“It Reminds You It’s A Business”
April 17th, 2018
Jeff Tedford payback?
Shame on those Bucs fans wagging a finger of doubt at just-released Denver running back C.J. Anderson.
A media guy with three Super Bowl rings who lives in Broncos country and has contacts and a national radio platform disagrees with you.
Joe is talking about Ed McCaffrey, the former wide receiver who spent nine seasons in Denver (1995-2003) and before that played for Bill Parcells and gobbled up a Super Bowl ring with the 49ers.
McCaffrey was hosting on SiriusXM NFL Radio today and was discussing how Anderson was a team leader in Denver and was “well liked” by fans and the organization. In his very-matter-of-fact but direct style, McCaffrey talked about how Anderson was one of the few highlights of the Broncos season and his release and the timing was simply about the money side of the game.
“It reminds you it’s a business,” McCaffrey said of 27-year-old Anderson getting cut right after teams have started offseason training.
The Broncos likely were sniffing out a trade or hoping Anderson would consider a last-minute pay cut. He also might have been released now with hopes he lands with the Giants and that steers them away from drafting Saquon Barkley and with the No. 2 overall pick — swaying New York toward drafting defensive end Bradley Chubb, for example. The Broncos own the No. 5 overall pick and could be yearning for Barkley.
Joe wrote earlier that the Bucs and Anderson are a great fit. Tampa Bay has the money or could make room.
Anderson could be looking for a contract like that of Dion Lewis, the ex-Patriots running back who will now earn about $5 million per year from the Titans, but it’s more likely Anderson will earn less since it’s late in the free agency season.
Or even better, maybe Anderson would play on a strong one-year deal?
The dude had an excellent, 1,000-yard season last year and is know for his pass blocking, and he’s a good guy.
However, Joe and Anderson had a long chat back at the Super Bowl a few years ago. The topic was then-new Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, Anderson’s college coach. The two had remained close, so Joe’s wondering whether Tedford, who left Tampa on bad terms, might steer him elsewhere.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:50 pm
With the draft next week I would rather wait until after the draft is over to consider any free agents.
There will be plenty of serviceable post June 1 cuts, which the Bucs and the other 31 teams can use to fill holes on rosters.
April 17th, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Licht’s patience may pay off….
Let’s hope it pays off in the game of waiting for teams to cut their precious Corners.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Wausa’s point seems to be a good one. One that is not much considered. Wonder what Joe’s take is? Maybe pick up a decent DB after June 1 this way?
April 17th, 2018 at 5:00 pm
If Licht doesn’t sign this guy…
April 17th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
CJ can still play at a high level. Watched him numerous times last year. He is good. This team needs 2 RBs anyway. Hope Licht makes him an offer.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
They’ll only have about 5 mil left after they sign the guys they draft next week . Anderson would be a good guy to have in the rotation when he’s healthy but I don’t think the Bucs can afford him unless they restructure some deals. I don’t think they can cut Sweezy while he’s still injured.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:21 pm
I agree with Wausa. With the draft being this close, might as well just wait and see what our needs are after the draft.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Gettleman is the Giants GM, and has never traded down before.
Something to chew on.
Every one seems so sure they will not take a QB, but consider this. Eli Manning will cost them 20 million next year, and 24 million the year after that!
Still think they are not taking a QB ?
April 17th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
I don’t know what the probability is versus the field—including a tradedown to one of the QB coveters—but all signs point to Barkley at 7. Each of the four QBs have teams that covet them. The one guy that might have fallen is now the favorite to go first. We’re not going to draft a tight end or linebacker in the first four rounds and Elway and Ballard aren’t drafting a running back.
April 17th, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Wan’t TJ Ward a “business” decision??? The bucs will pass!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!
April 17th, 2018 at 5:53 pm
Trade OJ Howard and our 4th round pick (or 2019’s 3rd round pick) to go from #7 to #5 with Denver, if…and ONLY IF, Barkley is still there at #5 while on the clock. Elway is a major fan philosophically of TE’s in Denver’s offensive philosophy, (see Julius Thomas with Manning and Keenum was great with Rudolph in MIN) and Licht needs to be on the offensive for at least 2 (likely 3) teams trying to leapfrog the Bucs should Barkley make it to #6 Indy.
Have to go get him. CAN NOT…sit there and think NO ONE ELSE with simply do nothing with regard to Barkley.
Go Bucs!
April 17th, 2018 at 5:54 pm
*will simply
April 17th, 2018 at 6:01 pm
It’ like your title says JOE – “It reminds you it’s a business”
Who would have thought Johnny Damon would leave Red Sox Nation to play for the hated rival Yankees? So many examples of the almighty dollar talking and every thing else walking.
Like DB55 said to Tmaxcon last Sunday, quote “I hope McCoy plays another five years for the Bucs”.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:02 pm
Ah realist, your pomposity is almost as impressive as your ignorance.
T.J. Ward was a couple months shy of being 31 and was getting out played in training camp which led to him being cut by Denver. C.J. Anderson is 27, and while he’s not a world beater, he’s a very solid 1A starting Running back.
In the years where Anderson has played in 15 or more games, he’s averaged 858.7 yards rushing, 243.7 yards receiving and 6.7 touchdowns.
So when healthy, he’s good for 1000+ yards from scrimmage and 6-7 scores a season. We have no reason what so ever to pass on a guy like that.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Gambelero there are absolutely zero signs that point to Saquan being available at 7. Google is your friend. You and I would both love to see that happen, but absolutely zero quality mocks have him falling that far.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:13 pm
Don’t get your hopes up.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:16 pm
I too like CJ…I just feel badly that nobody even talks as if Barber has a chance to contribute. AGAIN…if Barber had the same number of carries as CJ he would have finished with 955 yards last year. He’s not great but he could be good.
Still as folk have said we need two backs…CJ and Barber would be a matched pair though…both slow bruising backs who run 4.6 40’s…both 225 and both with career averages at 4 or more yards.
JOE
Here is the question…can CJ block. lmao
April 17th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
So, this year any “quality mock” that doesn’t include trades is beyond ludicrous. Absolutely nonsensical. I see mocks where only two QBs go in the top 10. No way that happens. If, as everyone expects, four QBs go in the top four or five slots, one of Chubb, Nelson or Barkley has to be there at 7. See what the’re saying in Denver and Indy. “Chubb or Nelson.” “Nelson or Chubb.” Barkley is left to us. Personally, I’d prefer Chubb, then Nelson, then trade-down in the increasingly unlikely event that only three QBs go in the first six.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:25 pm
@Stpete
I quite liked what we saw from Barber last year and feel that he would make a great 1B to C.J. Anderson’s 1A, with Rodgers as the designated 3rd down back.
And if we manage to draft Quenton Nelson on top of that, we could have one of the best rushing attacks in the league with that group of backs.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Yes it’s a business. Does C.J. Anderson fit into their business plan.
You can argue either way but the biggest need on this team is probably secondary, and it may not even be close. Lichts plan might be to spend money on the secondary.
It’s hard to know if we have enough money to be in the Anderson market.
Or perhaps, C.J. Anderson coming avialable changes our entire plan. Maybe they like him that much.
Licht could surely find a way to afford if he really wanted to. How much does he want to though?……And even if the Bucs do put themselves into that market does Anderson even want to come to Tampa? For all we know Anderson has a list of just a few teams he will want to play for.
April 17th, 2018 at 6:42 pm
Absolutely under no circumstances should we trade up for any player this year……you only do that when you have a complete team and need one piece….we need several pieces…..my dream draft would be to come away with a OG, RB, CB, & DE in the first two rounds…..via trade….& that would be with Buffalo.
I’d settle for a S or another CB instead of the DE….if the players were right.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Trading OJ Howard PLUS future picks to move up 2 spots. to draft a RB???
C’mon man I know you like Barkley, but that is asinine.
This team has too many holes to be trading away draft picks… especially for a running back! And especially for a player that has not made a single play at the professional level!
You don’t mortgage away draft picks for a RB. You do that for a QB, or maybe a beastly DE/LB, or maybe a WR. Maybe.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Strike while the Iron is hot. Send the Jet and bring him home.
What is not to like about a guy that can give you a good 1/2 backfield punch.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:21 pm
Anderson ran a 4.6 – 40 kind of slow by today’s standards, and though he has short arms, only put up 17 reps in the bench press. Translation is, he is slow and weak, compared to what we can draft today. Being 5 ft 8 and 230 lbs, he is barrel chested, so with his short arms, he should be a bench pressing machine, and he is not.
Denver let him walk, because they fell they can do better. I say, let him continue his walk, away from Tampa!
We can do better !
April 17th, 2018 at 7:27 pm
@Chris
Seriously hope you are Joking, C.J. Anderson is not a draft prospect, he is a proven producer in the NFL, those metrics could not matter less, he is a solid starter in this league when healthy, there’s absolutely no debating that.
Also, just want you to know how very little those 2 metrics matter. Kareem Hunt ran a 4.62 40, and put up 18 reps on the benche, and he went on to be the most productive rookie running back in 2017. Despite the 2017 draft class of Running backs being incredibly deep.
If you can play, you can play.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
I am starting to think Barkley might be there at 7 so many strange things happen in draft who thought the bears would trade up to 2 last year for Mitch trubisky no one could or would have predicted that Barkley to Bucs at 7 let’s go
April 17th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
CJ = UPGRADE simple as that.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:32 pm
What does bench press have to do with running?
April 17th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
I may be one of the only ones here but I believe that with Jensen, Marpet going back to guard and drafting Nelson @ 7 will make Peytion Barber an Instant Star!!!
That’s ok. I am used to being a pioneer.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:36 pm
I think we are in a great spot at # 7
what else could one hope for.
The worst that can happen is we pay #7 money for a guy that is potential all world.
whats not to like.
or
the 2nd worst that can happen is we pay #12 money and end up with a possible all pro. and 2 extra draft picks.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:45 pm
@SB
While I wouldn’t go as far as to say it would make him a star, I’ve posted a few times in the last 2 days that with the Addition of Anderson and Nelson we could have one of the best ground games in the NFL this season.
I think that Anderson, Barber and Rodgers would make for immenseley competent backfield behind such a beefy O-line. And I hope that it happens.
April 17th, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Funny how teams that have good offensive lines find ways to make stars out of nobody street free agents. Media and people around here act like it’s the RB that makes holes and dominates without help. Only a handful of players in the history of the game have been great without good lines. And there aren’t any in this draft most likely – but there is a heck of OG prospect who could take this line to a level they’ve never been at.
As far as Anderson goes, give him a 1-2 year deal without remotely hitting the cap hard. Anything more is a waste of money.
April 17th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
@Blake_Bucsfan
I am well aware Anderson is not a draft prospect
He gained barely over 1000 yards a grand total of ONCE, in his 4 year career.
That was the year the Denver QB was lighting up the NFL, before he got hurt
And, in that 1000 yard year, he scored one, one TD 🙁
Meh
April 17th, 2018 at 8:15 pm
StAugBuc Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 7:32 pm
What does bench press have to do with running?
——————————————————————————————-
The Bench Press is a measure of a running backs upper body strength, as well as the force of their stiff arm.
April 17th, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Blake
Agree with your first post not sure about the second. While I certainly concede that “metrics” are not the be all end all especially when a player like CJ has done it under the lights against NFL competition. I agree that CJ and Barber behind a stud OL would produce a good running game.
I guess I’m just too scarred by Muscle Turtle. How many times do we have to watch our back get to the second level…he could…go…all…the…no he can’t he’s the Muscle Turtle and he gets caught from behind.
I can live without a game breaking back but I’d love to have one….in this draft that of course would be Saquan….but Guice is nice as well and he runs a sub 4.5 40…the only one of the big names who can do that. Admittedly it’s only a whisker faster but it’s better than 4.6.
Although many players are a lot faster than their 40…Leonard Fournette a 4.5 40 guy has one of the fastest on field MPH ratings from last year…faster than all the other backs drafted with him including those with faster 40 times.
Wow a lot goes into this…Licht and Spyteck must be very, very, busy men.
April 17th, 2018 at 8:24 pm
CJ Anderson a Laney College JC product in Oakland.
April 17th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
How many 100-yard games did Barkley have flasher?
April 17th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
“Muscle Turtle”……..lol…….thanks for the laugh SPBF
April 17th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
*Last year?
April 17th, 2018 at 8:42 pm
Who is flasher?
April 17th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 8:15 pm
StAugBuc Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 7:32 pm
What does bench press have to do with running?
——————————————————————————————-
The Bench Press is a measure of a running backs upper body strength, as well as the force of their stiff arm.
___________________________________________________
I now that. But not a great measure for success as running back.
I’m kinda a gym rat. Thanks for lesson 🙂
April 17th, 2018 at 8:47 pm
Joe, is this is a football site or a safe space? This constant moderation is getting old…..
April 17th, 2018 at 9:17 pm
Since the Bucs have become a team that has to overpay for free
Agents I don’t see cj Anderson a player that is worth overpaying for
April 17th, 2018 at 9:28 pm
Didn’t expect to see good players being cut a week before the draft. Timing seems wierd. The past few days C.J. and Dez Bryant both got released.
Is this normal to cut players just before draft? Do they expect to sign contracts before or after draft?
April 17th, 2018 at 9:31 pm
He can catch, he can block and he may not have blazing speed but he is quick in the hole and can make people miss. We will still need the blazing guy that we have NEVER had in Tampa Bay (Warrick Dunn is about the only guy that has had any home run speed). My rank for running back at Tampa- Alstott, Dunn, Wilder, Ricky Bell, Jerry Eckwood, Doug and Michael Pittman (only because of the Super Bowl year and Super Bowl itself). Am I missing anyone? Holy Crap how sad is that Running Back history??
April 17th, 2018 at 9:57 pm
Do it. I’ve been pining for CJ. He can do everything and then we pair him with an Alvin Kamara type in maybe the 4th rd.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:04 pm
Barber earned another year with us.
I like C.J. too. I might be in contact with his agent getting quotes. I would wait until after the draft though, to make a signing. SB will drop to #7.
What about David Johnson next season? Or Bell? Or Batman?
No one is reading this.
April 17th, 2018 at 10:06 pm
jjbucfan
ironman Errict Rhett
April 17th, 2018 at 10:07 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo bench presses his elongated arc……now that is impressive….It doesn’t mean Pablo can run any faster….it doesn’t mean Pablo is any stronger…..but it does mean that Pablo has fun doing it.”
April 17th, 2018 at 10:18 pm
What do we really know about the Tedford drama anyway? Was it Lovie?
April 17th, 2018 at 10:27 pm
We need probably 2-3 RB with what we have on the roster!!! Commish, please chime in…. it is the most needy position on our team. I like what Barber brings but only as a reserve roll. I love the trade back scenarios as I see the first six off the board only having three QB’s which means we loose out on our top three choices & BPA.
1-Darnold
2-Barkley
3-Mayfield
4-Chubb
5-Ward or Fitz
6-Nelson
7- Allen or Rosen – Buffalo offers more than NE for the rights 2 firsts(12 +22) second (53) and third (65)
Bucs draft
12-Vita Vea DT, Starter with JM93, JPP90 and Curry,
22-Jackson DB starter opposite Grimes
38-Michel RB, Starter with Penny and CJ Anderson, after draft $$ (3 Headed Monster!!!)
53-O’neil OT/OG, by Sweezy, replaces Dotson mid-season
65 -R. Penny RB Starter, splitting caries with Michel when CJ gets hurt
102-Bates SS Starter with Evans
144- McFadden CB (4th Corner)
180 Griffin LB – Depth ST ace with Johson and Bond
202-Marquez Valdes-Scantling WR 4 speed receiver learns from 11, saves cap next year
255-Lawler DE replaces Gholston mid season if not sooner $$$
April 17th, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Greecosuave Says
“Barber earned another year with us.”
How? By jot playing?
April 17th, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
@Blake_Bucsfan
I am well aware Anderson is not a draft prospect
He gained barely over 1000 yards a grand total of ONCE, in his 4 year career.
That was the year the Denver QB was lighting up the NFL, before he got hurt
And, in that 1000 yard year, he scored one, one TD 🙁
Meh
————————————————————————–
What’s funny is you couldn’t be anymore wrong. He’s only had one 1000 yard season is the only true thing you said, but it was last year behind 2 of the worst QB’s in the NFL, and he score 3 rushing TD’s and 1 receiving TD. But go right on ahead living in that fantasy land where you think that you’re right bud.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:08 pm
I’d pick him up, he’s not by any means a star player, but is a solid vet that can compete with Barber and it would allow the Bucs not to waste a pick a RB when they need tons of help at corner and safety.
April 17th, 2018 at 11:11 pm
and @Stpete
Home run hitters are nice, but it’s not the true measure of a Running back’s value. There have been many, many RB’s in this league who had fantastic careers and were insanely valuable to their teams that didn’t have long speed.
And there have also been quite a few running backs with below average 40’s that were more than capable of getting long runs for touchdowns. You know, like Kareem Hunt, who again, ran a 4.62 40.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhCUSOvlD9U
April 17th, 2018 at 11:16 pm
Chubb in the second gives me a chubby.
April 18th, 2018 at 12:17 am
Ol’ Jeff Tedford…he of the Fred Sanford fake heart attack(s). And Jeff Jags before him…Koetter looks like Bill Walsh by comparison. 🙂 It really has become a running comedy act without the lovable loser label of the Bucco Bruce Bucs.
April 18th, 2018 at 12:41 am
IF SO GREAT WHY GET RID OF HIM? thats all needed to ask, if he is what you need to get to the next level why move him or feel need to replace with rookie and unproven in NFL..
REACHING joe
April 18th, 2018 at 1:04 am
I would 100 percent C.J. Anderson if it isn’t to expensive he’s an upgrade to barber and we still draft one and suddenly that’s a nice RB room
April 18th, 2018 at 6:04 am
Someone mentioned trading OJ howard?! Insanity. You dont trade the best te coming out of college since rob gronkowski. The guy had six tds last year running limited routes last season. Howard, if given the lead role could have pushed for the rookie te receiving record (we all know how rookie ends struggle usually, too) If anything, you use his explosiveness down field more. Oj is as fast as david johnson, ran a faster shuttle than kalil mack, better three cone time than ty lockette at the size and wingspan of gronkowski.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:08 am
Blake_Bucsfan Says:
April 17th, 2018 at 11:11 pm
and @Stpete
Home run hitters are nice, but it’s not the true measure of a Running back’s value. There have been many, many RB’s in this league who had fantastic careers and were insanely valuable to their teams that didn’t have long speed.
And there have also been quite a few running backs with below average 40’s that were more than capable of getting long runs for touchdowns. You know, like Kareem Hunt, who again, ran a 4.62 40.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhCUSOvlD9U
——————
True. Some players player faster than their 40 times. Sony Michel is another prime example.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:10 am
Wonder if the Anderson release is a smoke screen by the Broncos.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:24 am
Anderson and Barber seem like similar backs to me. Sims could be had cheap and I like his pass catching ability, he would be more of complement to either
Anderson or Barber.
April 18th, 2018 at 6:31 am
Fix the defense, fire Mike Smith
April 18th, 2018 at 8:03 am
Good running back and is a winner along with a good high character and veteran leadership.i think he would be a good fit but we also need to draft a runningback.barber,anderson,and a draft pick would make a quality running back tandem
April 18th, 2018 at 11:01 am
This is one of the more logical considerations I have seen for the Bucs in a long time, and it could allow an extra draft pick that may have otherwise been used on a running back. Most posts here are for dreamers, but this makes sense.