If Motivated, Players Still There For Bucs
March 15th, 2018
Options dwindling.
Joe is trying to stay positive in the middle of this dark cloud hanging above Bucs’ fandom.
Yes, as Joe types this, the Bucs roster still has 23 sacks on it — if Clinton McDonald returns.
(The smart aleck in Joe wants to tell Bucs coach Dirk Koetter, who stated to Joe at the NFL combine the team cannot have 22 sacks again, that his team now has 23 — mission accomplished.)
So Joe went over to Rotoworld.com to see who the top free agents still available for the craters in the Tampa Bay. The list is per Evan Silva.who adds a brief comment for each player.
1. Ndamukong Suh – Patriots, Seahawks, Saints, Cowboys reported to have interest in 31yo DT.
2. Sheldon Richardson – 27yo DT has reportedly generated interest from Seahawks and Vikings.
3. Justin Pugh – 27yo guard/right tackle visiting Cardinals. Injuries cost him 13 games last 2 years.
4. Tyrann Mathieu – Injuries cost him a step in ’17, cut by Cards. S/slot ballhawk turns 26 in May.
5. Dontari Poe – Top of interior DL market hasn’t moved yet. 27yo NT shined with 2017 Falcons.
6. E.J. Gaines – Drew early interest from Texans. Gaines was a difference-making CB for ’17 Bills.
7. Kenny Vaccaro – Slot CB/safety has drawn no reported interest. 15th overall pick in 2013 draft.
8. Adrian Clayborn – Has reported interest from Bucs, Patriots, Falcons. Had 9.5 sacks in Atlanta.
9. Josh Sitton – Released by Bears. Beat writers say Dolphins want him badly to solidify left guard.
11. Morgan Burnett – Dom Capers’ defensive chess piece in Green Bay, playing S, slot CB, dime LB.
13. Ryan Jensen – 26yo guard/center visiting Bucs. Was Ravens starting C for all 16 games in ’17.
14. Bennie Logan – Disappointed as Chiefs’ 2017 nose tackle. 28yo, 2-down rotational run stuffer.
15. Eric Reid – 26yo experienced at both safety jobs & finished ‘17 as 49ers weak-side linebacker.
Yeah, Joe understands Suh and Richardson are both tackles and both have baggage. But you cannot tell Joe those two can’t be more effective at rushing the passer than Will Gholston (no sacks in 2017).
During the legal tampering period, Gaines was linked to the Bucs and he is still out there.
Corners Mo Claiborne and Rashaan Melvin are, too.
There is still time to address the craters — provided the Bucs actually want to.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:17 am
You know its a weak market if weve expressed interest to Clayborn
March 15th, 2018 at 5:18 am
Still some decent talent. Hopefully Jensen isn’t let out of town.
Poe or Suh would be fantastic but I doubt it.
I’d take Gaines and/or Melvin.
Mathieu would be perfect for our team. Reid would still be an upgrade. Vaccaro meh.
The rest are underwhelming IMO.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:19 am
Don’t get this at all!!!! Same GM.same coach.same players same 5-11
March 15th, 2018 at 5:23 am
That seems to be THE problem Joe … Licht seems to be looking more to the draft to fix our holes than he is to FA. Very risky strategy if that’s the case because we’ve got too many starting holes (We’ll never find that many starters in the draft). I’m still hoping that we sign Jensen (to be a Center so we can move Marpet back to RG), re-sign McClain, Pamphile & Evan Smith as rotational players, plus sign a starting-caliber CB & LG in FA. That’d leave the draft to grab a beastly DT, 2 DEs, 1-2 RBs, CB & SS. Could live with that for 2018, but still wished we’d re-signed McDonald (that’ll come back to bite us).
March 15th, 2018 at 5:25 am
Delvin Breaux, Parnell Mcphee, Tre Boston, Alex Okafor, and Charles Johnson (at least for a visit). These are other names on that list that could help us.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:32 am
DR I agree Licht is puttimg his stock in the draft it appears. I’m afraid with the signing of these 2 DT it might take Vita Vea off the table for us. Who knows.
Seems like we are pigeonholing ourselves into drafting a DE and RB given there are not really any other available upgrades besides the draft. We will be forced to pick by position rather BPA but maybe Licht knows he can get his guy.
Still time to upgrade CB and S before draft so we will see how that goes.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:43 am
I am still wondering why there has not been a move made for a RB. So you can play Douggie mc Popin Pills 7 mil but not 5 for Hyde?
March 15th, 2018 at 5:46 am
These few past defensive moves only lets me know they are only worried about stopping the run, You have to get to the quarter back still!!!!!!!!!! Wtf, Buckner is a good coach not a f-ing miracle worker!!!! We also need corner depth if that’s the case don’t you think? So they must be making a play a Fitzpatrick since the good edge rushers will be gone draft wise. Still these lack of moves worries me.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:53 am
I like our DT signings so far. Has 3-4 written all over it
March 15th, 2018 at 5:58 am
Dude I love the news your site provides but I can’t stand your opinions.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:08 am
Well said Jeremy lmao that should be highlighted red
March 15th, 2018 at 6:10 am
I’ve been a fan all my life, and almost every year we make moves, or lack thereof, that baffle the mind and other than our glory years, which are fast reaching very few in the history of the franchise, we are nothing more than a Browns team with a Super Bowl. I guess I’ll be a fan always because I was born and raised here, but man these clowns are making it hard. Guess I’ll have to just be satisfied watching my Tide year in and out competing for National Championships. Maybe I’m spoiled with that but just for once could they both be good one year, the dream continues…..
March 15th, 2018 at 6:12 am
They should go heavy for Suh, and Mathieu. I know Suh and McCoy play the same position but I’m sure McCoy or Suh can also play the other tackle position. Mathieu is a tackler and run stuffer, and can cover the slot.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:15 am
EvolvingBucFan ” So they must be making a play a Fitzpatrick since the good edge rushers will be gone draft wise.”
Dude really, there is more than one pass rusher in this draft that will have success.
Although it is your right I don’t understand why people are losing their minds right now.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:27 am
Yeah just bring back Adrian “l was lucky to get six sacks in one game” Claiborne. What is going on here? It’s obvious that Litch n Koetter r not in touch with reality. Generic brain trust.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:28 am
With the exception of Tyrann Mathieu, most all free agents are damaged goods and even Mathieu has injury issues. I liked Quinn but we lost him–such is life, many other teams lost out on him as well.
When you “we suck-life is over-fire everybody-cheap owner” so-called fans, snot up your hankies and tissues with tears of self-pity today, try to remember that if these guys were so good, their teams wouldn’t have let them walk.
Best to fill holes with middle of the road guys that can be a short-term upgrade and a contract easy-out in a year or two. Patriots never sign a FA to a long-term deal. Remember, free agents don’t win super bowls, the luck od draft does.
Just got a flyer in the mail–Wall Mart is having a tissue sale for all you weeping whiners and a toilet paper sale for all you troll-haters that need it to brush your teeth.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:31 am
the lick “of” the draft–seems I’ve caught on to all the syntax and spelling errors the rule this site…
March 15th, 2018 at 6:31 am
I would like for the Bucs to get Suh only for a good price. GM and Suh together would put us on the map.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:48 am
Some players are still out there, however do not expect the Bucs to go after any of them.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:54 am
Alaskan, it’s not a deep draft for DE/edge rushers and if we can’t get a key player to help get to the quarterback it won’t help with the run stuffer nobodies we aquired in F/A. We need to beef up our secondary if we can’t get pressure, do you think we can find the pass rushing gem in the draft that will have an immediate impact? you have that much faith?, we still need a running back too.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:00 am
My frustration with this team like most Joes, is the biggest glaring hole last year we had was pass rush and so far we have not addressed that besides a new DL coach. We need some talent to create pressure period.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:02 am
I was under the impression that in order to make your football team better you should treat FA like the draft and early just take best player available then later, fill holes w role players
March 15th, 2018 at 7:03 am
JA
The Sheeple need big names, it helps them and makes them feel good…… until October and then they bitch about the GM wasting $ on has been players.
Sheeple don’t believe in building a team or understanding that even GMs make mistakes.
Poor Sheeple.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:04 am
I’m not worried. Licht & Coach Koetter both get paid to know where the team is & what the needs are. Draft and the rest of free agency, and we’ll be good.
Everything’s on Jameis being better anyway. If he’s hurt or can’t connect deep, then we’re not good enough regardless who we grab.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:06 am
If the Bucs took Suh we would have two beasts and it would take pressure off of the DEs and the CBs.
But the Bucs will not spend money like that on a player
And McCoy is not going to play next to Suh, he doesn’t help anyone up after he tackles them
March 15th, 2018 at 7:10 am
I don’t understand what this front office it’s doing, seems like they’re always clueless when it comes to free agency. I don’t think we’re going to sign any big name player.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:41 am
Still not fretting.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:43 am
What for?? Are we going to win anything next year?
We need to change everything and give up some assets to rebuild both talent and mental-wise. Trade for picks and get new blood. Give up on 2018.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:48 am
I would like to see them fix the o-line in Free Agency. I think another Center and another guard would do the trick. I’d also like one more S or CB (maybe both). That would allow the Bucs to draft a RB, d-line, and special teams.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:51 am
Right now our front office has convinced themselves that we’re like the ‘16 Saints- just a few solid draft picks at key positions away from being competitive enough to win the dvision. What irks me is how supposed professionals can take off their pewter colored glasses and honestly evaluate this roster and the entire football operation. 5 years into our GMs tenure we have massive holes at every level and position group on this team, except QB, WR, LB and TE. That doesn’t cut it at any level of football.
I appreciate not overpaying, letting the market settle and all the other gobbledygook folks say about the perils of FA. But I also appreciate a sense of desire, passion and commitment to IMPROVE this roster and the results on the field. It’s up to Licht and Koetter to do just that- are they up to the task? I just don’t know. Worse, I’m starting not to care.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:56 am
Oh there’s a hole at QB especially in the character department
March 15th, 2018 at 8:01 am
mathieu turned down 9 million from the Cards, reportedly wants north of 10 mill, not worth it, and not coming here. We need Jensen to sign, should still get one of the corners available, need alone dictates that. At running back they will draft our next starter, and draft one later, or go with UDFA, backs can be found, not impressed with any of the F.A. backs out there. It’s a deep draft at corner, so I’m assuming their plan is to draft one, or two. The way F.A. is shaking out we’ll be looking to the draft for D.L., corner, and R.B., best available in first three rounds. Somewhere a guard center, will be drafted also. Not saying it’s the way to go, just saying looks like we’re headed in that direction. Licht better make the right picks.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:02 am
You can scratch number 4 of your list
Tyrann Mathieu: A winning culture matters more to me than money
March 15th, 2018 at 8:31 am
Jman
Character is for scared conservative old men to cry about… talent wins not choirboy career losers…. the choirboy expirement led by captain blowout cancer93 has failed miserably… bucs need talented driven winners not pansy arse quitters like current defensive captains
March 15th, 2018 at 8:33 am
Jman
Winston has been a model citizen in tampa… uber is a non issue just another cash grab attempt from a gutless skank…
March 15th, 2018 at 9:07 am
Lol Tua 2020
March 15th, 2018 at 9:22 am
Oh boy…look at all the above names linked to the Bucs…. Packers so far have Wilkerson and Graham….Jimmy Graham, as if they needed more offense with Rodgers back. I’m so excited about what the Bucs have done, I tried to do a cartwheel and wet myself.
March 15th, 2018 at 9:27 am
Tmax..JW model citizen, granted he hasn’t broken any laws, but he’s embarrassed the organization and fans numerous times, I’m embarrassed talking to friends about the Bucs, in fact, I try not to, too depressing of a subject
March 15th, 2018 at 9:35 am
Yes guzzie
March 15th, 2018 at 11:10 am
BS. The best haave already been taken. Suh would be great. But he’s gonna be demanding Huge Bank. We truly should have gone lights out on Carlos Hyde.
And the DE Miami got. This Buc team will be pretty much the same as last year. Perhaps 7-9. at best. just how many DT’s are the Bucs gonna have? No pass rush equals losses in this league. Poor Bucs. They will be pretty much the same as last yr.
March 15th, 2018 at 11:36 am
The negativity here astounds me. We are in the SECOND DAY of FA, not at the end of it! Sheesh! They HAVE addressed the weakness against the run with the signing of the two DTs. Both are very good there. Give them time guys! As to no pass rushers in the draft, I really hope the draft Marcus Davenport! This may not be popular but I think he is going to be terrific! An upgrade the first year then a double digit sacked by no later than the 3rd year but believe it will be
By the 2nd.
March 15th, 2018 at 11:53 am
Until we have excellent coaches, it doesn’t matter who we bring in or draft. Smitty could run the 2002 Bucs defense into the ground
March 15th, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Honey Badger just told Licht to leave him along stating, “a winning culture matters more to me than money”. LMAO
March 15th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Jensen + Gaines + Okafor and/or Ealy = B+ for the offseason from me if they did it.
Jensen + Gaines likely $18-20 mill; and $5 for Ealy or Okafor