is really not much of a future picking up the older players unless they are starters…..
August 3rd, 2016 at 6:54 pm
EyeRuh laying the smack down on Joe. I dunno. I think Roddy is still pretty good and better than some of the scrubs on the team, but we’ll see. Colston is awesome but gets hurt more than ASJ.
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:00 pm
I’d bring Colston or one of them in if Jackson or Evans go down , I would take James jones in the slot though now
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:17 pm
There is plenty of talent to be developed between Bell, Spencer, Krause and Dye.
Picking through the scrap heap of nearly washed up veterans is no way to build a team.
Evans, Vjax, Humphries, Murphy and Shepard all likely have spots on this team (assuming Murphy is good to go by Sept). So there’s one spot left on the active roster. It’s much better to fill that spot with a young up and comer than to bring in a nearly washed up vet and have to expose all of your young talented receivers to the waiver wire.
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:23 pm
I don’t see how this is attacking Joe. Joe posted an article where Koetter had said that Roddy White was the single most competitive football player he ever coached so I’m sure that is what is argument is based on for us to sign Roddy. Ira is basing his argument on White’s numbers. They both have a dog in the fight. All I care about is the Bucs winning, and us ALL having a great time watching it.
IMO…….we don’t need a Vet. Great QBs make average WRs look great. We will be ok with Hump, ME, and VJ. Murph and whoever backing them up. Color me optimistic.
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:31 pm
The problem I see is most of the WRs for the Bucs can’t catch. They can drop good passes with the best of them though.
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Well said Mr. Kaufman,great compliment to this here.. Site.
August 3rd, 2016 at 7:36 pm
V-Jax and Murphy are still in the WR room. That’s probably enough of a veteran presence for the rest of the guys. I think the staff is anxious to see if Krause can bring something to the table as well.
August 3rd, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Also, a team who signs a “vested veteran” before the first regular season game is responsible for his entire salary even if he doesn’t work out. After the first game? Cut at will.
I suspect that the guys mentioned by Ira may get phone calls after the first game.
August 3rd, 2016 at 8:08 pm
Geez Ira, all you did was turn the Roddy White Gang into the Marques Colston Gang…….
August 3rd, 2016 at 8:10 pm
Kaufman’s head is in the sand. As Joe has said many times, sign White and CUT HIM if he’s not up to par. Nothing to lose but a little cash, and the Bucs are far under the cap and they owe Jameis the best receiving corps available. Young or old. It’s not like Dye and Bell are draft picks worthy of patience. Let’s start being freakin’ real around here.
August 3rd, 2016 at 8:44 pm
I agree with Ira that White will not be a Buc but neither will be anyone else mentioned. I think it makes sense to look at the FA wire after the 3-4 week of preseason and pickup the best available there. We dont need a vet for a 4 or 5th WR. Smart move by Koetter to name the top 3 WR slots and close the drama door that goes on during silly season.
August 3rd, 2016 at 9:19 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo likes Ocho Cinco”
August 3rd, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Roddy white and Marques Colston aren’t much of a need. With V jacks and Mike Evans on the outside, Louis Murphy adds depth to that spot. We need to add to our inside slot position, cmon Kenny.
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Loving it Pablo!
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:04 pm
BTW amigo, Table Dancers make alot more money up here!!! 🙂
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:06 pm
I’m all about signing the “bridge” guys on defense to show the replacements the ropes, but, right now, VJax IS our bridge guy on offense. No need for another WR that won’t be here next season. I’d rather roll with what we got than cut a young guy with upside to take on a 1 year rental. We can draft VJax’ replacement next offseason and maybe keep VJax on the cheap in a “bridge” role.
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:11 pm
We did VJax a solid by not cutting him or restructuring his deal. Maybe he’ll return the favor next offseason? Or maybe he’ll sign with NE.😛
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:21 pm
@Vic. I really dont think it works that way bro. Now Im sure it could workthat way and I dont know the iner-workings of FO and personal realtionships but I sure there is a very good reason why it just doesnt work that way.
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Thanks Ira. Finally, somebody speaks here with some common sense. Roddy White was done last year. Please lets..salute him for his NFL service…stick a fork in’em and move on. The mans done
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:32 pm
IF we were to sign White, it would most likely be after week 1, when contracts are not guaranteed. Week 1 would have to have gone horribly awry for this to happen.
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:37 pm
I like what Nate Burleson said yesterday..he likes Jameis so much that he’s willing to suit back up and catch for him! He should! Nate’s only like 31 or 32?..
Still would like Roddy for veteran bridge…the man would be great.
But come on Nate! Join us!
August 4th, 2016 at 6:45 am
BigMac channeling his inner John McKay I see.
August 4th, 2016 at 10:00 am
Great article, Ira. You know all last season the previous head coach was ripped a new one for bringing in “his guys” who under performed (did we all forget about “Loaf”?). It makes no sense to me to bring in a WR who doesn’t have the physical skills anymore. We all saw last year that just because a player is familiar with the system doesn’t automatically mean he’s the right player for this team. Roddy White was an excellent WR and judging by what I saw on Hard Knocks he seems like a great guy.
In my opinion if the Bucs sign Roddy White they are waving the white flag on the season.
August 4th, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Roddy White isn’t suited to be a slot receiver, he’s naturally an X or Z receiver, and VJax and Evans have those roles locked down. As long as they can stay healthy, the Bucs really don’t need a guy like White. Although, I’ll bet his phone rings if either starter gets hurt at any point in the season.