Dominik: Expect Kwon Alexander To Reach A Deal Before Donovan Smith
October 11th, 2018
Oily superagent Drew Rosenhaus
Bucs former rockstar general manager Mark Dominik had plenty to say following yesterday’s announcement that Ali Marpet got a five-year contract extension.
Still heard as an analyst on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Dominik remains very plugged in to all things NFL. Also, Dominik doesn’t hide that he remains a big Bucs fan.
Marpet’s new deal had Dominik talking the business of contracts this morning. First, he likes the Marpet deal that gave the pride of Hobart College $11 million per year.
Dominik told WDAE-AM 620 that there was an outside chance Marpet could have commanded $13 million annually if he had a solid final three-quarters of the season. Marpet was always going to earn more than new center Ryan Jensen ($10.5 million), per Dominik, so Jason Licht did pretty well.
As for the rest of the 2015 Bucs draft class, Dominik said Marpet getting done means Licht can negotiate a little harder and craftier with the agents of Donovan Smith and Kwon Alexander, potential free agents in 2019.
“I think you play them off each other. And thankfully, they have different agents, or else that would get really tricky,” Dominik said. “You realize you do have the [franchise] tag. It’s a big number for either guy. I mean, it’s a lot of cash for either guy. But you’ve got to use that to hopefully leverage you to sit there and say, ‘Look, you may be playing another one-year, prove-it deal, and because of that you’re not going to get the kind of money maybe that you were hoping going to get. You might have to wait another year before a payday happens.’ And so I’d play those two off of each other and see if I can get one of them to bite.”
Dominik added that he’d let the agents of Kwon and Smith negotiate the deal, aka come to him with offers.
Kwon is represented by oily Drew Rosenhaus and Smith is represented by a more “methodical” New York agent with many fewer clients than Rosenhaus, Dominik said, so Kwon is more likely to get a deal done first because Rosenhaus is more aggressive in order to serve his fat roster.
“The good news on Drew is that he’ll do a deal, like he wants to do deals. He talks tough and tries to toe the line, but he has so many clients that I know he likes to lock guys up,” Dominik said. “So therefore I think you can play on that a little bit because he’s got so many [players] and he’s in the numbers business of trying to get a lot of guys extensions.”
Interesting stuff from the ex-GM, who also added that Kwon’s four-game drug suspension in his rookie year could hurt him in negotiations, as getting popped for performance enhancing drugs again would mean a year out of football.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:09 pm
No to Kwon, Yes to Smith. Kwon is the most overrated player on the team. IMO
October 11th, 2018 at 5:09 pm
Please no. Get rid of Kwon and start Beckwith after this season.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:12 pm
I love Kwons spirt and effort
But, and man I hate to say this
He doesn’t have the best Instincts
He can be really good at times but he overruns a lot of plays.
In a weird way he reminds me of Micheal Pittman
When Pittman chose the correct hole look out. But a lot times he would choose the wrong hole.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:13 pm
That would be quite disappointing
October 11th, 2018 at 5:22 pm
@Doctor_berto. Agreed, Kwon is horrible but for some reason fans seem to like him ? Talks a big game, but is always out of position, gets pushed around and sealed off, can’t cover or tackle in space. Sorry, the but he needs a new team next year not another Buc’s contract. David can go also.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Neither has been tops at their position; but I’d much rather extend Smith.
Kwon is one of my favorite personalities but LB is one of the easiest positions to replace and he’s been a liability just as much as he’s been a play maker; and doesn’t seem to be doing better this year vs his rookie year.
I wouldn’t be in a rush to give Kwon a big deal. I hope they don’t do it just for the sake of saying “look how well I drafted because he got another deal”
October 11th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Both Donovan and Kwon are average, stop talking like Kwon is below average and every guy you draft should be a pro bowl player because that’s not reality. Both will get paid big salaries because that’s what average gets you
I will say this, if this was a team always in contention then contracts would be easy because the bucs lose so much they can’t afford to lose average guys
October 11th, 2018 at 5:40 pm
Mark Dominick may be right here but I just don’t trust his judgment. I will not get into his bad draft choices but instead will remark on his assessments of Revis and AP and their value as veterans.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:40 pm
Kwon – absolutely Love his speed and heart, but complete lack of instinct in coverage and gets pushed around easily against the run- occasional splash play – do you move him to will after LVD’s deal runs out – plug Beck in the middle?
Smith- middle tier LT, struggles with pass block consistency a lot- pay him like it or be prepared to spend another high pick next year – we already need a RT next year
I’d sign Smith first and offer Kwon maybe 8 mil for 3 years each, let someone else overpay for him in the middle – he is not a MLB
October 11th, 2018 at 5:48 pm
I really like Kwon’s intensity and spirit that he brings to the game, But unfortunately his instincts haven’t made much progress since he came into the league. I VIVIDLY remember him blowing up McCown from Cleveland in the Preseason as a rookie. I thought we REALLY had found a 4th round steal with him. But after watching him since I haven’t seen him making the “routine” plays consistently. Guys can get themselves into trouble always looking for the highlight-reel hit, while missing some relatively easy tackles. I’m not sure that’s Kwon’s problem, but he does seem to take bad angles or be out of position on plays more often than most of us would like. With the progress Beckwith made last year I don’t know if you can chalk those things up to coaching. I’ll say this, if EVERYONE on that defense played with his passion and fire they couldn’t help but be a better defense.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
So what ever Dominick says, the opposite is true (insert Seinfeld episode here). So if he says Kwon will be next, odds are that Smith will be signed next.
October 11th, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Kwon came out of LSU a weak side linebacker, yes should move there and beckwith to the middle, the positions they played together in college. Lavonte is 30 years old, and he’s getting abused in coverage as well. We just need a coach smart enough to come in make the smart sensible tough moves. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys were dumb enough to sign Brent Grimes again next year if they are here, good or not you get paid by these guys, that’s what Vincent Jackson said lol
October 11th, 2018 at 6:52 pm
If Kwon gets top 5 lb money it proves Licht is a bad GM
Kwon is overrated and replaceable
October 11th, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Im not resigning Kwon unless it’s a sweet deal if I’m Licht. Way too inconsistent
October 11th, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Joe using Dominek as an expert at being a GM is like asking Hillary Clinton for her beauty secrets or Rosanne Barr for diet tips! (And I am not trying to be funny)
October 11th, 2018 at 7:57 pm
I love Kwons passion and he’s an easy guy for a fan to root for. But we’ve need him play poor in coverage and over pursue and take bad angles against the run for his hole career. Do we really want to sign him to a cheap deal or should we look for a replacement. I’m leaning on replacing him. Would we want a team of 11 Kwon like defensive players at their respective positions? Probably not. I love Kwon, but that doesn’t mean he’s as good as we think he is.
October 11th, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Kwon is horrible. So is LVD. Flush it and start over.
October 11th, 2018 at 8:22 pm
“The redheaded matador suks”
“You know why this defense suks? Because of this fool. Cant tackle and cover…absolutely the worst mlb in the NFL.
This fool creates more holes and lanes than he tackles. This chump is the #1 target to exploit for all OCs
“Forrest Gump do the right move…trade him for a 4th or let him goooo!”
Kobe Faker
October 11th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Kwon is the vocal leader of the defense. If they resign him it will basically send me the message that he will be the new face of the defense once GMC fades out(he was our only probowler aside from McCoy remember).
My problem with that is he is one of our leaders for one of the worst defenses to ever lace up. The only way I pay Kwon is if this defense has a drastic turnaround.
I never rewind and watch garbage games but from what I saw on Sunday vs the Bears was our Linebacking core was the part of our defense that was badly exposed and got walked all over all game……..and it’s been the same thing every time with Kwon and his LBs…..ie Cardinals/Vikings game last year, Was/Oak two years ago. Atlanta several times.
At this point I’m ready to cut bait with GMC, LVD and Kwon. Time to start over with a new attitude. These guys simply are not good enough to lead anything. The proof is in the pudding.
October 11th, 2018 at 8:34 pm
He is the Qb of the defense right?
October 11th, 2018 at 8:36 pm
The deal with Kwon is one great play, where he ran down that guy from a long distance. Everyone saw it and loved him. He’s had some good plays but he’s missed a ton too. So I think he maybe overrated yet I believe the problem is Mike Smith. The reason I say that is because there’s so many other players on defense with the same problem. There’s a lot of speed and skill there but no results. Mike Smith doesn’t coach to his players’ strength. He’s a dinosaur and he needs to go because these guys can’t figure it out. No one they draft or sign can figure it out. It’s a mess and Koetter can’t rely on his own knowledge. Mike Smith needs to go, even if they somehow squeak out a win Sunday.
October 11th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
If you judge this on a what have you done for us lately. Well? No to big money. Beck is better and cheaper.
October 11th, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Not there yet,
Excellent points! The day KB returns ready to play, He should be at the Mike, move Kwon to will and slide David to sam.
Beckwith is bigger , stronger and comes downhill .
Kwon is fast and that speed works well in coverage and backside pursuit.
David is solid tackling but lately not very good in passing situations.
As you mentioned, this move puts two LSU guys back in their original position.
Yes I have 1000% more faith in LSU’ s ability to evaluate players than the Bucs.
October 11th, 2018 at 11:11 pm
Our salary cap will dictate contracts. Everyone who is up for new contracts need to use this season to gauge their value. If Kwon even wants to be back with the Bucs with a big contract then he should be treating this season as an audition. Same for all. Let Licht make his offers by what they do in this contract year. If Licht believes Kwon only deserves a market value contract then offer it. If Kwon decides to shop himself then another team would have to match it. I’m not positive but I believe we would be in line for a supplemental draft pick if Kwon moves on. But personally I would love to see Kwon play lights out and even make the pro bowl.
October 12th, 2018 at 12:31 am
Extending Kwon with a big contract is Mark Dominik move, no wonder why he thinks this. It’s moves like this that made him a terrible GM
October 12th, 2018 at 1:01 am
This isn’t madden. We have invested significantly into both of these guys and it’s a huge opportunity to lock them up and solidify LT and MLB for the next 2+ years.
October 12th, 2018 at 1:27 am
Giving Kwon a new contract is one of the worst things JL can do. I don’t care if it’s a contract that’s team friendly. Time to replace him after this season. He play so far proves he’s not worth it.
October 12th, 2018 at 1:43 am
Kwon Alexander 2018 Stats (4 games)
26 tackles
4 TFL
1 sack
2 FF
So he’s on pace for…
104 tackles
16 TFL
4 sacks
8 FF
That’s an above average LB and we would all be happy with that stat line. He has a poor game at Chicago, but who didn’t. Otherwise his stats would be even better.
The only guy with heart on defense with that stat line and you’re all saying “F Kwon”?
Can’t wait for him to call out Sunday and make you all feel stupid.
October 12th, 2018 at 4:44 am
Our LB position group has been a major disappointment this year IMO. That includes LVD, Taylor AND Kwon. Bucs’ defense lacks CONSISTENCY & Kwon is a big reason why. Some awesome plays, promptly followed by some disastrous plays. More suited for outside than MLB for sure.
Distinct possibility IMO that Bucs re-sign Kwon to a team-friendly contract, let LVD go and move Kwon outside. Slide Beckwith to the middle (IF he ever really recovers from that broken ankle) … you’d still have Kwon as an experienced MLB backup in that scenario. Bucs are going more-and-more to using the nickel CB it appears (pass-happy league?), so 3 LBs on the field at same time will be used less and less IMO. Taylor’s ‘good enough’ for now, although I’m hoping Cichy comes on strong.
October 12th, 2018 at 6:01 am
The top priority for the Bucs is to resign Donovan Smith, he plays a critical position on the oline and he’s been solid so far this year. Kwon on the other is a flashy player,however,he’s been a liability in pass coverage and run support. I would resign but at the right price.
October 12th, 2018 at 7:49 am
Keep paying Kwon, David, McCoy, and what the hell throw in 8 million for Grimes, and keep the worst defense in the league together. It’s the Bucs way.
October 12th, 2018 at 9:22 am
No to Alexander. He is just not that good.
If he didn’t have a big mouth you’d hardly notice him on the field.
October 12th, 2018 at 9:22 am
Yes to Smith.
October 12th, 2018 at 9:25 am
I can’t believe I agree with Kobe Faker.
October 12th, 2018 at 10:30 am
“^ You lost all credibility”
Kobe Faker
October 12th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Deez
A large percentage of those tackles are made 8-9 yds downfield….
October 12th, 2018 at 11:39 am
I hope he gets a new deal too..somewhere else.