J.J. Wilcox And The Bucs

March 9th, 2017

Flirting.

Even though Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht got fan favorite safety Chris Conte to return to the fold, it appears Licht is now dipping his toes into the safety pool.

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Bucs have a date at One Buc Palace scheduled with Cowboys free agent safety J.J. Wilcox.  The former Cowboys third-round pick in 2013 lost his starting job last season.

So it seems Bucs fans, hellbent on wanting to add a safety, should be a little excited. It also suggests if the Bucs sign Wilcox, they may have thrown in the towel on trying to retain Bradley McDougald.

121 Responses to “J.J. Wilcox And The Bucs”

  1. JayBucBoi Says:

    Church is a Jaguar.

  2. jwash Says:

    Didn’t church already sign with the jags???

  3. Lord Cornelius Says:

    Interesting. not sure if he’s an upgrade over McDougald or not but whatever i’ll take it

  4. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    OBJ can STILL feel that hit that J.J laid on him last year

  5. Joe Says:

    Guess that is what happens when Joe reads a day old story. 🙁

  6. Joeypoppems Says:

    Church agreed to sign with the Jaguars. He sin’t officially signed but appears to be moving on from Dallas. Drafting a Safety early will be a conversation worth having leading up to the draft.

  7. Dave Says:

    I like mcdougald better.
    Church is signing with Jax.

  8. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Joeypoppems

    1.Evan Engram
    2.Budda Baker

    ?

  9. mark2001 Says:

    Third round draft pick, number 80 pick in the draft, projected as a starter. I’ll trust Jason knows what he is doing, but he appears to have the talent to become a very good safety. And we now have the coaching staff to develop these guys and the knowledge to see when a guy has topped out or just doesn’t have what we are looking for.

  10. Ghostofschiano Says:

    Wilcox is a hard hitter, need more attitude on the defense.

  11. mike10 Says:

    Conte is a BACKUP!

    … dammit why is he starting?…

  12. mark2001 Says:

    BTW…the guy is as tough as nails….he broke his nose on a hit to Odell Beckham and stayed in the game, and kept playing at a high level. You think we are continually adding attitude to this defense?

  13. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I think Eddie Lacy would be a good risk vs reward signing. He’ll be 27 during the season, and because of his ankle injury and time missed he will come very cheap. Probably 3 years $9m with little or none guaranteed.

    The reward part would be if he overcomes the ankle issue. He’d be a hard hitting 1,000 yard rusher. Not the starter…maybe for 3rd downs like Alstott did as halfback.

  14. Joeypoppems Says:

    @LUVMYBUCS

    Budda Baker in the 2nd round would be beyond a dream to me lol. I think he is a Round 1 pick.

  15. Lord Cornelius Says:

    LUV my only issue with Evan Engram is that he’d essentially fill the same TE role as Brate because he doesn’t look like an in-line blocker at all.

    He’s obviously more skilled and has freak WR1 measurables basically but if he can’t block then we’re just essentially upgrading Brate instead of adding a new element to the offense

    I could see Budda going ahead of him in general in the draft but we’ll see still lots of time to go

  16. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I realize a player has to be willing to return, but the Bucs need to resign Bradley McDougald if possible. I have a feeling he’s going to be extremely good as he develops. If we don’t get him back, it;ll bite us on the rears.

    And JJ Wilcox is nowhere close to Bradley Mcdougald.

  17. Architek Says:

    Hard hitting box guy that has a history of injuries but has a good skill set!

  18. NutterBuccer Says:

    Looks like mcdougald is gonna get paid someplace else no reason why we wouldn’t bring him back. Really prefer to keep mcdougald better safety.

  19. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    mike10 Says
    “Conte is a BACKUP!

    … dammit why is he starting?…”

    Wilcox is nowhere close to Conte either.

  20. Joeypoppems Says:

    ^ How so?

  21. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    They should give Bradley Mcdougald at least 4 years $20m. $10 Guaranteed.

  22. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    I like Budda Baker or one of these corners in round one if Williams, Davis, Howard, and Cook are off the board

  23. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Oh, and THANK YOU, BEARS!

  24. NJBucsFan Says:

    Hmmm is it possible they convert or use him at LB? We still need to fill one spot

  25. Joeypoppems Says:

    Not playing LB at 6-0 216 lol. Besides the Nickel CB plays a lot more than the SAM LB. Devante Bond and Jeff Knox will be fine to compete for that spot imo

  26. NJBucsFan Says:

    Oh and with DJax and Swaggy Baker I can see the Bucs being prime canadiate for Hard Knocks

  27. Stanglassman Says:

    Buddha Baker would have to show up to the draft with a gas mask on and a bong in his hand order to fall to the Bucs pic in the 2nd round.

  28. NJBucsFan Says:

    Mark Barron plays LB at a very similar size. Big hitter. Spotty in coverage similar player

  29. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Hard Knocks would rock this year. Or next year if we qualify.

    Normally I’m against us being on Hard Knocks, but we’re set up for it now and it might increase the fan base.

  30. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Stanglassman
    U are correct. I also like Marcus Williams S from Utah.

  31. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Bonzai
    Would be AWESOME for us fans. I would have to pay for HBO just for that. Lol

  32. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    NJBucsFan, Mark Barron is not available. He signed a 5 year deal with the Rams last year. Not to mention he is the wrong fit for this defense…which is why he was let go from the Bucs in the first place.

  33. Joeypoppems Says:

    fair point NJ

  34. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Mike Evans GOAT Says
    “Bonzai
    Would be AWESOME for us fans. I would have to pay for HBO just for that. Lol”

    I never said I would pay for HBO to see it, lol. I would download the episodes or something. I’d find a way. 😉

  35. Joeypoppems Says:

    He wasn’t talking about signing Barron. He was comparing Wilcox to Barron. And Mark Barron never played in Mike Smith’s defense so who knows if he is a fit or not lol

  36. GETACLUE Says:

    Tandy will prob be the FS he is better suited there anyways

  37. GETACLUE Says:

    If we sign Wilcox him and conte will compete at SS. If not we will add one through the draft if not FA

  38. NJBucsFan Says:

    Thanks Joey.

    Plus Kwon is only about 10lbs heavier. We would have some of the fastest LBs in the league and with the big men we now have up front…they should remain clean of blockers. It will stop a lot of the lateral movement you see in the NFL now a days

  39. TvD head ball coach Says:

    It will be a colossal mistake if don’t bring back Mcdougald, comparable to letting bennett walk..

  40. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Joeypoppems, Barron would not work in this defense.

  41. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    TvD head ball coach, I completely agree.

  42. Joeypoppems Says:

    Why wouldn’t he? Just curious of your analysis

  43. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    I am officially on the budda baker in the 1st train. If no Williams Davis or Howard or cook

  44. Stanglassman Says:

    I wonder if Djax wears #11 or goes back to 10?
    I was looking at our numbers on the jerseys trying to figure what looked better but those numbers are ridiculously ugly.

  45. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    He’d have to pay hump for 11 but 10 is shorts #. And he’s gone

  46. Stanglassman Says:

    Mike goat-Over Jabrill Peppers, John Ross and McCaffery too? CBS mock has Ramczyk going #20.

  47. Fred E. Buc Says:

    Exciting stuff…get Wilcox and Kelce and with Backer and DJax and Quiz and Ghoulston also, that’s already a pretty darn good FA period. I have no issues with Conte. Worst case is he is a solid backup who knows the defense. Going to the website of the rag that begins with the name of our metro area, and a writer who shall be unnamed (first initial T, last one J), given all the blubbering and caution and warning offered about D-Jax offered by TJ the Clown….I know this was a good signing.

  48. Last Buc Fan Says:

    Joe, I think Mc Dougald is coming back. He has a video in his insta story where he is wearing a Bucs shirt and making an effort to point out the logo with his carema angle, with a slight grin on his face. Check it out.

  49. Joeypoppems Says:

    I would take Baker over those guys

  50. Last Buc Fan Says:

    And the video is gone. Oh well

  51. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    McDoug is gone sad to say. Wilcox is a hard hitter but struggles in coverage. Sounds like Conte

  52. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    FuNkYxMuNkEy, we don’t know that yet. He has not been signed elsewhere. Maybe he’s trying to guage the market before he agrees to a price with Licht.

  53. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Peppers has no ball skills. Ross is a middle school sized injury prone track star. No on McCaffery.
    So I am firmly on the Baker and Chris Godwin train

  54. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Baker is a centerfielder that can tackle. And I FANTASTIC against the run. Earl Thomas

  55. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Is^^^

  56. Mark2001 Says:

    I’m not pro or against Conte. But if Smith thinks he’s worth that, and Licht, I’ll trust in their judgment.

  57. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @Mike Evans Goat, Jabrill can catch the ball, the dude fielded punts and kicks, he can catch. Plus he showed good hands at the combine, not that drills matter that much… But He was used as an in the box safety/ linebacker/ running back because thats what his coach asked him to do. And he does excell at pursuing the ball.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Budda Baker, and was one of the first on this site to sing his praises, but in my eyes Jabrill has just as much range and potential to be a center fielder as Budda.

    Either of them would be a great addition to the team.

  58. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    And for once I agree with Bonzai, Barron is trash. He isn’t a safety, and he damn sure wasn’t worth a first.

  59. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @Lord Cornelious, I agree that Engram would basically be the same mold of tight end as Brate, but at 6’3 235, with 4.42 speed, solid routes, and those hands he has? Not a doubt in my mind that he could play Receiver.

    The Panthers did it with Funchess, and Engram is the superior athlete/ route runner. So I’d be all for us drafting him in the 1st. Especially if we were to trade back a few spots.

  60. Scbucsfan Says:

    If we sign McDougal then I consider the silly season a success. Some line depth would be excellent, Mangold would be awesome. Can’t figure Conte out but obviously someone sees something.

  61. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Panthers working on signing an ex-Buc who has emerged from special teams to thrive as a pass-catcher…Russell Shepard.

    LMAO….thriving pass catcher is Ian Rappaport’s words, not mine.

  62. gotbbucs Says:

    I’m not a big fan of Wilcox….not a big fan of signing anybody away from the Cowboys really.

  63. Kevinthepainterimagine Says:

    Isnt Jarius Bryd a free agent? He went to N.O from buffalo was on Ir in 2015 but thought he had a decent year last season. He was a stud in Buffalo maybe vheck him out. Im less worried about our safies and more worried about our vorners playing 20 feet off the recievers

  64. Billy Buc N Brazil Says:

    RShep to the Panthers??!!! Say it isn’t so Joe??!!

  65. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    I will be more sad about losing shep than I was about not getting Campbell. Please don’t go through. I hope we sign him…

  66. USFBUC Says:

    It’s crazy we have not made a move for a upgrade at safety. We also have not met with any safeties that will be in the draft according to Walter Football. Based on who we have met with so far we are going TE in the first and WR in the second.

  67. JameisDungy Says:

    What wr in the draft compliments the Bucs current crop?

    I’m thinking Zay Jones or Malachi Dupre would be solid choices in the 3rd round.

  68. Capt.Tim Says:

    Agreed. Barron had absolutely no cover skills. It was impossible to play him as a safety. He is much betteras a weakside Lb- but his lack of size frequently hurts the Rams.
    What a waste

    Conte has talent, and they have conformed the defense to match his skill set. He was on Fire, prior to being hurt!

    If we sign Wilcox, Safety wont be a priority. We can get a good one in round 4 or 5.
    Running back, Te, Wr, De, Safety, Center, Cb.
    Not necessarily in that order
    And still hoping we get our backup TE and center in FA.

    Isnt it nice, not to be worrying about drafting a QB?

  69. USFBUC Says:

    I’m going to be a little disappointed if we let Shepard go to the Panthers and keep some of these other bums on our roster.

  70. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @USFBUC I will be so royally pissed if the Titans take O.J one pick before we do.

  71. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    or before we can.

    And yeah I agree, I have so much faith in Jason Licht, and I think he is a savvy Gm/ Talent evaluator…

    But having said that, Resigning Conte and letting Shep walk would not reflect well upon him. Especially in the eyes of the negative Nancy’s.

  72. USFBUC Says:

    Yeah missing Howard by a pick would be terrible. Shep is a solid contributor to the team and appears to be a good teammate. By my rough math we still have like 30 something million in cap space.

  73. cmurda Says:

    Id rather have the depth at safety than WR if said WR is a 4th or 5th WR. He’ll be missed on ST if he signs elsewhere but Licht has made the right moves. Notably signing DeSean. HOLLA! WHAT UP D JAX!

  74. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    I love shep, but I’m sure the thinking behind this is
    •we will draft a wr and shep wants to be a #3
    •we have two GREAT gunners to fill in on ST (Ryan smith, josh Robinson)
    •we aren’t willing to pay shep WR3 $ to be a ST ace
    It sucks. But all in all it make some sense from the value standpoint

  75. Eric Denman Says:

    Wilcox is a decent safety but not a game changer at all. Bucs won’t overpay for him

  76. USFBUC Says:

    Your point makes sense GOAT. I still feels wrong, are we missing something there? Should Shep have been getting more plays in as a WR? I guess if he is going to get paid big money then we don’t have room for him.

  77. LifeOfABucFan Says:

    Shep wants a more starting role..after the Djax signing..I am sure, his made was made up..

    I think he deserves what he wants..just sux it’s a rival team..

    But wish you well Shep..my son is also wishing you well…

  78. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @Mike Evans Goat

    yeah bro the same thought occurred to me as well. That Ryan Smith, and Josh Robinson are both great gunners. And that Shep doesn’t add a tremendous amount of value as a receiver.

    I just think he is such a good pro, and a great leadership presence. He is the perfect example for late draft picks/ young guys coming in that are gonna have to make their living in the most under-appreciated phase of the game.

    I would hate to see him go. Especially if it’s to the Stinking Panthers… Bleh!

  79. BigHogHaynes Says:

    We should have made a bigger splash in Free Agency!!

  80. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Uh oh, the trolls come out at night. Lol

  81. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    If shepherd leave I just hope he has more sense than to go to the panthers

  82. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    http://www.buccaneers.com/videos/videos/Highlights_Best_of_WR_DeSean_Jackson/80ff4c65-5ae5-454e-a0ee-bed4c9d57e1d

    @BigHogHaynes

    Just watch this video and imagine what Jameis will do with this guy on the opposite side of Mike Evans 😀

    I did, and a smile came to my face. And all was right in the world.

  83. USFBUC Says:

    Big Hog – we have done pretty good so far in upgrading the team. WR and DT positions are both upgraded and they were both positions we needed to he upgraded.

  84. FireJoe Says:

    this guy lost his starting job why would we want him?

  85. DB55 Says:

    Some of you people are pretty funny. It’s like you learned football at Tropicana field or the Amelia arena or something. Go home people you’re drunk.

  86. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Db55
    Who. Lol

  87. DB55 Says:

    Not you. Your analysis of Shep although I don’t like it makes complete sense. I for one am all about loyalty so if I have to pay one of my captains more money to keep him I would but that’s why I’m commenting on JBF and not working in the NFL. Their lose really.

  88. DB55 Says:

    Goat

    I gotta admit I’m shocked we signed DJax. I hope it doesn’t blow up in our face.

    – N. Nancy

  89. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    And I get to keep my house. Lol

  90. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    N. Nancy. Freakin lol dude.

    I don’t put you in that category DB. I mean yeah you’re pessimistic at times, and you feel how you feel about 93, but you keep it real dude.

    And you don’t whine like some other posters that I won’t mention.

    And I’m telling you man, Desean Jackson is going to be a difference maker on this team. The deep threat presence he provides will have a positive effect on our entire passing game. Including the Play-action game.

    One clean fake from Jameis, which he does so damn well I might add, and we will gash any defense that bites on it.

    Bucs will make the playoffs this year. Mark my words friend.

  91. USFBUC Says:

    I love the highlights of Jackson running wide open. I hope there are plenty of those in 2017. If we can add another big threat at either TE or RB in the draft our offense should be in really good shape this coming season.

  92. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Blake
    He saying that cuz I called him negative Nancy the other night when he thought we wouldn’t do anything in free agency
    lol

  93. Shane Says:

    Filling all these free agency needs makes me feel like we are gonna draft a RB In the draft. Dalvin Cook?

  94. DB55 Says:

    Blake

    I’ll admit this is me being a nn. My concern is when JW overthrows a wide open DJax or underthrows him. Or the 5th time it happens and he throws a hissy fit. ME already lit and about that life although he really really controlled himself at times. I just hope DJax is cool man, I’d hate to have to beat him up.

  95. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I’m hoping we get CB Adoreé Jackson in the draft, somewhere around rounds 4 or 5. Excellent kick returner. So-so CB, but that can be developed in the pros.

    I also thing that if RB Joe Mixon falls far enough, we should draft him if we have not taken a RB in the first few rounds already. Make him work for everything, keep him on a tight leash.

    His legal issue was 3 years ago and he has not done it since, so its worth a risk in later rounds. At worst he would be depth.

    TE Adam Shaheen – (Rd 3-5) might be a good pick too.

  96. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Anyone know anything about WR Cooper Kupp who will be in the draft?

  97. Kstoges Says:

    Why is no one considering Dede Westbrook?

  98. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Honestly, for our first pick, if we land any of the following I would do a happy dance:

    DE Jonathan Allen
    DE Derek Barnett
    C Pat Elflein
    C Tyler Orlosky
    WR Corey Davis

  99. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @Shane, If we take a Rb in the first, I’d rather have McCaffrey.

    But something about us Resigning Quizz, and the strong interest in Marlon Mack, tells me that Jason Licht is targeting a Late round guy to split carries with Quizz and alternate 2nd and 3rd down duty with Chuck/ Payton Barber (2 guys that Koetter has praised on quite a few times).

    Based on his combine interview, and various quotes from the man, I think that our GM is eyeing either another Receiver, A supemely talented TE, or a premiere pass rushing talent in the 1st round.

  100. Kstoges Says:

    bonzai I wanna know more about cooper as well don’t know much about him I know he ran a 6. Something but has good hands and routes but that’s about it

  101. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Shane Says
    “Filling all these free agency needs makes me feel like we are gonna draft a RB In the draft. Dalvin Cook?”

    Well, Licht DID resign Quizz. And the Bucs have not releases Martin. I have a sneaky suspicion that they might ride Martin another year just to buy time.

    I don’t think Cook will fall to us, and I would really rather not trade up higher than 19…unless it is for some blockbuster defensive guy and no more than 2 picks up.

  102. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Kstoges, he ran a 4.62.

    NFL Site says this:

    Elite level of production for any level of football. Finished career as Division I career leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Hands are natural and strong. Catches passes like his idol, Larry Fitzgerald. Plucks it away from his body and immediately tucks it away. Utilizes route speed variances to create deep-ball opportunities. Extremely confident and competitive. Bodies up cornerbacks to win contested catches.

  103. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Bonzai
    Neither of those centers are first round picks. And adoree Jackson will never make it past the middle of the 2nd round.

  104. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    Yo Bonzai, I’m not too sure how up to date you are on player Rankings, but Adoree Jackson is being graded as a late 1st early 2nd round pick.

    And DB, my man, Djax has serious Juice. No way on earth is JW over throwing that man. What would’ve been an overthrow to Mikey, is now a precise dime, dropping right in the bread basket.

    Also I think that Desean Jackson’s Diva/ Thug image is way over blown. He’s just scrappy and doesn’t take any crap from defenders. The guy is a family man now, and for a dude with his credentials; He came to us for a bargain.

  105. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Kstoges
    Because Dede Westbrook is a worse person than Mixon. And is likely a very late round pick. He is off some GMs boards all together.

  106. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Did you guys hear that the Browns bought a Texans 2nd round pick for $16m?

    They don’t even get the pick until next year. Insane.

  107. USFBUC Says:

    Bonzai – I’m in agreement, I think that if we draft a RB in the first it will be a last second decision and because a guy like Cook fell to us. Right now I think our top target is Howard. Second round we go with one of the following Curtis Samuel/Caleb Brantley/Juju Smith-Schuster

  108. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Mike Evans GOAT and Blake_bucsfan

    I take most rankings with a grain of salt. The people that make those rankings almost always get it wrong in hindsight.

    And teams boards are usually much different anyway.

  109. USFBUC Says:

    That’s crazy news about the Browns but doesn’t surprise me. They have been loading up on draft picks since the new management team took over.

  110. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    There’s no possible way Adoree falls out of the 2nd round. Bank on it.

    That’s even less likely than Derel Walker being more productive than Desean Jackson…

  111. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Texans had to get rid of Brock and they sent a 2nd to Cleveland to do it. Now they will probably sign romo

  112. Capt.Tim Says:

    Our coach loves to run 2 TE sets.
    So does Jameis
    Both also like 4 Wr sets
    Evans, Jackson, Humphries, . . .

    Yeah we definitely need at Least one Wr early in the draft.
    Brate is a great recieving TE. He might even be an all pro, if he keeps improving.
    We need a Te who is a decent blocker, and is proficient in underneath routes .
    We should be able to find that easily in Free agency

  113. USFBUC Says:

    Oh it’s the trade for Osweiler I thought you were saying they grabbed another pick. They also got a sixth rounder too and gave up a fourth.

  114. USFBUC Says:

    Just reading the details now on that story and the Browns will now have ten picks in the first and second rounds from 2016 to 2018. That is a crazy number of picks that should be starters.

  115. Kstoges Says:

    @mikeevans thank you dude wasent aware it was that serious thanks for the heads up on that bro I just was wondering why literally no one talks about him anymore

  116. DB55 Says:

    Blake

    I like scrappy. Anyway, Yo, is Ryan Ramczyk a possibility in the first if all our skill players are gone? We need a RT don’t we? And this kid is scrappy. 6’6 310.

  117. Joe Says:

    We need a Te who is a decent blocker,

    His name is Luke Stocker.

  118. Joe Says:

    It’s crazy we have not made a move for a upgrade at safety.

    ***If*** the Bucs can keep McDougald, they are content at safety.

  119. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Joe Says
    ” We need a Te who is a decent blocker,

    His name is Luke Stocker.”

    One that we can rely on to stay healthy.

  120. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    “His name is Luke Stocker” – Joe

    Ah yes, the aging, brittle, blocking icon.

    Imagine if we replaced him with a guy that defenses actually had to account for in the passing game. It would make our play-action game that much more potent.

    “The way the tight end position is, it’s really two positions; you have the “Y” and the “F”, and the Y’s are hard to find. They are very few and far between, so that’s something that every team is always looking for; a guy that can block and a threat in the passing game.” – Jason Licht

    Luke Stocker is not a tight end that represents a threat in the passing game. He’s a full back.

  121. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @DB55 it’s certainly a possibility that JL has a contingency where we take a right tackle. After all we were targeting Jack Conklin as our RT replacement last year.

    But if we go the tackle route. I want Garrett Bolles. I think he’s the best Tackle in the draft from an athletic and techique standpoint. And he has a fiery mean streak in him.