Worth Evaluating
February 10th, 2018
Smells like toast.
Once upon a time, Kansas City defensive end Tamba Hali was a complete and total beast.
But after reading that the Chiefs may let Hali go as a salary cap casualty, it seems, upon some research, Hali’s NFL days are likely done because of a chronic knee injury.
That doesn’t mean Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht shouldn’t kick the tires.
From 2009-2013 Hali had no less than 8.5 sacks a season. But old age has caught up with the 34-year old, it seems.
Two internet sources Joe is unfamiliar with claim Adam Teicher of BSPN stated the Chiefs are expected to release Hali. But there is no reference to where Teicher wrote or said this. And there is nothing in Teicher’s sparsely-used Twitter account about the Chiefs deciding to let Hali go.
But let’s say this is real news and the Chiefs unload Hali. Last year, Hali only played in five games, no starts, and recorded one tackle in an injury-plagued season.
Joe is of the mind the Bucs are so barren at defensive end, they need to sign two free agents and draft two. Maybe Hali could be one of those? Perhaps Hali is finally healthy?
Joe would be in favor of bringing in Hali for a workout and a medical exam. If he has some zip in his game, maybe offer him a prove-it contract that makes sense.
When you factor in Hali had his worst season in his 12-year career yet still had as many sacks as Will Gholston, what would be the harm in giving Hali a shot?
Beggars shouldn’t be choosers.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:02 am
Nope…..
February 10th, 2018 at 9:04 am
stop shopping in the discount dented can nearing expiration date bin
February 10th, 2018 at 9:10 am
@Altered Ego,
That’s funny!
As far as Hali? If Licht has time to kick the tires and set him up with a Dr evaluation then, yes fine kick the tires. But, I am not so sure that this is an answer. I will say that having a couple vets in rotation with young guys is a the best recipe for success. Eagles DL is the example to follow.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:11 am
I agree Joe. What could it hurt? It’s not going to make us worse lol.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:22 am
No thanks. We need younger players.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:34 am
Its depressing to read about the Bucs these days.
February 10th, 2018 at 9:55 am
AlteredEgo
Being the least desirable location in nfl for players coaches and front office requires bucs to shop dented can nearing expiration date bin and dollar store
February 10th, 2018 at 9:58 am
Agree but we can’t fix the defensive end issue when there is one true guy in draft and no real free agent studs at end cause they always get resigned.
Gotta take some risks
February 10th, 2018 at 9:59 am
Is it too late to release Dork?
February 10th, 2018 at 10:10 am
You mean he’s only 34 Joe? I bet we could get him cheap too. Go for it Jason, exactly what you look for in FAs: old, injured and cheap. Definitely a keeper. Remember Joe’s philosophy: “Beggars can’t be choosers”.
February 10th, 2018 at 10:20 am
WOW Joe………..Just……Wow!
February 10th, 2018 at 10:32 am
Your fear smells like rotting Roadkill
February 10th, 2018 at 10:34 am
Dumpster diving
February 10th, 2018 at 10:50 am
No more trying to count on players coming off injury, we already have that in Noah Spence, no more along the DL (unless it’s like a broken finger, but legs, back and shoulders must all be good).
If you want an aging veteran, take a run a Peppers, who actually did something last year, and was healthy all season.
February 10th, 2018 at 10:51 am
Every now and then “dumpster divers” find something of real value tossed in by mistake.
I certainly would not view this as a solution and no more than a band aid at best but if the price is no more than a band aid I’m all for exploring it. Of course Hali would have to have an excellent rep in terms of the locker room. No more Swaggy’s!
February 10th, 2018 at 11:02 am
Every player who has “DE” after his name and that might not be under contract when free agency arrives is “worth evaluating”.
Pickins are slim
Could the football Gods possibly bless us once again with a higher rated player falling to our pick? Can he please meet our biggest need this time as well? Is that asking too much after all that Bucs fans have endured?
C’mon baby – Daddy needs a Chubb on the end… I’m using it now. One Time baby – ONE TIME!!!
February 10th, 2018 at 11:33 am
The solution is NOT to bring in more bad DEs, and this guy is a bad one these days. Unhealthy, Old, and has not had more that 6 sacks in 5 years. Not even worth kicking the tires.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:40 am
There is a reason he’s a part time player at this stage in his career.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:42 am
All of the Kansas City Chiefs linebackers were beasts, when they had Dontari Poe in the middle to eat up blockers.
February 10th, 2018 at 11:55 am
Nope sorry no more guys contemplating retirement, he’s got nothing to prove and he won’t have an impact because if it
February 10th, 2018 at 11:59 am
And so we’re all hoping to get a “chubby” on draft day eh?
February 10th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
I’m hoping fir the Polk County Beast…Derwin James…Mike James lil cuzz
February 10th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
**for**
February 10th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
To many damn Florida st homers in here.
February 10th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
BPA homers
February 10th, 2018 at 12:59 pm
James is a chiseled 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, with strength and explosiveness that set him apart even in one of the most talented locker rooms in the country. He can bench press 450 pounds, and he’s approached 600 on the squat rack. He’s broad jumped 11 feet, 3 inches, which would have ranked him in the top five among more than 300 players at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. You want speed? He was clocked at 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Nike Opening coming out of high school.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Every year we go through this…..have opportunities to pick up a proven pass rusher who is older…perhaps coming off an injury….and guess what? They usually produce for the team that picks them up…..Freeney, Allen, Peppers….
And….JFB posters usually say “pass”…..
What do we really have to lose, a few bucks and a roster spot?
At least we could bring in a player who could teach….I’m beginning to agree that our fabulous coach Jay Hayes, isn’t able to develop a player so lets get one who is already developed.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:14 pm
They couldn’t go wrong if they signed Tamba Hali and Dontari Poe.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:19 pm
I’m getting tired of seeing these posts about kicking the tires on players in the twilight of their career. Good players don’t get RELEASED like that. If they’re good, teams find a way to keep them….
…. unless you’re the Bucs.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:33 pm
Is there anyone below the age of 30 out there?
Anyone?
Talib, Bennett, now Hall – that would be a disaster. The Bucs need to be concentrating their efforts on finding the next Talib, Bennett, and Hall.
Focus on the lines. Put all the resources into the two lines and scour for gems at other positions. Better line play has the greatest effect on all other position groups on both sides of the ball. A great offensive line makes RBs and QBs and WRs look better. A great defensive line makes linebackers and DB’s better,
You can try to argue it the other way around, sure, but the outliers you find are the exceptions and not the rule.
If they fix the trenches, they’ll fix the Bucs.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
No harm in it, but it would be ludicrous to count on him. He’s a late free-agency signing, maybe. Meanwhile, they need to sign 2 they can depend on and draft 2 they can develop.
February 10th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
The Licht Paradox:
Pick Hali up and he gets injured preseason.
Pass Hali and watch him record double digit sacks. Probably with a division rival.
Kick said tires
Go to pharmacy for Cyalis.
Pray for Chubb.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:02 pm
If this even a thought we are seriously in big trouble. No eeefin way.
February 10th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
What did they get from Will Gholston, Robert Ayers, Noah Spence, Darryl Tapp, Ryan Russell, Will Clarke?
8.5 sacks
6 Edge Rushers 8.5 sacks
February 10th, 2018 at 2:26 pm
Does it really matter who we get as long as he produce? Hali might not be the desired age but if the man can help our d-line, go talk to him! Joe got it right, beggers can’t be choosers
February 10th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
I think it is funny how some dismiss these “experienced” players outright because they are past their prime and might not be the answer. We KNOW the current stable of DEs is not the answer. Youthful talent would be ideal for building long term, but we still have to field a team in the meantime. I’d rather have experienced players with a history of success that might have some gas in the tank than waste another season on unproven players that have no history of success and no future in the league.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Tampabayfan….Hayes has a proven record of developing talented lineman, the key word here is “talented”, it’s not his fault our GM has only picked a 3-4 outside LB (Noah) and a 7th round nose tackle (Steve T), picked up an old, 1 year wonder DE (Ayers), Swaggy nothing else needs to be said, and the rest are undrafted FAs, it’s ridiculous and sad how stupid our GM is when trying to build a team, just sad
February 10th, 2018 at 3:17 pm
@ Guzzie
You may be right but you can’t blame me for being skeptical. I simply don’t see any improvement from anyone on the Dline…..GMC & McDonald are good….but they were always that way….Gholston was and still is one-dimensional. Spence is good….has a small body of work so can’t tell if he is improving…..and there is the et al…….group….each good for a sack apiece.
Sure, we need better talent….but it’s hard for me to believe that we have swung and missed on all of them. Perhaps the Bengals were so talented, he couldn’t help but look good with them.
February 10th, 2018 at 3:25 pm
Many moons ago the Bucs had the 3rd pick and choose a DE with all the tools to be great (Gaines Adams), passing on a once in a generation talented RB (Peterson), can fortunes reverse and a potential great DE (Chubbs) gets picked 3rd, and the generational talented RB (Barkley) drops due the position undervalued and QBs get picked early, Barkley at 7 would mean Chubb, Fitzpatrick, Nelson and 3 QBs would all be gone, a great RB can help keep a defense off the field by sustaining drives, opening up play-action, getting touchdowns, just look what top ten RBs Zeke, Fournette and Gurley have done for their teams, sure I’d like Guice, Michel or even Penny in the 2nd, but there’s no guarantee they will be available, when you can get the number 1 ranked prospect at 7, you take
February 10th, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Also, if we get Barkley at 7, he’s going to be our unquestioned starter, no RB committee, no taking out the RB for a receiving back, Manning didn’t take off till they surprisingly drafted Edgerrin James in the top 10, Koetter offenses only works with a threat at RB
February 10th, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Every other DE prospect with 1st round potential isn’t top 10 material, and are far lower ranked than Barkley at 7, would anyone really take DEs from Arden Key, Davenport, or Sam Hubbard, all of which are projected to go 15-32, over an elite talent Barkley, if so who, the CBs and OTs are the same way, most guys are all over the place on mocks, there are only 6 guys guaranteed to go top 10, we know Chubb won’t be there and we won’t take a QB, between Nelson, Fitz, and Barkley, which guy will help our team the most, not only on the field but off the field, when you are at the bar with friends are you going to be excited to talk about a guard (Nelson) or a safety (Fitzpatrick), of course not give me a core of JW, Evans, OJ and Barkley for the 8 years and I’ll take my chances
February 10th, 2018 at 3:51 pm
Rd 1 Barkley
Rd 2 DT Nathan Shepherd
Rd 3 DE Tyquan Lewis OSU
start with this and away we go
February 10th, 2018 at 4:02 pm
If your going to do it, have someone besides Jason Licht kick the tires. But IMHO no more broken down old injured players.
February 10th, 2018 at 4:16 pm
With the history of our teams doctors and their medical evaluations of tire kick’s I’d give a big hell no to that idea. I would be more interested in getting a straight forward answer as to why our db’s play half a football field back from the wrs before every….single…..defensive snap. Once that is figured out then worry about why there is no pass rush.
Putting the cart before the horse smdh
February 10th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
you either trade up for the best DE in the draft or you take barkley at 7 and hope your scouting days off in rounds 2 and 3 assuming those picks are not traded away.
Barely sounds good. Fix the DB’s playing out of position first.
Fire Mike Smith
February 10th, 2018 at 4:20 pm
Just like our Bucs..shopping the..Dented can store! I wouldn’t touch this guy with a 50 ft pole.
February 10th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
“Every year we go through this…..have opportunities to pick up a proven pass rusher who is older…perhaps coming off an injury….and guess what? They usually produce for the team that picks them up…..Freeney, Allen, Peppers….
And….JFB posters usually say “pass”….. ”
All of those leople had re ent consistency. So far, we’re not seeing that in any of these suggestions.
February 10th, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Jesus Joe spent the entire article saying all the reasons why this is not something worth looking into. 34, knee problems, played 5 games last year and had virtually no production. Really? And some of you think this is a solution. Lawrence Taylor used to be great. Why don’t we just get him. Man it is a sad state of affairs when Joe suggests we bring in a broken down old guy because “it couldn’t hurt.” The fact that it couldn’t hurt is a disgrace! Regardless, this is not worth looking into whatsoever. This guy will be on the street soon and we don’t need to pay a guy who’s career is over.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
If he can give them 0.5 sacks, that’s more than what they got from $27 million Will Gholston.
February 10th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
That’s the sad part…..
February 10th, 2018 at 7:52 pm
Peppers is the type of talent you always take a risk on, an exceptional talent who had incredible natural ability, so even if they lost a step or two, they’re still probably (at worst) decent.
This guy is the type of guy you pass on. In fact I’d give Simeon Rice a call for a medical before I’d waste time on this guy.
In fact I’d call Simeon Rice anyways just to see if perhaps there is anything still there. Yeah, extreme long shot, but using my criteria above, Simeon Rice was an exceptional talent, they should at least talk to him and see if he was in any way serious about a comeback. The Bucs have a guy like Justin Trattou on the team. Who? Exactly. I’d rather spend a roster spot on a guy that will actually show others how you’re supposed to train and prepare for the NFL.
February 10th, 2018 at 7:58 pm
I loved watching Tamba Hali in his prime.
We are absolutely desperate. We have no pass rushers.
Yeah, Id definitely check him out. If he can run- sign him
There is actually a good chance that Chubb will fall to us.
If not- Ive watched alot of Arden Key. I know hes a moron off the field, but he will be a great Pass rusher.
We’ve done very well with LSU players.
I like their CB, in the 3rd round also.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Sounds like the guy isn’t worth anything more then a trading camp contract.
February 10th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
TRaining*
February 10th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
Lol Rod. Rice retired over a decade ago. What the heck are you talking about?
February 10th, 2018 at 9:04 pm
The Bucs score in free agency when they SPEND for a still young top player.
February 11th, 2018 at 1:19 am
@TheDailyCoroner
“The Bucs score in free agency when they SPEND for a still young top player.”
Which never happens.
February 11th, 2018 at 3:24 am
JimmyJack – Yeah I know, but Rice I retired fairly early, at 32, due to a shoulder injury. Look, I don’t think he could actually make the team, but what I’m saying is when you’re as terrible as the Bucs were on the defensive line, you do something drastic to shake things up. If Rice comes in and raises hell and teaches people like Kwon the history of the franchise and why Kwon needs to listen when someone like Sapp calls them out, then he’s worth whatever effort they put into him. BTW I like Kwon, but to say he’s tuning out Sapp for saying the Bucs defense was awful last year, come on – he needs a solid good boot in the rear end.
Rice got overshadowed a bit because of all the guys on the team, but he has that swagger the team desperately needs. If he was completely serious about it, then yes, see if he can pass a physical and play him in the preseason. At the very least it’s a way to sell a few tickets and to bridge the gap between the SB years and Winston, which is the future.
Seriously it’s a great idea. Sure it’s a bit of a PR stunt as well, but nowhere as bad as Phil Esposito putting Manon Rheaume in goal in order to sell some tickets – and hey if the Bucs want to sign a female kicker for preseason… well, nevermind. In the past I’d say do it to sell some tickets, but if you did it now every fake news media source in the country would think it’s a war crime when she got released from the team. But Rice would be a national footnote, but a great local story, for a couple of weeks.
February 11th, 2018 at 6:15 am
try to go after aldon smith if he is cleaned up
February 11th, 2018 at 8:05 am
Alright, heres an idea. Desperation but level headed too.
Hate his politics but bring back Bennett.
Bring back Clayborn.
Draft Chubb or Vita, whichever is available (Chubb of course if he’s there)
Bring back Talib.
Now, is it kind of crazy, yes. But dont think for a second these guys would be playing hard AF! Even GMC93 would step it up a bit. And theres already room made for a new D line Coach!
I dont think it would cost too much….some of the boys would be back together and playing hard for each other….why not?
Just an idea I had.
February 11th, 2018 at 8:06 am
*wouldnt be playing
February 11th, 2018 at 11:58 am
Oh yeah. Bennett, clayborn ,and talib are gonna bust ass for a team/Gm that cut them.
Threw them out, like they had no talent(clayborn and Bennett)
Or were nut jobs( talib- which is true).
Suuuure they will. Sign them to a 2 year contract- whatch them sleep on the field, and spend 90% of their time on IR. Watching from the sidelines.
Bennett and Talib are both low Character guys. Neither is gonna play hard for this team.
Clayborn is a guy we gave up on to soon. We didnt have anyone else- so we forced him to start as a Rookie.
He should have been groomed behind a good Vet. Instead, we threw him to the Wolves, and cut him when he didnt develop.
It takes most DL 3 years to really hit their stride. Longer if you dont groom them right
By all accounts, Clayborn is a good guy. But he is still gonna have some resentment towards this team.
Tslib and Bennett arent high character guys, like Calais Campbell.
When you sign a blue collar guy like Campbell- you know he will play hard
If we are stupid enough, to sign two malcontents, Like Talib and Bennett, who already have a grudge against this team- then you are playing them to get their revenge.
Bringing back head cases, who left on bad terms- is the dumbest idea ever!
So, Im sure the Bucs will do it.
February 11th, 2018 at 12:00 pm
“Paying them, to get their revenge”
Damn phone
February 11th, 2018 at 2:12 pm
Well, like I said “Desperate” ….and I dont see it the way you do Tim.
This whole coaching staff and probably the GM is on the verge of a purge! I dont my hypothetical scenario much either, thats why I said its crazy…but what if?
Its a better option than chasing guys in their mid 30’s or hoping to pick up a guy in his early 20’s who has shown NOTHING at an nfl level. At least Bennett, Clayborn and Talib have shined a little after moving on from us with other teams. How many players have we seen do that? I’ve lost count. So lets try a new strategy. Bring them back while its not too late and see what happens.
Crazy, I know. Just thinking outside the box since thats about a requirement knowing short of a Bucs NFC Champ game this time next year, this staff will be purged! And if you’re writing off the 2018 season like me, you’re ready to accept almost anything.
It could hurt or it could help….beggars cant be choosers when it comes to taking a chance.
February 12th, 2018 at 11:25 am
Sure let the doctor who said Sweezy was physically ready to start do the physical on Tambi Hall? No way unless you fired the dumb Dr. and hired a sharp one. If the latter skip Hall and do a physical on Rice. He looks good for his age! Then also get a couple of DEs in the draft that can play OLB in a three four. There are a bunch of them in this draft. And get off Will Gholston’s back. He was never resigned to be a sacker. He is our best lineman to hold the perimeter and stop the run and he has the height to knock down passes and will make a good outside DT in a three four. He earned his raise. The mistake by Licht was letting Spenser, our strongest DT and best run stopper, go in Free Agency so he could overpay a Cancer/Bust like Swaggy to replace him. Fire Licht now if you really want to improve this team. He is the CULPRIT!
February 12th, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Clayborne would be the best defensive end on the Bucs if he signed right now, the other guys they have aren’t starting caliber DE’s. Adrian isn’t a star but he would help this team if they pick him up. He still is fast and is stronger than when he was on the Bucs.