“I’m Sure He’ll Have A Hell Of A Season”
April 1st, 2017
Joe talked to arguably the NFL’s premier running backs guru in Phoenix at the NFL Owners Meetings, and a few NFL executives.
A well known NFL team executive (non-Bucs) gave a Joe a great quote during a discussion of Adrian Peterson at the swanky party hosted by the NFL at their owners meetings Monday night.
Yes, Joe was clearheaded despite inhaling shrimp and gin at an impressive rate.
“If Peterson signs for $3.5 million, all of a sudden he doesn’t have to produce like Adrian Peterson any longer and you have value.”
In the world of NFL general managers, “value” is huge. Nobody wants to get ripped off and look bad, and then face ownership after a bad contract.
Regarding 32-year-old Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing in 2015, he’s fighting Father Time and there’s little reason to expect him to pump out a punishing, 1,200-yard season ever again.
But if you want him to carry the rock 200 times a year, strike fear into defenses, and average, say, 4.2 yards per carry? What’s wrong with that? And why couldn’t he do it, if he’s healthy now?
Let’s just say the Bucs don’t draft a running back in the first three rounds of next month’s draft and Peterson is on the street: Never mind. Joe won’t go there now.
But Joe will share the words of new Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn.
A former NFL running back, Lynn won two Super Bowl rings with Denver. He’s coached running backs for the Broncos, Cowboys, Jaguars, Browns, Jets and Bills. You could say Lynn is a the top running backs guru among NFL head coaches.
“I think Adrian is just waiting for the right place. I don’t think Adrian just want to go anywhere, from what I hear,” Lynn told Joe at the NFL Owners Meetings. “He’s 32 years old. He’s an older guy, but he has some miles left. I’m sure he’ll land somewhere, and I’m sure he’ll have a hell of a season.”
Joe talked to others in the know at the NFL Owners Meetings about Peterson, and the consensus was Peterson wants to see the market after the NFL Draft, a draft loaded with running backs.
Fair enough.
As far as the Bucs’ plans, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times wrote that Peterson is not in the Bucs plans. Stroud even used all caps, “NOT.”
Joe will says this, Stroud is correct. However, it’s a very fluid situation. Today’s truth is not tomorrow’s — just like everything in the NFL.
April 1st, 2017 at 5:55 pm
I personally think if its a team friendly salary, you can’t go wrong If his legs slow down, the intel he’s going to be giving the other backs from a hall of fame is worth it in itself. We are talking about one of the best RB of all time. Him teaching other runners we have will pay dividends. In my opinion.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Peterson is 2008’s version of Brett Favre.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:18 pm
I like him, but if we get him we also should draft someone. Who then is gone. Quiz? Barber? Martin will be gone for sure if that happens, and more than likely one of the others, not to mention sims. I doubt we keep more than 3 backs.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:31 pm
“NOT” huh.. God enough for me.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Because Rick Stroud says AP is “NOT” in the Bucs plans…… what am I missing. Even PFT is now saying AP is definitely NOT in the Bucs plans…. is this another smoke screen or is Rick Stroud making the free agent decisions… just saying?
PFT is simply quoting Stroud’s story.–Joe
April 1st, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Draft Mxon he is the best running back in the Draft! DAMN WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY!
April 1st, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Atlbuc28 Says
“Because Rick Stroud says AP is “NOT” in the Bucs plans…… what am I missing. Even PFT is now saying AP is definitely NOT in the Bucs plans…. is this another smoke screen or is Rick Stroud making the free agent decisions… just saying?”
Rick Stroud is considered a source by PFT. I have no idea why. He’s made up news more than reported it.
In fact, if Stroud says ‘NOT’, then most likely, the answer is ‘YES.’
April 1st, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Mojiska, no way it’s Quiz. Might be Barber. Don’t forget Sims is in the mix too. Martin? Maybe…but having both on the team would put on quite a show.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Martin is gone. No debate there. Inconstant, injury plagued RBs with a drug addiction and a 3 game supension to start the season isn’t someone the Bucs or fans should be relying on. Not sure why the Bucs would be opposed to this. If they took AD they could wait until the middle rounds to draft a RB and address other areas of need first. I would like to see that and then take Ramzick (sic) in the first.
April 1st, 2017 at 6:54 pm
I am totally over hearing about Adrian Peterson.
April 1st, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Incidentally, Stroud also reported that interest was low for DeSean Jackson. He knows his stuff…
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/bucs-will-consider-eagles-wr-jackson-but-interest-is-low/2172516
April 1st, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Bonzai that article is from 2014. Probably why it says “Eagles WR Jackson”
April 1st, 2017 at 7:43 pm
So let me get this str8. Many of you are totally opposed to drafting an RB at any point in the first round but would be okay with signing a 32 year young RB that has been plagued wit injury in recent years. Its a wonder we sucked for long.
April 1st, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Because the fans are the ones responsible for building the team and personnel decisions…
That’s all I’m gonna say on the matter.
April 1st, 2017 at 7:52 pm
@ Joey
I LITERALLY laughed out loud when I read your post.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:00 pm
I say sign him!
Then draft a RB in the mid rounds, just not Mixon Dumba$$$$
April 1st, 2017 at 8:02 pm
I think AP will have a good season in 2017. It may be his last good season but I think he is very motivated this year. Whether he stays healthy or not is likely the bigger question.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:06 pm
Lets say we sign AP. Would that not basically make him our first pick in the draft considering that would undoubtedly be clearing up the notion that they are happy with the RB group we currently have. Not to mention if you give him say 3.5mil it would make it hard for me to believe anyone on the team would beat him out for the job. Thusly would bring me back to my original question. If you are okay with signing a 32 year young somewhat injury prone RB, why exactly again are you opposed to taking a RB in the first round again??? This question isn’t directed solely to you Blake its for anyone.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:10 pm
Make no mistake if we sign him he will be the starter day 1.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:14 pm
This is how I personally would rank how they should address the RB position. With #1 being my favorite situation:
1) Day 2 draft pick
2) 1st Round draft pick
3) Sign a FA (AP)
4) Keep Doug Martin
5) Add nobody and roll with what we got
6) Trade up in the 1st round for a RB
April 1st, 2017 at 8:18 pm
I should have included #5 on that list means use a committee of Quizz, Barber, and Sims
April 1st, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Low base salary with lots of incentives for playing time, yardage, TD’s, etc.,….why not. He certainly knows how to be successful in this league, if he has another year or two in him, maybe he helps us get to the promised land.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:27 pm
@JoeyPoppems, I’d say that Scenario 3 would also include scenario 1. Why couldn’t we sign Ap and draft Kareem Hunt or Sameje Perine in round 3? Or maybe Jamal Williams, Brian Hill or Joe Williams in round 4?
That’s the way I would do it. If it’s determined that AD is in amazing shape and has a fire in his belly to prove his doubters wrong, sign him. And then draft a guy you think has the potential to replace him, all the while learning from a surefire HOF’er.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Oh Pop I believe its going to be a committee one way or the other. For years It was Stewart and Williams in caro, now its Freenan and Coleman in Atl even the saints last season utilized Ingram and Hightower. That’s the way of the nfl now.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:32 pm
I like #5 Pop. Cause that’s what its going to ultimately be. Just remove one of those you listed.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:33 pm
H3ll I apologize I know you said no more pats comparison but Blount and White got touches in the superbowl.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Martin and Sims didn’t do to bad in 2015 either.
April 1st, 2017 at 8:46 pm
joe,
What are our option with Martin? Can you break it down for me? His 7mil garunteed is void, we can re-sign him at a lower price or cut him? Is that the case? What if he refuses to sign for less pay, is he a FA at that point or do the Bucs still have rights to him?
April 1st, 2017 at 9:00 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:
April 1st, 2017 at 7:43 pm
So let me get this str8. Many of you are totally opposed to drafting an RB at any point in the first round but would be okay with signing a 32 year young RB
———————————————–
NOS – You know I’m not in that category as you’ve seen me say I’d be very happy with Cook at 19 and starting to get OK with the idea of McCaffrey as well.
But here’s the difference since you asked. The only thing AP costs the Bucs is $. If we sign him for say – $8M in 2017 and then he blows out his knee in the 1st game like what happened to Jac Smith last year… Yea that sucks and we just lost our #1back for the season so next man up. Time for Perine who we picked in the 3rd round to step in. But in that case – other than APs expected contribution, all we lost was some of the Glazers $ that has to get spent some way or another every year anyway. Right?
But if Dalvin Cook somehow gets drafted by the Bucs – and lets say I’m right and we have to trade our #2 pick to get up to #12 to do it. Winston is pounding the table – everyone agrees lets do what it takes to get him and perhaps Licht thinks he has solid info the Eagles are going to draft Cook at 14 and his buddy over at AZ says – sorry man – we’ve got our plans at 13 and aren’t trading. But the Browns are willing to trade down – draft chart roughly says our 2nd rd pick is fair value to go from 19 to 12. So we spend our 1st and 2nd rd picks this year to get Dalvin Cook. And he blows out his knee in the 1st game of the season….
Um – yea. Now we are F’ed and looking at journeyman Quizz and UDFA Barber to carry the load for the next 15 weeks and somehaow still get to the playoffs. And we wouldn’t have Budda Baker nor Zay Jones either because we spent 2 premium draft picks on your boy Dalvin. The superstar RB who has to wait until next year to start his NFL career (after the long, painful rehab that is). And what if the same thing that happened to Cadillac Williams were to happen to Cook and he was never quite the same player after that?
Yea – that’s about 100 Ifs – But surely you see the difference and hopefully this example also helps you understand why so many people – just on general principle – are against the idea of drafting a RB in the 1st round.
– the NFL has evolved into a passing league – and while running the ball is still important – its not nearly as important a part of the game as it used to be.
– you have a better chance of finding a good or at least serviceable RB in the 3rd or 4th or even 5th round than practically any other position on the field. And that’s in a “normal” year. This year is the best draft for RBs in a long time. There will be backs drafted in the 3rd round this year that would go in the bottom of the 1st other years.
– Running Backs get hurt more often than just about any other position on the field – due to the constant pounding they take pretty much every time they touch the ball. And thus, it naturally follows that RBs statistically have shorter careers on average than most any other position on the field.
Its not that hard to understand why drafting RBs in the 1st round is something that many fans don’t want their team to do. Especially in a year like this one where there will be a bunch of backs in the 2nd and 3rd and into the 4th rounds that have a very good chance to be solid players in the NFL and perhaps even more…
I’m with you NOS in believing – “hey Cook is special – he’s gonna light up the league”. He’s worth a 1st rd pick. And we DO need a #1 RB now. Let’s go “high end”. I think Fournette and McCaffrey fall into that category as well. But what we CANNOT do is pay more than our #19 pick to get even a special RB.
And Frankly, IMO, if we wind up getting a high end TE or Safety with our 1st pick and a very good WR prospect with our 2nd pick and then select either Hunt or Perine or possibly even Mixon in the 3rd rd. We’re gonna be a better team in the long run than if we draft Cook or McCaffrey in the 1st and then wind up getting one of the lesser Safeties or TE’s when we could have had a great player at one of those positions and still be in good shape at RB with Hunt or Perine.
April 1st, 2017 at 9:21 pm
IF we sign AP it should mean he’s a Buc for all the right reasons. He should be looking at a chance to return to Minnesota for the SB and that should be his #1 his ONLY real priority.
That not only lines up with the team’s priorities is should line up with his as well at this point in his career. He has enough numbers already to be assured of getting in the HOF…what he needs now is a Championship. An SB win in Minny would mean more for AP than any individual stats or records or any $$$.
The Bucs were the 8th leading rushing team in terms of attempts per game…clearly Koetter wants to have a solid running game to open up the passing game.
So I do not see AP and Dalvin as being mutually exclusive, especially if AP comes on a 3-4 million dollar deal….Dalvin will also be cheap on a rookie contract. If the Bucs run it 28 times a game like they did last year that’s 15 touches for Dalvin…10 for AP and 3 for Quizz/Barber.
It would have advantages. Both AP and Dalvin would take far less of a beating even if we did run the ball a lot. AP could mentor Dalvin for his future role.
Why not load up on weapons for #3?
April 1st, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Get what you saying Pick..
April 1st, 2017 at 9:27 pm
Like what you said also Pete.
April 1st, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Well, if it’s coming from Stroud, that means…it’s probably worthless information, generated because he’s got to write something ahead of a timeline. His rationale was all jacked up in his article. That said, I have never felt they’d go after Peterson, nor will they put all their eggs in Martin. With Quizz, Sims, and Barber they may sqeak by, but that’s not enough to start the season…so I think they think they’ll draft a RB in round 2…maybe 3…after they get a safety.
April 1st, 2017 at 9:37 pm
@Pick Very well said, and extremely well articulated. You’ve basically surmised what i’ve been saying all spring quite eloquently.
With the small difference being that I am not that high on Cook.
But you’re absolutely correct in your general premise.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Thing is an injury can occur be it from an RB taken inn the first or an RB taken inn the third. Pete has already the study on RBs taken in later rounds. The appear to fall off the cliff and not amount to much in the nfl after the first and second round. I’m sure if need be Pete could easily re post it.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:05 pm
Statistically speaking you waste a draft pick taking RBs in later rounds.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:08 pm
I’m pretty sure Cook is going to be a top NFL RB Blake. I watched most of his games the last 3 years is why I’m so convinced. FSU’s line was not that great the last 2 years and Cook just destroyed most teams he faced week in and week out. 38 rushing TDs in 2 years. MFer is a playmaker. He get’s the edge better than any back I’ve seen come out in a long long time. And many times when he does get the edge and turn upfield down the sideline – he is GONE. TD!
April 1st, 2017 at 10:08 pm
Licht gave himself flexibility to go whatever direction they so choose this year because he drafted a young CB and a young DE last draft. There’s a reason so many are being mocked early inn this years draft the same way they were mocked early last years draft. We now have the luxury of looking 21st those positions”in the later rounds”. Why because just like RBs that have come from the later rounds so Richard Sherman and Josh Norman.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:10 pm
There at least 1,015 people that visit this site that totally agree Pick.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:16 pm
But maybe you’re right. Maybe they are content with our current RB group I mean they didn’t take a sniff at of free agent RBs that were available so you never know.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:19 pm
Sure that would’ve made a lot you all’s day. If only they had signed a free agent RB by now. Oooh we could throw it in Nos face.. What happen??? Jamaal still out there.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:24 pm
I would ask Pete to cut and paste that post he so eloquently articulated weeks ago but all y’all would do is act like you ain’t see it. So why bother. I’ll say this if you think you a RB you better serve getting him early. The stats back my statement. Thanks Pete and mac. Finish watching this game. Holla back tomorrow.
April 1st, 2017 at 10:33 pm
I have a quick poll suggestion Joe. How about a Dalvin versus the entire field in the first round poll.. I would love to see the results of that.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:01 pm
List of Running backs Selected outside the first round with 1000+ Yards from 2010-2016.
2010: Michael Turner 5th round, Arian Foster UDFA, Ray Rice 2nd round, Maurice Jones-Drew 2nd round, Ahmad Bradshaw 7th round. Jamaal Charles 3rd round
2011: Frank Gore 3rd round, Lesean Mccoy 2nd round, Shonn Green 3rd round, MJD (lead league with 1600+ yards), Michael Turner again, Arian Foster again, Ray Rice again.
2012: Alfred Morris 6th round (runner up to AP with 1600 yards), Steven Ridley 3rd round, Matt Forte 2nd round, BenJarvus Green-Ellis UDFA, Ahmad Bradshaw again, Charles again, Shonn Green, Frank Gore, Ray Rice, Arian Foster.
2013: Demarco Murray 3rd round, Eddie Lacy 2nd round, Jamaal Charles, Alfred Morris, Frank Gore, Lesean Mccoy, Matt forte.
2014: Le’veon Bell 2nd Round, Justin Forsett 7th round, Jeremy Hill 2nd round, Lamar Miller 4th Round, Demarco Murray (leading rusher), Lesean Mccoy, Arian Foster, Eddie Lacy, Frank Gore, Alfred Morris, Matt Forte, Jamaal Charles.
2015: Chris Ivory UDFA, Latavius Murray UDFA, Devonta Freeman 4th round.
2016: Jordan Howard 5th round, Jay Ajayi 5th round, David Johnson 3rd round, Lev Bell, Shady Mccoy, Legeratte Blount UDFA, Devonta Freeman, Lamar Miller, Frank Gore.
Hmm doesn’t appear to being any shortage of successful later round running backs to me.
April 1st, 2017 at 11:19 pm
If stroud is saying were not then we probably are lol
April 1st, 2017 at 11:24 pm
He is going to have a hell of a season. In a bucs jersey. Go bucs!
April 1st, 2017 at 11:26 pm
I could care less what stroud says. The only ppl I’d listen to is Jason light and Dirk Koetter saying that he is NOT in the bucs plans. Haven’t heard it from them.
April 2nd, 2017 at 5:20 am
@Blake
I just don’t see the appeal in a bridge RB. Other than the Titans Idk if any other teams have bothered with doing that.
@Nosbos
I get what you’re saying about the committee approach. A major advantage in that approach is that normally you don’t invest a lot into those players in the committee, unless you are Carolina lol. And the only reason Ingram and Hightower split carries last year was because Ingram had fumbling issues.
And that comparison to the Pats is fine. I just dont like when people say “Patriots use 2 TEs more than anybody so we should do it” or “Patriots never draft ___ position in ___ round so we shouldnt either”. They are just on anither level man.
@Stpete
The reason why a 1st round RB and Adrian Peterson are mutually exclusive is because workload. Yea we ran the ball a lot. 28.4 times per game I think. However, I went back a couple months ago and looked into how those touches were broken down.
Now I am going off memory here so I might be off a little, but the lead RB, even when Doug Martin didn’t play, had over 70% of the touches. I think it was 76% but it was definitely over 70. And that number was a little over 21 carries per game.
So even with all the injuries we had where a committee approach would have been viable, Koetter counted on 1 guy for a clear majority of touches. I don’t think they will invest a lot into 2 #1 RBs. And besides, I doubt AP would agree to sign if he wasn’t the main guy anyway lol.
April 2nd, 2017 at 6:40 am
Get us a BIG BACK!!!!!!!!!!! We have nothing but lil guys! We never had more fun as a franchise then when 40 was pushing the pile. Unfortunately there’s never gonna be another A-train. We do NEED that short yardage, fourth quarter – defense punishing RB! Complimentary back to the small fries. Simple, get it done. Foreman, Perine, somebody like that. Peterson gets me super excited, but only if Jameis wants him. In JL and JW3 I trust. Go BUCS!
April 2nd, 2017 at 6:55 am
I’m saying it would still be a committee approach, Just with AP and a new guy instead of Quizz Sims and Barber.
April 2nd, 2017 at 8:11 am
i am not a GM or HC nor am i an owner, analyst, sports writer, or have a rainman ability to pull up pro NFL stats and whatnot out of my head, or some mega wealth of sports knowledge, simply put i am just a lifelong fan of my beloved buccaneers, so whatever they do as long as they keep jameis happy, and wanting to play on this team well then i am good with that, if he want’s AP COOK and the GIPPER on his team and koetter & licht can make it happen, then make it happen, because when it comes down to it, not my money, i don’t work for em, and for the next 15 years or so, it’s all about jameis, have nice day
April 2nd, 2017 at 8:23 am
I don’t think AP will sign with a team to be in a committee. He still thinks he can play at a high level and wants to prove it so if he signs anywhere then he will most likely be the main guy.
April 2nd, 2017 at 8:41 am
All you guys criticizing Stroud, and ball boy, saying he only cares what Dirk and the Licht say; guess what, Stroud does talk to those guys. He is the most connected guy in town. It is really weird how everyone online just trashes people constantly. Twitter is probably worse, but guys on this site are pretty bad too.
April 2nd, 2017 at 8:42 am
Guess it depends on how much AP has been humbled from still not being signed to a roster for his asking price, and how good of a recruiter Jameis is 😀
April 2nd, 2017 at 9:11 am
Sign AP and draft Joe mixon in the 2nd = playoffs
April 2nd, 2017 at 9:31 am
So you don’t like Mr MIXON, he is by far the best back in this untested group, calling him names, will not derail him, where is your patriotism? You love the land of the free and the home of the brave, this too is the land of second chances, MadMax, I’m pulling for the guy because, HE’S THAT DAMN GOOD, I am so glad you didn’t feel that way about Jameis. MIXON IS PRIME TIME STUD! NOW BUILD THE DAMN WALL!!
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:13 am
@BigHog, it was a play on words from your past posts HAHAHA! Just giving it back to you!
But seriously, Im a NoGo on that kid. Cant play when you’re suspended for stupidity. Could he change? Maybe. Could he get his stuff together and be a star? Maybe. Also maybe not….Im just not feeling it, especially not for us. He’s just not passing through the Go gauge. Let him be someone else’s project. But for his own sake, I hope he gets his stuff together and matures and learns from his past mistakes.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:22 am
^^^i went back and checked you out and I see what you did, my dumbass didn’t catch it at first! But please keep looking at his tape, we could give him # 28 and say f*ck AP, AD, DC, Mc, and all the rest because he is THAT DAMN GOOD!!
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:24 am
LOL, Good stuff.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:48 am
Hey BigHog, guys that commit first degree murder don’t get a second chance! Guys the knock the f$%k out of women like he didn’t shouldn’t get a second chance either. Not everything should just be brushed off and forgiven.
April 2nd, 2017 at 10:51 am
https://www.quora.com/Did-Ray-Lewis-get-away-with-murder
You sure about that TDTB?
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:11 am
To@touchdowntampabay- you sir are a hypocrite! You try and defend the honor of the man and then say how ppl just trash each other online constantly and in that same post you call me ball boy when that’s not my name and you know you said it like that to try to get a rise out of me and to be ignorant towards me.
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:38 am
LOL, sorry ballbaby I glanced at your name. Wasn’t a dig.
April 2nd, 2017 at 11:39 am
Bucballbaby84, not ball boy or ball baby. My bad again.
April 2nd, 2017 at 12:13 pm
It’s in the words of dick vitale. He’s a bucs fan
April 2nd, 2017 at 2:30 pm
@Touchdowntampabay, What are your opinions on Ben Roethlisberger? Or how about Greg Hardy? Ray Lewis? Donte Stallworth?