Is Louis Murphy A No-Brainer?
February 15th, 2017
Target?
A minor October setback from his knee recovery — an unrelated injury — got Louis Murphy cut by the Bucs in early November.
So Murphy, 29, hasn’t played NFL football since the dreaded Capitol Collapse in 2015, when he blew out his ACL.
However, the Bucs are starved for receiver depth and Murphy is a work-ethic guy who knows the offense, and he’s well liked at One Buc Palace, and he should be willing to sign a prove-it, veteran-minimum contract.
Joe sees Murphy as the perfect kind of training camp body the Bucs should be seeking at wide receiver.
What’s the harm, assuming Murphy can pass a physical?
When Murphy played in 2014 and 2015, he proved valuable and capable in a reserve role.
After the dust settles in the first wave of free agency, Joe could see the Bucs bringing Murphy in for a workout if they haven’t bagged two new pass catchers with Team Glazer’s loot.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:05 am
We shouldn’t be afraid to let anyone compete on this talent starved receiving corps
February 15th, 2017 at 11:06 am
Are my comments being moderated for suggesting competition take place on this team? Scandalous, I know!
February 15th, 2017 at 11:10 am
If Joe wanted to censor you, he would have banned you long ago. Quit whining. Joe’s taking time from his busy day to dig up and approve your precious pearls of wisdom.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:19 am
Joe probably has some type of software that doesn’t let you post certain words or phrases.
Yup don’t even try type some criticism about the website that’s a big No No.
Joe welcomes criticism, but if it’s rooted in BS and/or malcious commentary, then it’s not permitted. Joe also doesn’t engage in customer service chatter here for the .01 percent of folks that have an IT problem. –Joe
February 15th, 2017 at 11:22 am
We may get 2 preseason games out of Murph, if we’re lucky.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:28 am
Why was my last comment just censored?
February 15th, 2017 at 11:35 am
wasting a roster spot on Murphy is stupid and makes zero senses. Even if he plays well in camp he has proven over the course of his ENTIRE career that he is nothing more than an unreliable, injury prone number 5 at best… Local feel good stories do not win NFL games on sundays… talented football players do… Bucs wasted an entire season on murphy and the limited reps that go with it last year. take a chance on a young guy that is not a one trick pony and can play special teams. If you want the bucs to stay in the basement keep pulling for feel good stories over talent. Murphy needs to be studying with Glennon for their insurance licenses it’s time to move on
February 15th, 2017 at 11:36 am
Absolutely a no brainer. I remember the clutch catch he made after being pulled off the street and making Mike Glennon look like a starting quarterback in our win at Pittsburgh a few years ago. Without that catch and run we lose no doubt about it. Any receiver who can make Mike Glennon look like a starting quarterback gets my vote.:) Also although injuries and age have maybe slowed him he did run a 4.32 40 at his college combine which would instantly make him our fastest wide receiver on our current roster.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:37 am
Personally I say NO! Can we please get rid of all the oft injured guys that give us 0 to 6 games year, yet take a roster spot at the beginning of the year. Then we have to grab someone off the scrap heap and they are a month behind learning the playbook or we grab someone that wasn’t good enough to make the team initially. This has been a vicious cycle for the Bucs. Thank you for your time as a Buc Lou Murphy and for killing my Noles in college, but do future you a favor and call it quits before you can’t walk in 10 years.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:41 am
I think Martino has more upside.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:43 am
Murphy > than all TB WRs not named Evans……and that is not something the lounge act should be pumped about
February 15th, 2017 at 11:46 am
Dusthty Rhothdes
might want to do a little research. that bum murphy has NEVER had a decent NFL season at least Hump plays
February 15th, 2017 at 11:49 am
Or we could wait for genius talent evaluator Licht to sign another Kenny Bell or Robert Herron.
This is the real problem folks. Too many wasted resources due to poor talent evaluation by the guy in charge of talent evaluation and decision making.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:50 am
I would say no. If we are looking at WRs that could be there on the 2nd wave of FA as depth I would take someone like Justin Hunter or Marquise Goodwin over Murphy who may still not even be healthy.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:52 am
I bet the CFL dude will work out better than Murphy. Murphy is broken and should only be considered a long shot to make the team and not an actual solution for the worst WR core in the NFL. Murphy was never fast and this WR core needs speed.
February 15th, 2017 at 11:53 am
@tmaxcon
Their are too many guys that have not put in a 16 game season ever!!! CM98, and JS56 come to mind!!! LS88 did have surprisingly had 1 healthy season out of 6!!!!!!!
February 15th, 2017 at 12:06 pm
@tmaxcon….com murph is a great GATOR…..but my point was evans brate and then ??? hump is a great blankie for jameis
February 15th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
I don’t get the confusion. The story is about depth. How in the world could it be harmful to bring in Murphy if he’s healthy? Nobody has stated that he would be starting. If he’s healthy, he’s better than every other WR on the roster besides Evans and Hump.
Depth people, depth!
February 15th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
give him a shot….he played well with jameis…at the very worse he can provide veteran depth….and he knows the system…it cant hurt….GO BUCS!!!
February 15th, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Someone please inform DallasBuc that this team has been getting better.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
If he is willing to be the 5th or 6th WR on the roster then sure bring him on, plus according to Tampa Tony it doesn’t matter who we bring in cause Jameis is our real problem.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
I don’t think Louis Murphy should be given a shot at all. Look, I realize he can be a decent #3 when he’s on the field, but if he is never on the field for us, he can fill ANY role.
That spot he takes while competing? Could go to a young guy who might actually prove to be better. A healthy guy.
There are going to be plenty of young guys available in a couple months. Some great players can be missed in the draft. Save that spot for one of them and try to find a diamond in the rough.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Bucsfanman Says:
“How in the world could it be harmful to bring in Murphy if he’s healthy?”
That’s the problem. He is NEVER healthy for long.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
ndog
your 5th and 6th receivers need to contribute on special teams and Murphy does NOT play special teams. It’s a wasted roster spot. With the new CBA and limited reps you are better off seeing what a young kid can do than a washed up has been that never was.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:53 pm
“He once was a thug from around the way…..
Eazy, but you should….”
Murphy for depth.
Draft a WR high though.
WR in the first. RB in the 2nd.
DL or OL in the 3rd…
Those are MY “pearls of wisdom” for now. lol Joe.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Buc1987
Why would you keep a broken down unreliable old guy that NEVER was very good in the first place for depth. wasted roster spot to warm the hearts of the local feel good story crowd is all murphy is.
February 15th, 2017 at 12:59 pm
The precious pearls of wisdom retort by Joe made the comments section worth the read. I’m on board with bringing Murphy back for depth and would cost us a bag of doritos.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Realist
Give me a durable good player over a part time great player all day long!
February 15th, 2017 at 1:01 pm
might want to do a little research. that bum murphy has NEVER had a decent NFL season
Tmax
I realize you equate “decent” with excellent but you’re the one who needs to do the research. The major knock against Murphy has been his health.
He’s been in the league 7 years…hurt for two of them…he played full seasons 2 out of those 7 years…he played 14 games for two years and 11 games for the other two…IE he’s missed most of only ONE of those 7 years.
As far as decent…Dusthy is correct. He doesn’t put up huge numbers…he’s a solid #3 who actually gets downfield. He AVERAGES over 14 yards per catch over his career. Who else on this team gets downfield or has any YAC.
Joe and Dusty are both correct. We’d be foolish to not give him a “prove it” contract and bring him to camp. He doesn’t take up a spot unless he dresses for the opener and even then we’ll have a developmental guy on the practice squad.
When healthy Murphy is a more than adequate 3rd receiver. He averages FIVE more yards per catch than Hump! Is he the answer to our WR problems? No. Could he be a valuable piece of the puzzle…perhaps. We should at least find out.
When he’s healthy Murphy is clearly better than Hump…and I like Hump.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
BTW For those criticizing Joe for being sensitive to criticism…I do not agree at all. Joe has run a wide open site for the few years I’ve been here. He doesn’t suffer fools or blind or false criticism…but overall he lets guys go at it.
The only time I’ve ever gotten in trouble was for my criticism of one of Ira’s pieces. Joe felt compelled to defend Ira…he did so by making solid points…and actually debating me…but he NEVER simply deleted any of my posts.
Joe is great! Not sure about his IT guys…I sometimes have posts that do not show up even though I’ve scrubbed them for the wirty dords…I suspect those are just technical hiccups not Joe having a heavy hand.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
StPete
he maybe a number 3 on a basement dweller but the for a young team wanting to contend for a playoff spot he is a wasted roster spot that is one dimensional and total complete crap-shoot if he can contribute consistently… Keeping him makes no sense what so ever. maybe as a coach or a nighttime museum tour guide but not on a young up and coming team with playoff aspirations. .
February 15th, 2017 at 1:09 pm
tmax…sorry man I know how much you don’t like the guy, but I think you just lost the board on this one.
Even DallasBuc (not the most positive fan in the world)likes him for comp.
I didn’t do a count, but I’m pretty sure you lost.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Besides we won’t be any good until we rid of ourselves of the locker cancer….
Soft serve…
🙂
February 15th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
stpete
you guys defended this murphy dude all last year with the same BS rhetoric and he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!! AGAIN!!! Give up on the bum… It is what it is a another failed local feel good story that did not contribute or produce results. if he was a 3 he would have had other opportunities he DOES NOT… He started on the couch for TWO seasons in a row and only the basement dwelling bucs came calling… sir that is not a 3rd receiver that is a insurance salesman in denial. if bucs want to compete and contend consistently they have to move past all these mediocre has beens that never were… losing culture is changing and it’s raising the standards thankfully
February 15th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Tmax
He’s only 29. He’s put up numbers for the Giants..not bottom dwellers at the time…and the Raiders…yes bottom dwellers. That’s the point…aside from the past year and the injuries he’s incredibly consistent.
His numbers…if you take out one of the bad years he averages over 15 yards per catch…and roughly 35 grabs a year. Who on this team has down that? Besides our #1 of course. Remember we are talking about a #3 here not the #1 or 2.
Murphy has had a catch of 50 yards or more in six of his seven seasons in the league…Hump has yet to do that even ONCE. On a team starved for speed and the ability to get separation it would be silly to not at least take a look on a “prove it” contract.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:15 pm
87
we wasted time on him last year and probably will this year… just a bs pr stunt
I see soft serv being just a role player on a winning team next season… i guess that you could call that an upgrade over previous years.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
tmax
Besides….like us Murph is from St. Pete! Gotta be down for a homie. 🙂
February 15th, 2017 at 1:20 pm
StPete…I just site the board.
Scroll up. It’s like Tmax: 1 JBF : 12.
I wouldn’t call him a “no brainer” like the title suggests however.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:24 pm
For a team devoid of WRs not named Mike Evans, I would think that bringing Murph to training camp would be a no-brainer. Murphy’s reasonably tall (6’2″), fast (4.4 sec) and he’s shown excellent chemistry with Jameis in the past. Big question right now is whether he’s actually 100% after ending last season on IR, but hey, let’s give him a shot. Koetter will figure out fast enough if he can fit into our offensive plans.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:25 pm
I realize there are a lot of “ifs” here but clearly he would have to earn a spot and compete. I don’t consider that, “taking a roster spot.” If a younger, healthier player beats him out then so be it. I just don’t see any harm in taking a look.
There are a lot of holes to fill and only so many top-tier FAs.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
He is a 29 year old WR with 2 bad wheels. I agree depth is needed but there are 100 WRs that can fill that roll. would rather roll with Shep as a 4 and Martino as a 5 and maybe Huff can contribute with a full off season studying…He just needs to leave the ball alone at the 1 on kickoffs, LOL. Maybe CFL Aggie can surprise people. If he was the best in the CFL at his position, he may be able to play.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:30 pm
@StPeteBucfan
I am from St.Pete and live in St.Pete and its time to walk away from “The Homie”!!!!! We need new blood at WR and TE!!! They might need some Old Vet to bring some maturity to the Offense like they did with the defense last year!!!!
Listen to Head Coach Koetter end of the year press conference and ask yourselves if that sound like LM18????? We don’t have time to be wasting practice snaps in the offseason for players that cannot consistently contribute!!!!!
Its a new set of standards Buc Fans!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!
February 15th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Cite*
But you know what I meant.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:35 pm
StPete
I get the local connection but let’s be honest. Not a single local kid has ever worked out long term. Closest would be Shaun King and half the fan base hates his guts now for some reason. It never works out. My biggest issue is the CBA limits reps so severly you can not longer waste reps nor take chances and be as patient with players as you once could be. It’s a bi product of the CBA. If reps were not so limited I could careless if Sally from the car wash was auditioning for WR.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:41 pm
This conversation will most likely be moot by the time pre-season rolls around. I suspect that there will be many new faces at One Buc.
@Realist- I’ve been warming to the thought of a TE upgrade. Outside of Brate we have Stocker and Myers. When given a chance to shine, other than blocking, neither have lived up to their billing.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
@tmax- I get the CBA reference but do you really think it takes long for a coach to see whether a guy can play or not?
Maybe Evans’ old teammate will come in and blow the doors off this joint! What’s that kid’s name? It would certainly make decisions like this easier.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Why not? You go to camp with 90 players. I hope we have options with higher ceilings to start the season with though.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:47 pm
Certainly there must be a young lady in the “make a wish” foundation that wants to play WR. Sign her, she’d be waaaayyyyy more productive.
I often wonder about you guys, it’s like you want to build a perennial loser and then complain about losing all the time.
The best bet is to do the exact opposite of what you think should be done. Murphy is a no-brainer IF you have no brain. That dude is complete garbage and a total waste of a roster spot. How do you not see that?
February 15th, 2017 at 1:47 pm
I’ve read them all. Hey I like Murph too but I’m wit Tmax side of the argument on this one.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:51 pm
it’s simple the bucs are going to have to raise the standards at each and every position every year to consistently contend…. bucs traditionally hang onto far too many mediocre or injury prone gamble type players. They need a lesson from Belicheat. It’s better to cut lose early than hang on nostalgia and loyalty are for bottom feeders. every day is a new day produce or be replaced your past means less than nothing. bucs have been hanging onto mediocre garbage far too long. upgrades across the board UPS is hiring!
February 15th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
I say add him to the mix and give him a chance.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:55 pm
Bucsfanman
I am more concerned that limited reps results in poor timing with the quarterback. Obviously, the more reps with qb more chemistry. stop wasting reps on players who will not contribute long term. Bucs need to clean out WR room minus hump and evans and move forward not a single player is worth another look. We are trying to get better and improve therefore we must move on from the trend of keeping and going after injury prone mediocre unproductive players. .
February 15th, 2017 at 1:56 pm
@DB55- So, we’d be better off going in to camp with the likes of Shep, Martino, and Huff simply because they’re not “garbage”? I don’t get the garbage reference BTW. Is it because he was injured?
Look, no question, if there’s better out there then that’s what you go with. But again, it’s an “if”.
I think some of you guys have a hard time with players from different regimes. Bottom line: Can he play?
February 15th, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Don’t mind him for camp meat, but I sincerely hope by time the season starts we have solid WR1 – WR5 options well ahead of Murphy.
I like the guy, but at 30 coming back from an injury, we can’t expect him to be any better than what he’s already shown.
February 15th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
We need to upgrade, no doubt!
February 15th, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Bucsfan
Can he play?
——————-
No. Not when healthy or injured. Have you looked at his career stats? Some of us said he was a waste of a roster spot last year and he turned out to be just that. You can add Cecil shorts to that list.
Yes I’d rather keep Martino than Murphy. Martino is young, decent speed and good hands. Once his confidence grows and he gets more reps he’ll be much better than Murphy.
February 15th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Thank you St.Pete!
February 15th, 2017 at 2:43 pm
I just looked at his stats. I thought he had more than 380 yards in 2014. I was wrong!
Either way, I’m not pining for us to sign the guy. Depth, we need depth.
@DB55- The issue I have with Martino and others is that when given the opportunity, nobody stepped up. If he is better than Murphy we wouldn’t know it from his play on the field.
I almost forgot about Shorts! We did not have a whole lot of success with WRs last year did we?!!!
February 15th, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Only if Parris Warreb and Larry Brackins are unavailable…he should follow Glennon, however. One pass during a major Steeler upset will be the highlight of their collective careers.
February 15th, 2017 at 3:41 pm
I’ll pass. Him,V Jackson and shorts were guys that wasted roster spots cause they couldn’t stay on the field when we needed themObviously Evans is the man, either sign desean Jackson,garçon,Pryor or stills. You cant make anyone come here but try to sign one of them starting with your top guy. If you can’t entice one to come here then we need to draft a number 2 in rounds 1 or 2. Humpries is the number 3, Shepard is going to take a slot, keep martino and see if he can develop and compete he has up side . I’d rather have Derel Walker, a mid to late round rookie, or anyone that’s not an aging vet w injury problems taking the 6th slot
February 15th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Resigning Murphy means no draft pick used on a WR and no FA signings. It would be outrage if that happens.
February 15th, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Certainly no harm in bringing Murphy back on a vet min deal to compete for a spot. If he is healthy that is.
February 15th, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Bucsfan
You prob missed his “break-out” game in San Diego. 4 catches for 56 yards some clutch first downs at that. Let me be clear, I’m not saying he’s the next Julio but with some more reps he can be far better than Murphy.
February 15th, 2017 at 4:25 pm
A few interesting Wide Receiver & Tight-End (FA) prospects & their perceived value on the open market.
Receiver
• Alshon Jeffery (WR, 26, projected AAV, $13.1M)
• Terrelle Pryor (WR, 27, projected AAV: $9.9M)
• Pierre Garcon (WR, 30, projected AAV: $8.7M)
• Terrance Williams (WR, 27, projected AAV: $8M)
• Robert Woods (WR, 24, projected AAV: $8M)
• DeSean Jackson (WR, 30, projected AAV: $7.6M)
• Kendall Wright (WR, 27, projected AAV: $7M)
• Brandon LaFell (WR, 30, projected AAV: $6.6M)
• Kenny Stills (WR, 24, projected AAV: $6.4M)
• Kenny Britt (WR, 28, projected AAV: $5M)
• Vincent Jackson (WR, 34, projected AAV: $4.5M)
Potential Cap Casualties
• Brandon Marshall (NYJ) $7,500,000 // ($7.5M savings)
• Mike Wallace (BAL) $8,000,000 // ($4.75M savings)
• Torrey Smith (SF) $9,475,000 // ($4.675M savings)
Tightend
• Martellus Bennett (TE, 30, projected AAV: $6M)
• Jack Doyle (TE, 26, projected AAV: $6.2M)
• Jared Cook (TE, 29, projected AAV: $3.3M)
• Ryan Griffin (TE, 27, projected AAV: $3.3M)
Potential Cap Casualties
• Brent Celek (PHI) $5,000,000 ($1M savings)
If the Organization wanted to upgrade the TE/WR position
Possible Upgrades (Trades??)
• WR Brandon Marshall (NYJ) $7,500,000
• WR Mike Wallace (BAL) $8,000,000
• TE Ryan Griffin (TX) (projected AAV: $3.3M)
Followed up by trading/releasing
Releasing
(TE) Luke Stocker ($1,700,000 savings)
Overview
• WR Mike Evans | Russell Shepard
• WR Brandon Marshall | Josh Huff
• SLT Mike Wallace | Adam Humphries
• TE Cameron Brate | Kivon Cartwright
• TE Ryan Griffin | Alan Cross
Luke Stocker sounds like a great locker room guy. But at this point we need some -one with more versatility at the postion. I’d rather his roster spot filled by an extra offensive lineman.
Ryan Griffin can both Block & Catch #keep’emguessing
February 15th, 2017 at 4:36 pm
When has Louis Murphy even have half the season Humphries had? Oh its his ypc? Well when you only catch 20 passes a year even when healthy, your ypc might be high. Hes a Gator from StPete, thats why you like him. You people need to let go of these blond lotaltys to colleges, you know like sticking up for an obvious garbage kicker cause he’s from FSU, even though he can’t kick past 43 yards.
February 15th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Blind not blonde lol
February 15th, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Mike Wallace (2016) Baltimore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZKSVVCqJ0U
REC:72 | YDS: 1,017 | AVG: 14.1 | TD’s: 4
*Wallace ranked 10th (Among Wide Receivers) in YAC (2016).
With 423 yards after the catch. That’s better than ANY FA currently on the market.
February 15th, 2017 at 5:05 pm
lets bring back the whole gang VJax, Drug Mart, Loser Murph, Kenny Bell….no point in looking towards the future, i do think Licht is lacking in skill position talent evaluation, other tgan top 10 picks Evans and Winston, what other skill position player has this guy brought in, off the street FAs are more talented than his draft picks (Bell, Herron, Clay, Vitale, Isofa, ASJ, Sims), other than ASJ and Sims (not exactly studs), all late round picks, grow a pair and try using the top 3 picks on higher rated prospects
February 15th, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Yes. No Brainer.
Evans
Draft a 2
FA with another
Murphy
Humphries
Sheppard
February 15th, 2017 at 11:53 pm
I recall LM making clutch plays that gave us a chance to win some games… I’m not saying he’s the answer to anything (I’m no GM), but I totally disagree with those of you calling him a bum… Dude’s got talent and grit.. The team has some 90 spots, let him compete.
February 16th, 2017 at 1:04 am
Sure. Sign him up.
February 16th, 2017 at 1:11 am
I’ve always liked what little we get see from Murphy. But I think my ideal scenario is that we sign him now, we cut him in the final cuts of TC, then he remains a free agent into the season, and if the bucs experience some “adversity” he can be added to the roster as someone who already knows the play book and can make an immediate impact. He does have durability issues, and I sure hope the bucs have better options going into the season than Murphy. No offense to Murphy because I do like him, but he has had a pretty rocky career.
February 16th, 2017 at 10:12 am
The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions and expecting a different outcome.
Murphy needs to go so we can get a different outcome with someone new.
February 16th, 2017 at 10:14 am
Sheppard should be sent packing too. Far as I am concerned, only Evans and Humphries has earned a roster spot.