“Coup” For Conklin
February 21st, 2020
Free agent RT Jack Conklin.
As dedicated listeners of the internationally popular “Ira Kaufman Podcast” know, Ira has a hangup for one player he believes the Bucs must target when the free agency dinner bell rings next month.
Ira is convinced right tackle Jack Conklin is the answer to all of the Bucs’ ills.
He’s not alone. Nick Shook of NFL.com is trying to solve the puzzle of who each NFL team should target when free agency begins.
And for the Bucs, Shook thinks they need to land Conklin.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Jack Conklin, offensive tackle
… [S]igning the accomplished right tackle would be a coup for Tampa Bay, too. Bruce Arians doesn’t like drafting offensive linemen, and the Buccaneers have a need at right tackle. That seems to make for an excellent fit with Conklin, who rebounded from injury to play well for Tennessee’s run-first offense in 2019. Conklin is Gregg Rosenthal’s No. 25 free agent in this class and would provide an immediate long-term solution at the position, replacing 34-year-old veteran Demar Dotson.
Joe is not anti-Conklin but Joe is very much about keeping the defensive band together. Not being able to keep Jason Pierre-Paul (unless the team plans to replace him) will create an ugly domino effect with sack king Shaq Barrett that will hurt the Bucs both on the field of play and financially.
You could say the same about Ndamukong Suh. (No, Joe isn’t worried about the Bucs losing Shaq.)
Joe thinks it is safe to suggest if the Bucs get Conklin, they will not be able to afford either JPP or Suh. Will Conklin make Jameis stop throwing picks? (Jameis already threw for 5,100 yards and 33 touchdowns without Conklin). Will Conklin make Peyton Barber a better running back? Highly unlikely.
Defense, specifically a pass rush, is far more important than a right tackle.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:07 am
The steelers can’t afford all their free agents Matt Filer is a young solid right tackle and you could probably sign him for a third of what you will pay for Conklin.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:08 am
Joe hypothetically asks if Conklin would make Peyton Barber a better running back. Well I think that’s partially the point. Not only Barber but any running back. You do know which offensive line he was part of correct? If we don’t get improvement in the running game and passing game then what’s the point? Conklin offers a significant upgrade over Dotson.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:10 am
Jason Lite has to chase FA’s …well he does not have to ,but needs to CYA for draft misses or flat out lack of attention to the OL in recent drafts….build the trenches 1st for picks in 2020…hell all picks !
February 21st, 2020 at 8:15 am
With the return of JayMiss iminent, who gives a rat’s a$$ about getting better?
Clearly not Bucs management, ownership or coaching staff.
Unless Conklin can play QB, not interested.
Peace, out
February 21st, 2020 at 8:22 am
Really Joe doesn’t want Conklin, He’d rather have a Rookie so there’s someone to blame when Winston throws who knows how many INTs next year. Then he’ll blame the organization for not doing anything to upgrade the position
February 21st, 2020 at 8:25 am
Agreed, Joe. Sign the defensive guys, there are cheaper options at RT in free agency. Also, the Tackle position is loaded in the draft, if Coach Arians decides to go that route.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:28 am
Jameis has played his entire career without a RT on the field seems pointless to spoil him now….
February 21st, 2020 at 8:29 am
Jason Lite has “not” been rebuilding for years….meanwhile in Miami they are putting the pieces together with bunches of high draft picks ….which team will become a multi year Play Off team first…..from what I see it’ll be the Dolphins as hard as that is to type
February 21st, 2020 at 8:33 am
Serious question. Is it harder to find a good pass rusher, or a good o-lineman to block the pass rusher?
February 21st, 2020 at 8:33 am
Joe, IRA, IMO is dead on.
Signing Conklin improves a huge problem of a line that allowed Winston to be knocked around like a ping pong ball – remember the broken thumb of the throwing hand – or the shoulder injury the year before?
That would free up the Bucs for a number one pick at edge or DL if Kinlaw is available.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:43 am
If this leads to us being able to run the ball then I’m all for it. the best way to cut down on Jameis’ turnovers is to have a run game. Something we’ve been missing for about 6 years now.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:43 am
Prioriries in order
1. Sign Shaq
2. Sign JPP
3. Sign Suh or get FA Conklin. If you get Conlin, then you’re looking at Javon Kinlaw in the 1st rd most likely – which would be great. This should set up the interior of the D-Line for the future. Go sign a veteran DT backup to replace Allen.
4. Sign Nassib.
5. Look at DE, OT/G in 2nd and 3rd rounds.
6. Look WR and RB in 4th/5th Chase Claypool and AJ Dillon or Patrick Taylor Jr.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:47 am
Jason, it’s harder to find a good T. That’s why you almost never see a great one in FA. Average Tackles get overpaid if they make it to FA – see Nate Solder last year.
Personally, I doubt Conklin makes it to FA. He stays in Tennesee.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:53 am
Never thought I’d type this, but “Joe … the Voice of Reason”.
Assuming the Bucs pay Jameis (or any QB) $27 mil, they can’t afford ANY high-priced FAs to bolster this offense. We’ve already got way too much tied up on the offensive side of the ball as it is, and that’s BEFORE we talk about re-signing Perriman OR doing a new deal for Godwin. A 1st Rnd Tackle OR Guard will do just fine for us this year. Same with adding another RB … 2nd or 3rd Rnd pick will do just fine.
Like Joe says, our priority needs to be DEFENSE, and specifically the pass rush. Re-sign JPP, Suh, Shaq AND Nassib. Draft a rookie DLineman, add a veteran safety (hopefully), and improve our depth on defense. Don’t overthink it Jason.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:53 am
Speaking of rt, joe when are you going to start with the ring of underachievement garbage with Dotson you have always thought of him as a hall of fame quote yet he understands absolutely nothing about winning. After all, the Buccaneers ring of underachievement is all about longevity and popularity and nothing to do about winners.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:04 am
If we find a good RT in free agency, that will free up some options in the draft.
We could even draft a DT to replace Suh, or an OLB to replace JPP.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:05 am
Conklin is 25! Definitely priority over both Suh and JPP. Although, losing them both will sting but in the long haul signing Conklin makes more long term sense. WinSTUNNED must be sent away. The money to sign him used in other areas will bolster this team substantially. He’s the weak link on this team. Don’t dig a bigger hole in this franchise again, please. BUILD A WINNER!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 9:11 am
Signing RT Conklin would allow us to draft either DE, DT or Safety with pick #1. We could let Suh walk if we draft Kinlaw. We could let Nassib walk if we draft Epenesa.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:19 am
Although I’d love for the Bucs to sign Conklin, he’s expected to get $15 million per year on a 6 year contract. Unless the salary cap is expected to go WAY up, this would be too much to pay a Right Tackle, IMHO.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:21 am
Wouldn’t it be better to pay the defense and draft Tristan Wirfs at 14?
February 21st, 2020 at 9:25 am
We are good at RT- Licht traded for the Pittsburgh O-lineman last year remember? I think we swapped picks gaining their 7th but losing our 6th.- please correct me if I’m wrong. That guy was great, I think he helped mop the locker room, maybe took the trash out. How does JL keep getting passes on these injured guys he gives up draft capital for? Back on subject, Conklin would be a great addition to our team, unless we want to do the right thing and put DS76 where he belongs and that is at LG, move Ali back to RG, kick Cappa with those long arms to the RT, and draft a franchise LT. Someone who all the experts believe could be an actual LT in this league unlike trying to prove you are the smartest man in the room like with DS76. I’m not a DS hater, I’m a DS hater at LT (there is a huge difference)
February 21st, 2020 at 9:26 am
Get it done!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 9:27 am
TMax
If Jameis had a RT, he’d just throw more interceptions because he’d take less sacks
February 21st, 2020 at 9:27 am
^^BTW Donovan got his LT money so he shouldn’t care what position he plays anymore
February 21st, 2020 at 9:30 am
i agree……
conklin should be our #1 target in FA AFTER re-signing our defensive players…..
re-sign SHAQ, JPP & SUH….
sign CONKLIN
draft kinlawR1 and isaiah wilsonR3
GO BUCS!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 9:33 am
@ 813…
they have the cap room for that and winston @ 27-30 mill?
I doubt it…..
February 21st, 2020 at 9:40 am
Robert- they will have enough, just have to re -structure guys like Brate and Jensen and others. Also, I think Nassib is ridiculously underrated, he constantly beat his guy and made the QB’s step up into pressure plus getting 6 sacks. It can be done- just don’t know if Licht is creative enough.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:44 am
We’re paying to much for three of our linemen already. From a cap stand point, and the fact there’s a lot of good tackles in this draft, we need to draft a tackle. If there’s a young FA tackle we could snag on the cheap, I’m all for that.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:46 am
I fully agree. While Conklin is a formidable OT and Like Ira I would love to have him, the Buc’s cannot afford to compromise any of the Defense they managed to put together under Bowles. There is only a certain amount of Cap Space and while the Buc’s are in good shape compared to most teams, they have several important contracts to revisit or chance losing several key players to free agency.
February 21st, 2020 at 10:22 am
Sure, I’d take Conklin at the expense of our QB, but not a single player on defense.
Am I the only one who thinks it sucks that we are talking about needing a backup plan for our 6 yr starter at QB? Having to burn precious draft capital after paying one player nearly $30M does not sit well with me.
In BA I Trust!
February 21st, 2020 at 10:52 am
robert
sure we do….
JW will get 25mil….maybe with incentives it would get to 27mil but i think he’ll get 25mil…..
worst case, SUH may be the old man out sadly…..in that case, imo we should double up and draft kinlaw 1st round raekwon davis in the 3rd….
GO BUCS!!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 11:01 am
Alanbucsfan Says:
February 21st, 2020 at 9:27 am
TMax
If Jameis had a RT, he’d just throw more interceptions because he’d take less sacks
I see that we can add lack of creativity right after zero football knowledge to your resume.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:10 am
IMHO Sign Conklin. Trade Winsnone for Carr. Trade either or both Howard & Brate. Would still be able to sign Shaq, JPP, Nassib & possibly Suh. Signing Conklin would really open up all kinds of possibilities in the draft.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:11 am
So much for the wrong arguments that the sheep had about “they have the players and just need to be coached up”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After the losing season, there seems to be a huge wish list of free-agents!!!!!!!!!!!!! The sheep will be sorely disappointed when it becomes obvious even to the sheep, of how badly the cap has been mismanaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Bucs at the beginning of last season was $500,000 short of having the most expensive O-line in the NFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its past time for a fresh start at one Buc, The sheep just have to see it over and over again with no accountability!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy another wasted season sheep!!!!!! You deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 11:21 am
Steve
Conklin offers a significant upgrade over Dotson.
A corpse offers a significant upgrade of Dotson
February 21st, 2020 at 11:38 am
Conklin is the best RT going into FA, but will want D.Smith $$…Just cannot see the FO paying him that & committing another $14.5M to the position group..(3 guys already making $10M+…D.Smith/Marpet/Jensen).
If the FO wants to test the FA market, would rather see them try to sign Germain Ifedi (SEA – also 26) in the 4yr/$45M range before committing $60M that Conklin’s agency will seek…But to me, it really makes more sense to DRAFT a RT day1/day2 that is much more cost controlled over the next 4-5yrs.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:43 am
Agree with Stephen007. Joe’s been harping about needing an improved running game, and regardless of who the featured RB is, an improved right side of the O-line will be part of that. Hopefully, Barber won’t be the featured RB, and the Bucs will draft a stud to pair with ROJO. I think getting a RG in FA is the only way to go. It may cost Suh a spot, but we can draft a replacement, and release Brate to save $$$.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:57 am
Who cares if BA doesn’t like drafting O-Lineman? I thought Licht was the GM. Although it appears that he doesn’t like drafting O-Line /D-Linemen either. He’s had every opportunity to fix the trenches. Instead we got a tight end we didn’t need , along with a corner and a kicker who are no longer around. Good job Jason!
February 21st, 2020 at 12:07 pm
I’m on board with that.
February 21st, 2020 at 12:16 pm
realist
BA and his staff had to “COACH THE DIRK” outta players……
mission accomplished!!!!!!!
now if you can convince smitty that his coaching days are over, we’d all be in good shape!!!!!!!!!!….
oops!!!!!!!!!!….TOO LATE!!!!!!!!!……
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Dotson is a great guy…but too many penalties and need better run blocker. Wish him well…but his days are over.
February 21st, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Alanbucsfan Says:
” If Jameis had a RT, he’d just throw more interceptions because he’d take less sacks”
T-Max says:
“I see that we can add lack of creativity right after zero football knowledge to your resume.”
—-
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 1:48 pm
It’s silly talk when we can’t afford it. Now that were gonna blow our wad on a underachieving QB, and try to resign the defense that showed great signs of coming alive last season we want to blow it on a retread RT that the Titans see has diminishing skills. Another teams trash is our teams treasure.
Although we shouldn’t be shocked cause it’s just like something the Bucs would do.
February 21st, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Alanbucsfan Says:
” If Jameis had a RT, he’d just throw more interceptions because he’d take less sacks”
T-Max says:
“I see that we can add lack of creativity right after zero football knowledge to your resume.”
—-
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2020 at 4:35 pm
would like to see us trade off cam brate or OJ(luxury), we need to get this right tackle
February 21st, 2020 at 6:05 pm
Doesn’t need to be the best and most expensive, but a good RT in FA is the right answer. A first round rookie is way too risky. Look at the $40 million dollar man getting the run around and flagged all day. Needs to be proven. Defense in the first. C/G in the third.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:36 pm
We can’t keep paying offensive linemen who are not in the top 5 at their position (hello Donovan, Marpet, and Jenkins!) top 5 money. Conklin is a former first round pick and has been relatively healthy outside of 2018. Dudes like that usually look to “reset the market”, so unless we are cutting one our vastly overpaid linemen, I say we pass. Our defense needs to eat too.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Perfect fit! Only one small detail though. There’s thing thing called salary cap. We already have a nice piece of change tied up into the Oline that can’t seem to run block. Oh and we never acquired any 1st rd lineman that we can build with. We have holes everywhere. Oline, 3rd receiver, running back, safety, and questions at the QB. Buying a 10-15 million a year lineman would be crazy.
February 22nd, 2020 at 8:49 am
A good offensive line makes any running back better.