Free Agency Countdown: 16 Days
February 21st, 2017
A one-year helper at D-line
The free agency dinner bell officially rings Thursday, March 9 at 4 p.m. The Bucs will arrive at the buffet table with a giant pile of cash. But how will they spend it? How much will they spend? Joe is counting down the days with a different look at a potential free agent signing.
So what the hell are the Bucs going to do about their defensive line?
Reliable backup defensive tackle Akeem Spence might walk in free agency. Ask Robert Ayers, and he’ll be quick to tell you the 25-year-old Spence could start at nose tackle for many NFL teams.
Will Gholston? What kind of check will the Bucs consider stroking to a part-time defensive end who can’t rush the passer. This isn’t Joe knocking Gholston. The current Bucs coaching staff used him part-time last year. Check the snap counts, especially in the strongest games for the defense.
Clinton McDonald, 30, is a great guy, but his health history has been lousy the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, the Bucs defense wasn’t strong against the run.
Defensive tackle Jared Odrick, whose giant salary was just cut by the Jaguars, is a real wild card on the market after getting released this week. He’s 29 and a former first-round pick, and he’s extremely versatile for a 6-5, 300-pound manbeast.
While Odrick, 29, had a couple of different injuries last year that cost him 10 games, he’s known for taking freakishly good care of his body. The man is chiseled, and before last season he hadn’t missed a game since 2010.
Odrick appears to be the kind of player ripe to sign a one-year, prove-it deal. Then he can go run and get one last big contract.
Odrick isn’t a superstar, but he’s a legit and versatile lineman. The Bucs could use an insurance policy like Odrick as they figure out the direction of the D-line.
February 21st, 2017 at 2:14 pm
I would sign him to an inexpensive two year contract. We can use him for depth on the D-Line.
February 21st, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Spot on Joe. He’s not top notch talent, but there will be plenty of demand for him. I’d be surprised if he has to settle for a 1 year deal, but it might be his preference if teams lowball him with injury concerns.
February 21st, 2017 at 2:23 pm
When u don’t draft well you have to do the free agency boogie.
February 21st, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Destin I know you aren’t saying we didn’t draft well….
SMH, how little people know about drafting and what is considered a good draft.
February 21st, 2017 at 3:05 pm
i think he would fit nicely….GO BUCS!!!
February 21st, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Take a look, Joe.
“Pick No. 19 in the draft belonged to the Atlanta Falcons, and as their pick came close to the clock, Odrick’s agent received a phone call from the Falcons General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff, who told them that Odrick was going to be their pick. Who was the head coach of that 2010 Atlanta Falcons team? None other than now current Buccaneers defensive coordinator, Mike Smith.
However, as pick No. 19 came on the clock, and commissioner Roger Goodell walked to the podium, Odrick’s name wasn’t the one that was called – they drafted Sean Witherspoon instead. Odrick was selected nine picks later at No. 28 by the Dolphins.”
February 21st, 2017 at 3:54 pm
before news of his release the last time i heard of Odrick was as a young player on Hard Knocks. poking around the internet since then, i’ve read\heard that he is not exactly Kwon-like in his passion for putting in the work
February 21st, 2017 at 4:11 pm
He is Will Gholston 1.5
February 21st, 2017 at 4:27 pm
He can actually give you 5-6 sacks a season, unlike Gholston.
February 21st, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Yeah this doesn’t get me too excited. Now Poe or Williams they would get me excited. Really looking forward to seeing who we pick up in FA and the draft.
February 21st, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Im not really watching for anyone on the d line simply because I have full confidence in our dline coach. Whatever he says he wants he will likley get just gonna sit back and see who it is. Guys knows his stuff
February 21st, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Just read that Odrick prefers to spend his time in Canada (which is fine) but he may not be 100% committed to football (which is not fine). This team needs totally dedicated players and if he’s not totally committed, then pass!
February 21st, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Just to be sure I’ve got this right Joe … McDonald misses 10 games in 2015 and he’s got a lousy health history. Odrick misses 10 games in 2016 but he’s known for taking freakishly good care of his body. Got it. Both have a 7-yr career. McDonald has played in 83 games (12/yr); Odrick in 87 games (12.5/yr). Not too much different.
And by the way, Will Gholston takes great care of his body too from everything I’ve read, but I guess that doesn’t count since he’s just a part-timer (as is everyone else on the Bucs DLine not named GMC using your definition of part-time apparently since Gholston had more snaps than any other DLineman except GMC). And for the record, Will has played in 57 games in his 4 seasons (14/yr). Not bad for a part-timer.
February 21st, 2017 at 9:42 pm
Campbell and Odrick would solidify our d-line for sure.
February 21st, 2017 at 10:19 pm
Alas, I’m afraid Jason Licht’s “value signing alternative” to Calais Cambell just appeared. Was nice to dream of scoring a true and immediate impact player along the D line while it lasted.
February 22nd, 2017 at 7:12 am
I like to see them bring in Mario Williams for a look see. I still think he would be good in a 43 defense.
February 23rd, 2017 at 8:37 am
I wouldn’t be mad if N. Fairley (same sacks, more tackles & nasty than GMC) and/or C. Campbell were signed.