Free Agency Countdown: 23 Days
February 14th, 2017
Will Rex complete the committee?
The free agency dinner bell officially rings Thursday, March 9 at 4 p.m. The Bucs will arrive at the buffet table with a 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.
Sorry, Joe has lost all faith in Doug Martin and doesn’t believe he should return to the Tampa Bay roster. Why count on a guy who has been significantly injured in three of the past four seasons and is suspended for the first three games of 2017?
So where do the Bucs turn for a running back?
It seems a no-brainer to re-sign free-agent-to-be Jacquizz Rodgers. And while it would be nice to invest in a beast of a No. 1 running back, the Bucs might not go that route. Dirk Koetter has said he believes a committee approach can be effective.
Enter Bengals soon-to-be free agent running back Rex Burkhead. The 2013 sixth-round pick of the Bengals out of the University of Nebraska hasn’t gotten much of a shot in the NFL, just 87 carries.
But 74 of those carries came last year, and he cranked out 4.6 yards per rush, two touchdowns and 17 receptions on 20 targets. There’s lots of wonder in Cincinnati because injuries forced Burkhead into a Week 17 start against the Ravens and he had 27 carries for 119 yards and those two TDs.
What makes Burkhead intriguing is Dirk Koetter’s nearly 40-year friendship with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. Koetter will know all about Burkhead’s ability. And meanwhile, Jason Licht went to Nebraska and has a little extra knowledge of their players. Burkhead carried a big load for the Cornhuskers with a 1,357-yard, 15 touchdown season as a junior.
Burkhead is known for extreme athleticism and work ethic.
Joe’s not lobbying for the guy, but he is awfully interesting, a back with major X-factor potential who can play special teams and catch the ball.
February 14th, 2017 at 10:34 am
No more Bengals FA’s! Unless AJ Green is available….and he’s not!
February 14th, 2017 at 10:42 am
If we were to go the committee approach I would go after Mike Gillislee and then draft the speedy receiving type RB in the later rounds. But I guess burkhead could work with a RB like Quizz. It would definitely be a cheap committee lol.
February 14th, 2017 at 11:19 am
These mock drafts that I peruse have McCaffery going late in the First. A few have him going to the Patriots. Personally I think he will blow up the Combine and drop significantly.
February 14th, 2017 at 11:48 am
McCaffery has Pats written all over him.
February 14th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
nosbos, so does A Hump but he’s ours! I really don’t see how drafting CMac could be a bad thing. At this point I believe he would be a much better #2 wr than we have now. His dad did pretty ok as a wide out. Plus he can line up in the backfield and return kicks. I know his head and heart are in the right place but being able to stand the rigors of NFL is a concern.
February 14th, 2017 at 1:22 pm
I’m starting to lose faith reading articles like this. Bucs lead dog, Jaquizz … assuming that he re-signs with the Bucs that is … was on the street last year until the Bucs brought him on to fill in for other injured RBs. So now all of a sudden, instead of drafting a true stallion RB, it’s OK to use a RB-by-committee approach? And we should sign some FA guy who has a grand total of 87 carries in 4 yrs to flesh out that RB committee? Come on Joe, you know full well that’s the kiss of death. If we expect to compete with teams like Atlanta & Dallas (to name just two), we’ve got to give Jameis some REAL help. And that, for one thing, means drafting … this year … a top RB who can tote the rock, catch and block. Several available in the draft who’d really help our offense. For another, it means adding a REAL #2 WR who can stretch the field. Bucs need to THINK BIG for a change.
February 14th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
No more speculation for me. I’m playing the wait and see game!
February 14th, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Rex b = meh for me
February 14th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
I’m with D.R. Yep we all agree need a #2 WR…and some us feel we need a genuine RB…whether he runs as part of a committee or not.
February 14th, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Sign Rodgers and pick up Blount. They will be the Thunder and Lightning of the NFL 2017. GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2017 at 10:54 am
Cmon capt! How dare you suggest a rb other than mr cook. Esp a white one.
[Just noticed you are using two different handles. Might want to pick one and stick with it. Using different handles is a Crime Against Joe. Can lead to getting run. — Joe.]
February 15th, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Joe. I had one a while ago but made the switch prob 2? Months ago. Sticking w this one. Plus I’ve never once made any derogatory statement towards you or any of your colleagues. I don’t curse(on your posts).
Also for some reason I randomly have to re enter my info into my phone when I post sometimes so I apologize if there are differences in spacing
February 15th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Why you in a bad mood joes