BSPN: Keep GMC
February 18th, 2019
The case for (a cheaper) GMC.
It is rare that Joe and a sworn enemy of both Joe and hair agree on something, but here we are.
We all know Bucs stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has legions of loud haters who have berated bartenders from New Port Richey to Sarasota and communities in-between for years to run off GMC. Joe didn’t get it years ago and doesn’t get it now.
However, with the Bucs in a salary cap pinch, Joe can understand why GMC’s salary is a reason to get rid of him, along with the fact GMC is on the wrong side of 30. When a losing team with a new coach and salary cap problems trying to right the ship, Joe can understand how GMC’s contract is a liability.
When angry fans and GMC haters ask Joe why he doesn’t want to run off GMC, Joe tells the loud crowd it is simple: Horrible teams like the Bucs are in no position to run off good players, unless the team plans on tanking for draft picks. Follically-challenged Billy Barnwell of BSPN, an avowed enemy of Joe and a former high priest of the PFF tribe, seems to agree.
(Barnwell has Joe blocked on Twitter because Joe is not a slave to stats and doesn’t swallow all of Barnwell’s half-baked theories whole just because a calculator agrees.)
Barnwell, like Joe, doesn’t believe a team that has only been out of Buccaneers Cove (last place in the NFC South) twice since Chucky was jettisoned should be running off good players. Rather, the team needs to add talent.
Barnwell makes the case that the Bucs should keep GMC, but only if he reworks his contract.
The thought that defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will run a three-man front is overblown because the Bucs currently don’t have the personnel to run a 3-4 defense unless the Bucs plan on a major overhaul of their roster, Barnwell says, which could include getting rid of GMC, Jason Pierre-Paul, Lavonte David and/or Kwon Alexander.
And Barnwell is not advocating for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to do that.
I don’t think the Bucs should release McCoy. For one, the 4-3/3-4 distinction doesn’t mean much in 2019. Bowles has already said the Bucs will be a one-gap defense, meaning McCoy will have chances to attack. In Bowles’ final season with the Jets, they were in their base defense only 19.8 percent of the time, with the rest of their snaps either coming in goal-line situations or with five or more defensive backs on the field. The Jets were in a 4-3 for two-thirds of those base defense snaps, even after years with Bowles in charge. Bowles’ scheme is less about 3-4 or 4-3 and more about finding creative ways to blitz out of nickel and dime packages.
The Bucs don’t really have the personnel to play in a 3-4, either. Their middle linebacker in 2018 was Kwon Alexander, who got hurt and is now a free agent. Lavonte David will have to move to one of the two inside linebacker spots, and although the roles should be similar, he’ll have to go through an adjustment period. Jason Pierre-Paul, who has spent his entire career as a 4-3 defensive end, isn’t going to turn into a cover linebacker at 30. The best fit for the Bucs is to stick in the 4-3 when they go with their base set.
What would make sense for the Bucs would be to restructure McCoy’s deal as part of an extension. They could offer McCoy a four-year contract in the $50 million range with guarantees in 2019 and 2020 that simultaneously bring down his cap number for 2019. McCoy might not want to hit the open market, and the Bucs aren’t in a position to be getting rid of talented defensive players.
If the Bucs do keep GMC, you can forget about the Bucs drafting this Quinnen Williams from Alabama or this Ed Oliver out of Houston. Why? A team isn’t going to draft a guy at No. 5 to sit on the bench or be a rotational player, nor should they. You draft a guy at No. 5, he needs to be on the field, full-time.
If the Bucs keep GMC, he’s not going to be on the bench and neither is Vita Vea.
So that means Williams and Oliver are out if GMC is kept.
Joe prays somehow, someway, this Josh Allen is on the board at No. 5.
February 18th, 2019 at 12:27 am
I’d rather say farewell and use the money on a more impactful player on defense.
February 18th, 2019 at 12:32 am
I happen to agree. Keep and add talent.
February 18th, 2019 at 12:54 am
I guess there’s a reasonable question of what you say is “good” compared to this army of what you call haters ideal of what is good. The guy has been a part of too many losses and has never finished a season with more than double digit sack total. He got JPP and still couldn’t muster more than 6 sacks with a paltry 17 tackles and 1 pass deflection in 16 games. That’s some pretty below average play for the amount of $ he’s making. I just think sometimes a losing culture has to turn the page once in awhile. Vea is McCoy’s replacement. Unless McCoy would sign for backup money I think it’s time to turn that page.
But I digress, I don’t hate anybody.
February 18th, 2019 at 1:17 am
I have defended GMC through the years. Simply stated, he was the one bright spot on the line. For years he was the dline. However, this past year, I truly expected a big year. Seriously, JPP, Nassib and Vea? This was the year that GMC should have showed out. This was the best line the Bucs have had in years and GMC should have had his best year with those 3 taking pressure off of him, even if for only about half the season. The results were that he had one of his worst seasons to date. And since a high of 9.5 sacks in 2013, his sack total has dropped or stayed the same as the year before, then dropped the next year. Joe is worried about when GMC loses that burst? I say we watched it happen this year.
February 18th, 2019 at 1:50 am
Yea that’s the same logic when I was begging us to draft Aaron Donald. They aren’t making a great case for keeping McCoy in my opinion. It would be foolish not to draft a top 5 d tackle like the ones you mentioned if they are sitting there. The Geraldine era has to end at some point. And why are we called Geraldine haters but not calling Winston detractors haters. They have both been consistently average for a while now. I’m all for drafting the replacement and building the defense the right way. I think I’ll lose my mind if the guys you mentioned are there and licht passes without trading down
February 18th, 2019 at 2:00 am
If we pass on Williams I’ll be fuming. GMC or not, you draft one of the best players in the draft at 5, that is value. Williams would take Nassibs spot by the time the first practice was over. That guy can play anywhere inside.
February 18th, 2019 at 3:12 am
Barnwell makes a good argument Joe (and we won’t why why HE blocked YOU on Twitter). Confusing though … how is a restructuring of GMC’s contract to 4 years for $50 mil for a 31-year-old significantly different than what he’s got now for a contract? That’s still an average of $12.5 mil a year. Sorry, GMC’s play at this point in his career just doesn’t warrant that kind of money. I’d consider the $7-$8 mil range though for 2 years.
What I really don’t get is why keeping GMC (for less money) negates using our #5 pick to draft a generational DLineman like Q Williams (seriously doubt Williams will last until #5 though). Todd Bowles could figure out how to effectively use 3 players with the talent of GMC, Vea & Williams.
February 18th, 2019 at 3:14 am
One thing we have learned is to never trust a Jason Licht Free Agent class. Let’s not create more holes that require FAs to fill, or GMC could join guys like Donald Penn and Darrelle Revis on the “Pro Bowlers we we thought we could upgrade from” list
February 18th, 2019 at 4:38 am
Q. Williams will likely go top3, but if he doesn’t… Damn i wouldnt skip him just because you want GMC to play a couple more years.
February 18th, 2019 at 5:15 am
Keep softie ice cream so he can teach all the rookies how to play soft and grab a pay cheque?
February 18th, 2019 at 5:49 am
Keeping GMC wouldn’t have any impact on whether or not they would draft Quinnen Williams if he were to be available. That would just mean Beau Allen would be more expendable than he already is. That would also mean the Bucs would be drafting for need over BPA at No. 5 which would be idiotic.
Ed Oliver won’t even be on our draft board!!! I don’t know why he has gotten the hype he has but he is more velcro than Vita was last year…..at 270 lbs…..I’ll say it again 2 hundred and freakin 70 lbs!!! He is TOO small, especially if we had any 3-4 looks at all. He isn’t a pass-rusher either!!! He is a hustling, gap penetrating run stopper. The Aaron Donald comparisons I’ve seen are asinine! I’d take Christian Wilkins ahead of him everyday of the week and I am not a Clemson fan at all.
I am now of the belief that the Bucs don’t draft a Defensive lineman in rhe 1st rd due to the awesome depth at the DT position. I can name over 10 Dts that are borderline 1st rd talents, depending on the scheme. Free Agency will tell us more regarding the draft outlook.
February 18th, 2019 at 6:40 am
Keeping Batman err GMC is like saying your going to keep your really severe case of diarrhea because it helps you lose weight.
February 18th, 2019 at 6:44 am
Yah. Who cares about McCoy status. You draft Williams if there. Not sure about Olivier.
Cause you can trade McCoy before trade deadline. Or have McCoy show the ropes and McCoy is out next year ?
McCoy will not be here for 13 mil. Numbers to average for 13 mil and I have supported him but production is production.
Pretty simple.
It’s a number 5 pick. Not number 1.
Williams would get plenty of playing time.
Williams is a beast. He is kinda my favorite Dline player out of bosa and Allen.
February 18th, 2019 at 7:01 am
Funny how Joe basie his entire argument “against” being Kwon back because he was the MLB for one of the worst defenses in football yet fails to apply the same logic to Gerald even though he’s clearly coming off his worst season as a pro.
McCoy is not the kind of guy to take a pay cut. He’s much too prideful. And he ain’t worth 13 million. Not by a long shot.
And have we forgotten about Geralds attitude to end the season when he started brooding and all but said his farewells?
February 18th, 2019 at 7:06 am
That’s still over 10mil a year. I’d tell GMC if he wants that much, good luck out there. I think I’d offer him 4.5-5 and leave it on the table. MAYBE he can find a sucker to pay a 30+ DT 10 mil or more…but I doubt it.
Look at Suh. After this season? There’s no way he gets near 10mil again.
February 18th, 2019 at 7:36 am
Re structure or release
He’s stolen enough money for not enough production
February 18th, 2019 at 7:49 am
Of course it would.
February 18th, 2019 at 7:57 am
Donovan Smith will get McCoy’s cap $
February 18th, 2019 at 8:27 am
I’m hoping Gruden wants him.
Veteran. Big money. Past prime.
Got Gruden written all over it. Get a pick
February 18th, 2019 at 9:00 am
cant draft QW or EO if we keep GMC…..LOL….i see why barnwell blocked you…lol…thats a stupid reason not to draft either player….
we need dline help/depth regardless….QW or EO would be a great rotation and depth for GMC or VV…..didnt VV miss time last year….GMC misses time every year…..
that will also allow them to develop as a player instead of being counting on to produce 10+sacks as a rookie…..and when we cut GMC after this season(if he were to restructure), we would already have his replacement on the roster….and he’ll know exactly what we need from him….not drafting either would be a horrible mistake….
regarding GMC’s salary, im thinking 3years18mil all guaranteed….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
February 18th, 2019 at 9:44 am
Billy. Barnwell.
Sure.
And GMC will be gone.
February 18th, 2019 at 9:44 am
Joe, I like your reasoning in favor of Josh Allen.
If the ‘best available player” is not a strong need/desire for the Bucs then we really “need” to find a way to trade down again. Can Licht have that option ready again? Based on his previous drafts I expect that he will.
February 18th, 2019 at 10:04 am
Does GMC play softer than most fans want? Yes.
Does GMC ever take over a game like someone expects a to NFL DT to do? No.
Do opposing Teams game plan for GMC? Yes.
Simply put GMC is an above average DT tackle, that does not play nasty. (what fans want) If we can re-structure his contract to make him more affordable GMC makes the Bucs a better team.
February 18th, 2019 at 10:14 am
Actually, if they rework McCoy’s deal to about $10m per year, they could still draft a DT, start McCoy this year, then trade him next year.
And yes…if you draft a DT in the first round, you do let him play a backup role in his first year.
Warren Sapp was thrown in as a starter his first 4 games until the coach realized it was a mistake. Then hee was demoted for 8 games.
Vea was not read to start at once either.
Rework McCoy. Draft BPA at a position of need. Decide what to do later.
February 18th, 2019 at 10:17 am
Wasn’t it the great bill belichick that said “I’d rather get rid of a player a year or two too early than a year of two too late” Yeah, it’s definitely time to get rid of McCoy. Time to find his replacement this draft.
February 18th, 2019 at 10:23 am
But 813 is right. If those players are sitting there for our taking, you take him. It doesn’t matter if McCoy is still with the team. Let the kid get through training camp and go from there. You can always try and trade McCoy before the season starts. If Gruden won’t give up a pick for him, I’m sure a seventh rd from someone will work. I can’t justify not picking his replacement because he’s still on the roster.
February 18th, 2019 at 10:32 am
You know who else was a Bucs player loss after loss, losing season after losing season?
LT Paul Gruber.
Even though our offenses were horrid all through that period, I don’t remember anybody hanging those losses on his head, and for good reason.
February 18th, 2019 at 11:30 am
McCottoncandy is soft and has a loser mentality. All he does is talk(whine), this is a production league and 18 tackles with six sacks just doesn’t cut it. All you local media types just continue to make excuses for him because he’s nice to y’all in interviews. All we ever here from you guys is how he never got any help, JPP was dominant this year, where was McSilk? Bye Felicia.
February 18th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Please get rid of him to start the culture change in the locker room and on that side of the ball. If I’m a rookie on the Dline and I’ve watched the guy I’ll probably think I can do better. However if I’m drafted to the team and he’s my leader then the way he does things is prob the way I’ll start to do things. Why because he’s been in the league for so long and with the same team. We’ve gotta get someone else in the leadership role on that Dline let JPP teach the young guys how to be a pro and let GMC go to another team. I’m not at all in favor of a restructure the guy has always been happy with just being in the league and having fun. Heck he’s the guy that started the hug when you get drafted. Time to move on from the super nice guy and bring some attitude to that Dline.
February 18th, 2019 at 12:58 pm
All I need to know about this topic I learned from TMAXCON
A.N.D. the mic’ed up segment with GMC from the Monday night Steelers game.
“Oh sorry Ben, sorry, so sorry Ben”. Profusely apologizing to the 6’4 245pound quarterback, Ben Rothlisberger after knocking him to the cold hard Raymond James turf. Made me sick, will never defend McIcecream ever, ever, again.
February 18th, 2019 at 2:18 pm
No !!! he is gone !!! Will be traded during draft for a round about 3 rd round pick !!!
Watch the tape not the first step and I mean all the game day tape !!! No Way he Stays , No Way !!!
How many tackles did Richardson have How many did Hollywood have ? He Gone !!!
Joe pull a stat for McCoy like you did for Allen .
February 18th, 2019 at 6:46 pm
I love GMC I hope he does restructure
February 19th, 2019 at 12:34 am
IN my opinion I think we should draft LB Devon White. He is under rated and is possibly the most gifted athlete in this draft. Then I recommend getting a DT in the second round. I think our best bet would be to put D,White in the middle and if we keep Kwon move him to the inside, personally I think that would be more natural for him. Kwon isn’t breaking the bank this year, the Bucs or someone else is going to get him cheap. I also believe we can get ED Oliver in the second Rd, I think he’s going to fall. He can sit behind MCoy after we restructure his contract and learn the 3 tech while putting on 10 to 15 pounds of muscle, Which is what he needs to do at the pro level. Oliver has good fast hands and he’s explosive off the ball like MCoy but he reminds me of SAPP, the guy has a high motor and doesn’t take play’s off. If you dont believe me just watch his film. I also think we should sign the honey badger he’s a better safety than anyone we have on the roster. Our young corners will develop much faster and will be more disciplined under Kevin Ross. VH3, if he can stay healthy I believe he will have a break out year.