Waiting On Mike Iupati
March 14th, 2019
Anyone remember wide receiver Mike Quick? When Joe was a kid, he was a true NFL superstar, five consecutive Pro Bowls while playing for five Eagles teams with losing records. That’s how good Quick was.
Nowadays, Quick is breaking down film for the Eagles’ official website.
One of his latest editions is below, in which he looks at free agent offensive linemen. Donovan Smith made the grade in this breakdown, as Quick spotlight’s Smith’s strong hands and ability to lock down a defensive end.
But of note to nervous Bucs fans is Quick sharing his love of free agent guard Mike Iupati, the former Pro Bowler who played the seasons for Bruce Arians in Arizona. “Boy, he can eat up defenders,” Quick notes via video.
The 6-5, 330-pound Samoan turns 32 in May and is coming off a season in which he missed six games with back and knee issues.
Can he still play? Is he healthy? If there weren’t question marks with Iupati, Joe suspects he’d be off the market already. He’s that good when healthy.
The Bucs could use a quick-fix at guard, in addition to depth upgrades. It seems the Bucs are committed to rolling with Evan Smith as their backup center/guard. Yeah, he’s still on the roster. And Joe suspects the Bucs won’t give up on Alex Cappa, and there’s no reason to.
Joe would be very pleased to see the Bucs sign Iupati, if they’re convinced he’ll be healthy, and draft a guard/center or tackle, perhaps trading up into the second-round to get one. Yes, Joe wrote “guard/center” because the odds of Ryan Jensen returning next season at his $10 million salary and no guaranteed money are rather slim.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:07 am
it does not matter who they put at guard if that loser dotson is playing next to him.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:15 am
Bucs have a great medical staff and track record with these type of questionable lineman signings at least.
…
March 14th, 2019 at 10:17 am
So the first comment out of the box is something negative from TMAX. I’m shocked.
As for Iupati this is a gamble worth taking depending on money and length of contract.
This reminds me of the Logan Mankins deal. Older dude with health issues who turned out to be the glue of that OL for a couple of years.
Indeed we can’t expect more than 2-3 years out of Iupati but as BA likes to point out…he didn’t come here for the long term.
This guy might be the answer.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:18 am
Lordcornelius Says:
March 14th, 2019 at 10:15 am
Bucs have a great medical staff and track record with these type of questionable lineman signings at least.
you bringing jokes this morning. very nice. everything about the bucs is minor league including the medical staff and clearly the janitorial staff sucks… MRSA!!!!
March 14th, 2019 at 10:19 am
Another Sweezy????
March 14th, 2019 at 10:21 am
Look for C/G Elgton Jenkins-Miss St. in the 2nd or 3rd round would be ideal swing IOL, in my mind. (1 yr learning the ropes then takes starting C job when Jensen’s $10M is jettisoned.)
March 14th, 2019 at 10:24 am
Idk about signing oline that are coming offf injury and are over 30’s. I like the idea to bring in a guy who is proven and can mentor and lead. If we can get someone like that we should stay the course and draft and develop. Too much spent in oline and the production doesn’t reflect the potential.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:27 am
You know who is 6’5″ 330? J. Taylor from Florida. Ijs
March 14th, 2019 at 10:27 am
once you people accept the goal of he glazers is basement titles not winning super bowls it’s much easier to be a bucfan…. building with injured players, soft quitters and other teams trash is the glazer way. the only thing the glazers look for in players is their ability to lose quietly and demonstrate zero passion or personality.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:27 am
Back and knee issues? Sounds like retirement due to old age should be his next move, don’t need another Dotson. This is a young mans game in the trenches
March 14th, 2019 at 10:34 am
Even With back and knee issues he is 19 times better then Benenoch
I just think bucs need to go defense with first 3 or 4 quality picks
I know there are good guards at 2nd round pick. Just think defense has way to many holes.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:35 am
I am up for a quick fix while we draft a future guard. This gives the rookie time to adjust to the NFL.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:36 am
Tmax “still wears” a thong
Another copy and paste comment from the troll formally known as reality is a bitch and a snitch
How’s the wifey ?
March 14th, 2019 at 10:40 am
Cappa has had that yr already…Look for him to be bigger/stronger & make a BIG LEAP into the Starting RG role, this yr.
C & RT need to be addressed this yr, so those guys are ready for prime-time in 2020 (once Jensen / Dotson are off the roster)
March 14th, 2019 at 10:40 am
Defense should be a focus this draft. Too deep. With David and jpp mentoring this young guys drafted. Sure plug one oline in the draft. But there will be veterans being release. I can’t wait to see Harold work with the oline.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:55 am
If this team signs Iupati it will be all I need to know that we are about to witness Lovie 2.0, just call us Arizona East.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:57 am
I agree Adrnagy
The Bucs had one of the worst defenses in NFL history over the past two years.
I am confident the new coaches will get them to play better, but lets load up on the defensive front.
March 14th, 2019 at 11:13 am
I like the Elgton Jenkins suggestion.
In general R2 value likely to be
Garret Bradberry
Elgton Jenkins
Chris Lindstrom
March 14th, 2019 at 11:17 am
Lots of Dotson hate that shouldn’t be here. He was the best player on this oline (not meaning much but he was still the oldest and the best) about two years ago and he had to try to take care of the entire right side last year with baby sh!t Benenoch next to him. Dot is getting much older every year so we need to know what is going to happen at that position. Cody Ford in the top of the second could be a great option for G/T. Far from a Benenoch G/T.
March 14th, 2019 at 11:19 am
the free agent merry go round LOL …never ending rotation of injured and old players. That’s why the Bucs suck….time to DRAFT and DEVELOP…add picks this year somehow and bring in a bunch of rookies. Steer this ship in the right direction!
March 14th, 2019 at 11:20 am
Regardless of FAs…..we need to draft an Olineman in the first 3 rounds…..at least 1…..
March 14th, 2019 at 11:24 am
Iupati to Seattle …one year contract
March 14th, 2019 at 11:29 am
The trouble with talking Bucs its hard to find anything positive to say.
March 14th, 2019 at 11:36 am
Forget it Joe; just signed with the Seahawks
March 14th, 2019 at 11:42 am
bird
you really got to get with the program… i have no wifey… i exclusively date reformed preachers daughters. and I have been here for years my friend long before that other dude you mention. but like I say thanks for the free space in your head it’s wide open and empty…..
March 14th, 2019 at 11:49 am
SOEbuc
being the best turd in the toilet does not make it edible fine sir…..
that statement you made is pure low-standard bucfan…. settling for least worst and then justifying it and accepting failure….
March 14th, 2019 at 11:50 am
you people also have to remember free agency is a two way street not a lot of successful athletes lining up to come to a small market franchise with a history of losing and circus like atmosphere.
March 14th, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Tmax you’re a bucfan? Could’ve fooled me!
March 14th, 2019 at 1:12 pm
signing Iupati makes a lot of sense especially if were drafting an interior Olineman in rounds 2 or 3. can develop the potentially talented rookie as he competes with Cappa in year 2 all while having a quality vet starting the season at RG
March 14th, 2019 at 1:22 pm
My goal for this team is to develope a young OL and have them as our new starter and inserted into the lineup by midseason.
I would love to say that guy should be ready by Game 1 but y’all keeping reminding me that Bruce is not a miracle worker ……….but when Bruce does get us a new Lineman for the future…..just 1…….he will already have accomplished more then the previous coaching staff did in three years.
Same will be said and same expectation for the CB position. Carlton doesn’t count. Verdict is in. Last staff couldn’t develope CBs. Everything Carlton did last year was because of raw ability, nothing more.
March 14th, 2019 at 1:40 pm
I’m sure Jason “scratch and dent sale” Licht will be all over this.
March 14th, 2019 at 10:09 pm
Hey Joe what do you think you can get in trade from another team’s blog sight in trade for tmax, or are you simply better off just cutting him?