Down On DeSean, Bridge Picks & Bidding Wars
February 25th, 2017
Joe’s happy to have Gil Arcia as a new Saturday columnist for JoeBucsFan.com. Today is his third column already. Joe has known Gil for years, and Gil has plenty of strong opinions worthy of reading. Bottom line: he’s interesting — Joe loves interesting — and Gil has a few key sources, too. Gill will write whatever’s on his mind. Like JoeBucsFan.com columnist and Hall of Fame voter Ira Kaufman, Gil’s takes are his own and he operates without a leash.
I know everyone is beside themselves with the news and talk of Redskins’ wide receiver DeSean Jackson potentially donning a pewter helmet and catching passes from America’s Quarterback.
Call me a Debbie Downer, but I’m just not as hopeful.
See, the thing is that we still don’t know what Washington is going to do. We’re all asking general manager Jason Licht to “make it happen,” but the truth is there are many factors still in play before Tampa Bay can even go after him.
Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman reported that an NFL scout believes Jackson may wind up in either Dallas or New England. I can see either of those scenarios happening, but let’s keep in mind it is merely the thoughts of just one person.
The point is don’t hold your breath. And with Jackson’s current team still very much in play, let’s temper our excitement a bi.
Stills May Be Out Of The Picture
Not to say that Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills was ever in the Bucs’ sights, but if he was, he may not be anymore.
Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel tweeted some scoop that one California team and the Philadelphia Eagles are in play for Stills. He also added that Miami’s Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum is aware of the interest.
Two things that stand out for me. The first is, obviously, the fact that linking the Buccaneers to Stills, at this point, may be a waste of time unless something changes. Second, this ties in with the first topic in DeSean Jackson.
How so? Here’s how:
There is “widespread” belief (assumptions?) that Jackson will wind up with the Eagles to end his career. But, with Kelly’s report, the idea of a Jackson-Stills combination in Philly is slim. Which then leads me back to Freeman’s report sharing the belief that Jackson will land in Dallas or New England.
Follow?
Look, I have been on the Stills train. I would prefer him over Jackson (due to age). But I also get signing Jackson as a bridge to a rookie receiver, which makes great sense as well.
So… What Should They Do?
Well, let’s say hypothetically that neither Stills nor Jackson are available. Do the Bucs go for the next best possible playmaker-type or just a serviceable and reliable receiver?
Other names potentially could be on the market, like the Redskins’ Pierre Garcon, the Bears’ Alshon Jeffrey, the Rams’ Kenny Britt, or Terrelle Pryor of the Browns. The question is where are they on the Bucs’ list of targets?
There are others who can be role players, too. The Bucs don’t necessarily have to have a big name come in. Just one that can do the job.
But with head coach Dirk Koetter wanting a big-play threat on offense, I’d feel comfortable saying Tampa Bay won’t go after just anyone.
That player would have to be a threat. Jason Licht & Co. just can’t fall into a bidding war trap.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:24 am
Gil, you need to have a talk with Joe it appears. Desean Jackson may go elsewhere? Maybe no Stills? Garcon, Jeffrey, Britt or Pryor as possible targets? All those have been done, ad nauseam, in article after article since last season ended. What would really be new news is a good old-fashioned trade rumor. Let’s say Dallas being willing to trade Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley to the Bucs for Freddie Martino and Donteea Dye. Not gonna happen you say? Hey, gotta keep the dream alive Gil.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:32 am
You ever think that the reason the bucs are linked to every single FA, is because their agents know the bucs have BOOKU DOLLARS, and licht has been using his platiunum card at beach side shops by over expensive BS
February 25th, 2017 at 8:36 am
Yes lets temper the expectations. No idea what licht n koettr are thinking. They could be all in on a couple receivers in the draft and go a different route in free agency. Im a big dj fan but nobody knows how the big guys value any of them, until we do know of course. Go bucs
February 25th, 2017 at 8:43 am
No way djax goes to NE and doubtful he goes to Dallas. His agent will have bidders and he is going to get overpaid. I wouldn’t mind over paying home as long as there is no guaranteed money after year 2. I think we end up with a wr in round 1 or 2 and a second teir guy like Kenny Britt. Kenny stills would be great and that’s who I’d target but the bidding may get too high
February 25th, 2017 at 8:51 am
We really could be left with nothing if we are not aggressive and try to save a few dollars in addition to other teams resigning their players. Stills and Pryor are likely to stay with the Fins and CLE, respectively, from what I have been reading. Garcon also could likely be the one resigned over D-Jax by the Redskins. D-Jax could then go to the highest bidder, say the Eagles or Cowgirls, if we don’t line the streets with greenbacks.
With the rest of the FA WRs, I would be very hesitant at throwing money at them due to injury history, etc. But then that is what the draft is for, I guess.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:00 am
duthsty rhothdes…I get your premise but only in a way that the Bucs with all their cash might be used as a tool to get other teasm to pay more. Unless of course we’re all of a sudden a hot destination spot for FA’s and I don’t think so Tim. Not quite yet.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:09 am
87, BINGO! Just like the AP trick to get more money out of the Giants.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:13 am
87, I don’t think we are a hot destination spot yet, but I think 9-7, a young team with an up and coming, consumed by winning QB and warm weather is going to make FAs take a minute to consider us.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:15 am
Lots of wants and toys to open up for Jameis, but until JL does or doesn’t do his thing, it’s all just hype and hope
February 25th, 2017 at 10:48 am
One thing no one is talking about, what if Jason Licht decides to take a 1 year prove it Flyer on Josh Gordon? The guy hasn’t played is WAAAAAAAAAAAAYY too long, but the last full season he did play? He was the best receiver in football.
Not saying that he should be a priority, but I would be in favor of bringing him in to compete. And think that the potential reward would outweigh the risk of the guy not working out.
February 25th, 2017 at 10:59 am
Dallas when the new season starts will have only 4.2 million dollars left of cap space. Until they restructure any contracts or make any trades they don’t have enough money to buy DeSean Jackson.
February 25th, 2017 at 11:41 am
@Jason
Did you research show the 4.2 million with or without Romo’s salary. I honestly do not know but I suspect a QB with Romo’s seniority is making some major $$$ and I also suspect that he’ll be in Denver or somewhere else next year. Just curious.
As for DJAX…the names NE and Dallas are frightening if we are hoping to land him. Again players DJAX’s age are already multi..multi millionaires. They are mind numbingly WEALTHY. Doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like more but it DOES mean they are free to shop for a winner…a place to end their career with an SB appearance.
Let’s just call it the SB discount…NE certainly has that and Dallas as well to a lesser degree. Sadly at this point we do not. As Buc fans we all see the potential but do other players in the league? Up until this year that answer was a definite NO…which is why we have always had to overpay for our FA’s.
February 25th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
If the Bucs were smart they would be pursuing the 2nd Tiers FA WRs. Players like Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Kendall Wright etc. And draft 2 WRs in the draft.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
@ Stpetebucsfan that amount is currently with Tony Romo’s contract. Which is why I mentioned until they do any trading or restructuring contracts. Now you have to find a team crazy enough to take over that contract. Romo’s health can not be trusted so I don’t know one team who who is willing to take a fourteen million a year in base pay, that doesn’t include anything else on the back end.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
@Jason
Excellent points about Romo’s contract. Perhaps if Tony wishes to play badly enough he’ll have his agent restructure?
February 26th, 2017 at 4:38 am
LakelandBuc.. I agree with you all the way….. As much as I would like Stills to GROW with Jamies opposite ME13, I just don’t see him coming here. DJax is one and done and not going to grow on this team. I want the speedster Goodwin , who is still only 26.
I like trading back into the second round with Cleveland, they get our first up (14 spots)and we get their first second round pick (33) and Pryor, last of 2 fourth and the last of their 3 fifths.
2a David Njoku, TE, Miami best hands of TE
2b Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut – Huge Head Hunter
3 D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas – Big Short Yardage back
4a Erik Magnuson, OT, Michigan Dotson’s replacement next year or slide Smith
4b DeMarcus Walker, DE/DT, FSU awesome athlete with motor younger Ayers
5a K.D. Cannon, WR, Baylor SPEED, hands, will take over Hump slot next year
5b Tyler Orlosky, C, West Virginia, smart nasty
6 Carl Lawson, DE/OLB, Auburn if knee holds up a steal
7 Jalen Reeves-Maybin, OLB/ILB, Tennessee- Athlete flashes on film
Imagine Weapons on Offense
ME13, Pryor, Goodwin, Brate, Foreman, Njoku, Rodgers, Simms, Cannon, Hump, Martin(only at pro minimum, with incentives)
February 26th, 2017 at 7:41 am
Im am going to throw up if we cant lure someone good to come here. They are so close please make something happen for christ sake