Blaming Glazers For Aguayo Chatter Escalates
December 23rd, 2017
Perhaps the most difficult-to-believe nugget of the summer came from CBS Sports insider Prickly Pete Prisco and beat writer Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Joe has a wild imagination, but even this one was a tough mental stretch.
It revolved around the notion that Team Glazer pushed general manager Jason Licht to draft bust kicker Roberto Aguayo in 2016.
In mid-August of this year, Aguayo had just been cut and Stroud wrote at the time that “though Licht has taken sole responsibility for the decision, it always felt like somebody else put their hand on the scale. Maybe Winston. Maybe the Glazer family. We’ll never know.”
Very soon after, Prisco Twittered that ownership pushed the pick of Aguayo on Licht.
Joe never bought this nonsense. First, the thought of the three Glazer co-chairmen cornering Licht to trade up and draft a kicker — a kicker — is absurd. It’s not like Aguayo was going to sell tickets and the Bucs felt they needed a big FSU name on the roster. And did anyone enter the 2016 offseason saying the Bucs were desperate for a kicker?
Second, Licht was everywhere after that draft telling a personal story of how his wife was stunned by how much Licht was raving about Aguayo after scouting the kicker in person before the draft.
Regardless, Joe viewed Licht as having a much greater backbone, not as a guy who would cave to an owners’ whim late in the second round of the draft. It’s one thing to have ownership pick a face of the franchise, like choosing between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, or Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. That’s understandable and appropriate. But to let ownership bully you (allegedly) on a late second-round pick obtained through an embarrassing trade up is entirely different.
If Joe were to speculate and buy in to these shenanigans, Joe would say Aguayo was among a few players Team Glazer was high on and Licht was smitten with him, too. The GM was then emboldened by his assessment and the perceived ownership pressure and went for it. Again, that’s all hypothetical and Joe simply can’t buy it.
Well, now the mysterious game has changed.
Yesterday, Stroud penned a piece about the potential futures of Dirk Koetter and Licht. Four months after his first Aguayo-Glazer innuendo, Stroud made it official.
“It would be unfair to pin the Aguayo mess on Licht, since owners put their hand on the scale. But he has it on his resume,” Stroud wrote yesterday.
That’s a big leap from “maybe” Team Glazer was pushing Aguayo and forcing Licht’s hand. Now Stroud is typing that Licht should be absolved of blame.
The whole thing reeks.
Joe will say this. If ownership really makes demands for second- or third-round draft picks, then the entire pewter pirate ship is out of control and the team is hopeless. Again, Joe’s not buying it.
December 23rd, 2017 at 5:32 am
Thinking it went something like this: Licht falls for Aguayo, Glazers say yea definitely and do whatever it takes, Licht makes the (too) bold move and pulls the trigger.
Smart owners would have said, “yea we like him, but at the right price. We have too many needs and Jason you must find the right value.” Clearly that didn’t happen.
December 23rd, 2017 at 5:56 am
What about the other disasters picks and free agents, this G.M. picked. If he would have spent more time evaluating his draft picks as he did jumping into swimming pools.
December 23rd, 2017 at 5:58 am
Yah. Can’t seem to believe that one.
December 23rd, 2017 at 6:06 am
2017 draft:
Oj Howard , Justin Evans, beckwith and Godwin.
With Anthony auclair undrafted
If he only got Calais Campbell instead of Chris baker although that was 15 mil per to get him and maybe glazers weren’t feeling that one
Otherwise, that was his saving grace. Who knows how running back in 5th round turns out …snoops nephew. (again that was on licht for thinking drug Martin was gonna be worth another year and that backfired )
December 23rd, 2017 at 6:07 am
Some years , GM’s are lucky to get one guy from entire draft to be a starter
December 23rd, 2017 at 6:13 am
@Joe … “The whole thing reeks. Joe will say this. If ownership really makes demands for second- or third-round draft picks, then the entire pewter pirate ship is out of control and the team is hopeless. Again, Joe’s not buying it.”
Perfect bottom line Joe. Of course, I’m assuming that “The whole thing reeks” refers to ownership’s and management’s TOTAL handling of the Bucs’ personnel situation. If not, it should.
December 23rd, 2017 at 6:46 am
A lot of nothing to let Licht save face. IMHO
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:07 am
Just the effort Licht put in selling Aguayo to everybody who would listen ,
makes me think he was smitten with Aguayo. Licht also expects too much from his late round skill players where he has reached and failed at getting good running backs and WR’s.
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:25 am
From what I have heard, is that GM Licht had a target for the 3rd round, but since his right hand man went to Tennessee and new the plan, he traded up!!!!
Will anyone ask stroud if the Glazers selecting the free-agents for the D-line too?????
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:27 am
The Glazers simply don’t seem like the Jerry Jones types…..I don’t buy it at all. Licht has been very good with his drafts…
How many 2nd round busts did Dominick have…..after Martin leaves we will have GMC, LVD, Gholston & Tandy to show for all of his draft picks….that has created a massive rebuilding need.
Look at what Licht has accomplished……Jameis, Evans, Marpet, Smith, Brate, Howard, Humphries, Godwin, Barber
Spence, Evans, Beckwith, Kwon, Hargreaves & perhaps Ryan Smith
All serviceable players moving forward and some are UDFA.
Where Licht has missed is in FA with some terrible players….OK with Anger & Murray…..perhaps Ayers…..but the list of busts are long.
If he can secure 4 starters from the 2018 draft, we are good to go.
For me it is DE, CB, Oline & RB
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:40 am
Realist is right, Robinson was most likely going to select Roberto at the top of the 3rd round. Licht thought he pulled a fast one. It backfired. the Glazers do not seem like the type to get in the way on draft day. Jerry Jones they are not. more like Jerry Lewis.
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:54 am
If this is true. IF it is, then Licht should be awarded something like a Bro of the year award for putting that all on his shoulder and taking that heat for so long.
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:00 am
Don’t believe it….
I think the G’Boyz are taking one for the team to take the heat of GM/HC
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:03 am
Actually, kicker was a big need for the Bucs entering that draft. Have we forgotten about the work kicking off Kyle Brindza and company? Kicking cost us at least two games that year. I always felt that the Roberto trade and draft was an overreaction to the awful kicking we had pre Roberto, sadly it only got worse.
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:06 am
Joe. was Winston pulling for Aguayo too? That’s from the article you quote…
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:17 am
Seems like Bob LaMont has a lot to say recently, just speculating of course
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:26 am
Of this rumor is true, I would give Light another year. If the Glazers were not involved with the pick, then can him. And I would give Koetter another year regardless.
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:38 am
tea leaves …..read….
one more year for GM/HC
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:45 am
The source for the losing season is DIRK KOETTER. All of you are beating the wrong horse.
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:56 am
Stroud and Prisco each put their theories out there, and then used one another for sources.
Nevermind that none of it was true.
Corrupt journalism at its best.
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:57 am
DA-HA-HA….don’t make me laugh…more about this pityful franchise. WE’ve had countless other draft and free agency bust as well. Sweeney ain’t gonna pan out.
Martins gone. Hargreaves is not who we thought he was. Need I go on? Kicking Was a problem for the Bucs and we lost quite a few games because of it. We took a gamble and lost. That Happens. But what should not happen is your Defense going completely south for an entire season with DC who just …Gives you a..Big Wide Grin during press conferences. Please fire the man…IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!
December 23rd, 2017 at 8:59 am
Ed Says
“What about the other disasters picks and free agents, this G.M. picked.”
On free agency, you have a slight point…but he has been among the best when it comes to the draft. Yes, you can point out some misses…but the simple truth is that most GMs miss a lot more than they hit…and Licht hits on more than most of the other GMs.
I realize that doesn’t fit in with your “let’s hate Licht” agenda, but its the truth. So there it is…
December 23rd, 2017 at 9:01 am
And for heaven’s sake…stop giving up on Hargreaves. people! You all gave up on Mike Evans after one bad year. Look where there got you.
Hargreaves will be better next year and you’ll all be pretending you did not give up on him…just like with Evans.
December 23rd, 2017 at 9:27 am
My only problem with this is it infers they are playing a Jerry Jones type role and if they are bold enough to weigh in on drafting a kicker then why not blame them for vh3 our free when acquisitions. I just don’t like this idea and would explain why there’s no VP of operations. I’m gonna say no but while I do believe they pick coaches I’m going to pray they don’t think they know enough to screw with the draft. I do remember someone saying they wanted revis here
December 23rd, 2017 at 10:26 am
Had Aguano not been a head case, had some competition in his rookie camp and had been able to kick straight, this would be a non-story. In fact, folks would be jockeying for “it was my idea” position.
Such nonsense only happens to finger-pointing losers.
December 23rd, 2017 at 11:01 am
Clodhopper Says:
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:54 am
If this is true. IF it is, then Licht should be awarded something like a Bro of the year award for putting that all on his shoulder and taking that heat for so long.
__________________________
Bro of the Year award? I’m guessing Licht makes 7 figures. I’ll put anything on my shoulders and take the heat for that kind of money – no need to give me an award.
December 23rd, 2017 at 11:09 am
There is far more talent on this Roster than before Licht came to the Bucs. It is as simple as that.
I remember Dominick making some splash picks and finding hidden gems, but nothing even close to the amount of talent the Licht has brought in to the Bucs.
You cannot have Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame level players at every position and for depth. It is just not happening.
I have no problem with the misses if it means we continue to acquire a higher percentage of talent for the organization.
So I do not care who wanted the Aguayo pick. We have far more depth payers like Glanton, Bond, Ryan Smith, Benonoch, Barber, and Stevie T than we do Aguayos.
December 23rd, 2017 at 11:41 am
Aguayo was obviously an epic fail of a pick. Licht has brought more talent through the draft to this team than BA and Dom combined. If only he could evaluate Dlineman.
December 23rd, 2017 at 12:21 pm
So Licht is behind the scenes telling reporters that the Glazers are running the draft board? Well if true then wow, they’re mostly doing a good job – well except drafting a corner in the 1st round -you always draft a d-lineman in the first unless the corner talent is truly something exceptional. Dang you Glazers!
Anywho I guess we can fire Licht now with no worries, I mean if the Glazers run the draft then I guess that means Licht gets the full blame for FA.
December 23rd, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Water under the bridge. The Aguayo pick was stupid when it was made and it’s even worse after the guy failed in epic fashion. It wouldn’t be a total shock if the Glazers forced that one but it would be a little weird imo. Regardless, I’m on board with Licht. His picks, the tougher later round picks especially have been shockingly good. If you take the whole body of work, look at how efficient Licht has been when comparing him to Rockstar. I feel the coaching was inadequate. Nearly every time I would see Rudy out there on a 3 wide set and Godwi occupying bench, it made me sick. Don’t get me wrong. Rudy deserves a roster spot but he should be our 4th WR. Godwin looks like the real deal. He and OJ’s talents were mostly wasted under Dirk’s guidance. I can’t give Dirk a pass just because of our recent 2 year fires of head coaches. If he isn’t the right fit, then why waste more time.
December 23rd, 2017 at 1:30 pm
If our guy is so great at the draft why are we getting our butts kicked on a routine basis?
This is a trap I have fallen into over the years, looking at the roster you can find good players on any NFL roster, even the Browns.
The GM is measured by how good a team he assembles and how they compete on Sundays.
Not so good on that front.
December 23rd, 2017 at 7:06 pm
This is coming from Rick Stroud?
Ok then. Lol.
December 23rd, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Joe I am surprised that you are not more in the know on some of this inside info. I mean I mentioned it on here that I heard that this was the Glazers choice a long time ago. I just happen to live near someone high up with the Bucs and was told that it absolutely was the Glazer’s decision. I mean I am just a random fan and whether anyone on here believes it or not doesn’t really matter to me. I know it is true, I just can’t believe you aren’t privy to something like this.
December 23rd, 2017 at 10:03 pm
“Heard” same but catch is, only two people would know for sure: Team Glazer and/or Jason Licht. The Glazers don’t talk. Licht surely isn’t going to admit he’s a puppet.
Joe can see why folks think this was a Glazer move because it made such little sense. Licht gambled and went belly up.
December 23rd, 2017 at 10:21 pm
What can he do if the bosses told him to make the pick despite the fact that neither he nor “football people” wanted to make it. At the end of the day it really wasn’t his decision to make. Licht may be the GM, but what exactly is he supposed to do when the owners get involved and decide that they want to go in a certain direction.