Unicorn Decisions
February 24th, 2020
Part of Bucs unicorn stable
Joe enjoys the phrase “unicorn year” that refers to a pending free agent who just came off the best darn season of his career.
Breshad Perriman easily could be considered a unicorn after his 36-catch, 645-yard performance last season. Perriman added six touchdowns in part-time duty and three consecutive 100-yard games to close the season — when the Bucs needed him most.
Prior to last season, Perriman was a Ravens first-round bust (2015) who had bounced from the Browns to the Bucs in 2019. He was on a prove-it deal and he at least proved he can play at a high level.
But Perriman has a lot more to prove, which is what makes him a tough decision for the Bucs and deserving of the unicorn label.
Also, Joe suspects Perriman will want to know what the Tampa Bay quarterback situation is before he would agree to return to Tampa. Wouldn’t you?
And Joe can’t figure out why Perriman would sign up to be a No. 3 receiver with Tampa Bay when he likely could get a No. 2 job elsewhere. Joe’s hears speculation pinning Perriman to the Steelers, Eagles, Seahawks and more.
A new member of the Unicorn Hall of Fame, linebacker Shaq Barrett, cranked out 19 1/2 sacks last season in a truly historic display of quarterback hunting.
Was Shaq a secret superstar freed to terrorize the NFL for the next five years, or is he just the modern version of 2007 Bucs pass rushing ace Greg White, who later changed his name?
In part-time duty, White came out of the Arena League to rack up seven forced fumbles and eight sacks as the Bucs’ No. 2-ranked defense led them to the franchise’s last playoff berth.
The Bucs have had their share of unicorns in the past, but none this productive and prolific. And yes, one could say Jameis Winston’s 2019 season was the rare two-headed unicorn campaign.
Perriman, Shaq and Jameis represent huge free agent decisions for the franchise, the kind they’ve botched before.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton…Shaq is the perfect candidate for the franchise tag. There’s a reason he’s saying all the right things for now. He wants a long term deal…
February 24th, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Not worth the big check when we have tons of holes on the roster. Please Licht spend the money wisely, don’t over pay as lasts GM’s have done automatically, including you!!!!
He had a brilliant half season…..as Joe says, he has much more to prove!!!
February 24th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
I’ll fix it for you Joe
In part-time duty, White came out of the Arena League to rack up seven forced fumbles and eight sacks as the Bucs’ No. 2-ranked defense led them to the franchise’s last playoff LOSS!
highly ranked defense on crap teams that is the legacy of the buccaneer fluke champions.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:21 pm
did anyone make more money last season than Perriman. Guy looked like he should have been cut, then plays like a pro bowler the last half of the year. He will get paid now… congratulations!
February 24th, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Miken….I agree he will get paid, I hope that the check does not come out form the Bucs……
February 24th, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Adios Breshad. No chance the Bucs will pony up market value for him, and he did an excellent job taking advantage of his opportunity sown the stretch. Some WR needy team will offer him a deal he can’t refuse.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
Could you imagine in the begging of the season being told that Jameis would have over 30 td’s and over 5000 yards, Evans and Godwin over 1000yrds each and Perriman with 6 tds and 645 yrds, Shaq with 19.5 sacks and leading the NFL, Jpp Comes back and has 8.5 sacks in 8 games? you’d be like what??!!! then finding out you go 7-9….lol…. typical Buc fan would say “Figures”.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
hey joe how could he possibly have a decent year with such a crap qb… for that matter how did 2 wr have amazing years and this young man a comeback year with such a horrible man at qb…. inquiring minds want to know!
February 24th, 2020 at 2:49 pm
I think that even the most ardent Jameis detractors would have to admit that the biggest reason for Perriman’s success this year was Jameis Winston.
For whatever reason, those 2 had an AMAZING chemistry. For the first time in his career, Perriman was made to feel a certain confidence from his QB, and it showed big time.
Quite simply…. if Jameis is still here, I try to bring back Perriman.
If he is not…. I don’t.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:50 pm
sign Brady and he’ll take less….gaurunteed!!!!
ship ME and his 18 mill, and jw and his 27mill the F out of here.
let’s start winning and stop padding stats.
February 24th, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Ship ME…
With all due respect……are you nuts???????
February 24th, 2020 at 3:04 pm
Trade howard and re structure Evan’s deal
February 24th, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Robert once again wants to trade the ONLY HALL of FAME caliber player that we have had since the Super Bowl team, in Mike Evans.
No thank you.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Love to keep Perriman but he is low on the priority list…….we need to focus on our Defensive free agents……if there is enough money left over then maybe……give him $6 mil instead of Brate….
February 24th, 2020 at 3:29 pm
I think you re-sign him to No.2 receiver money (remember Godwin is still on his rookie deal).
Then over the course of the next year you have to either trade Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, convince Mike to restructure his contract for significantly less money, or let Godwin walk away at the end of next season.
In the long run, we can’t afford Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and continue to invest in the rest of the team. One of those two guys has to move on.
I know is sucks, but the right choice is probably to try and get first round pick for Mike Evans.
Good organizations don’t pay two number one receivers.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:35 pm
you guys bust my balls, but at least I am a forward thinker…..doesn’t bother me.
it’s why the Pats always win, and why Chucky will have the Raiders in the SB in 2-3 yrs tops.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Joe gets it. You don’t like moderation. Joe gets it! Guess what Joe hates even more: Digging your friggin comments out of the moderation cue All. Day. Long.
No clue why this is happening. Joe doesn’t write code for WordPress. There is zero personal vendetta against you. You are not being singled out in any way.
Trust Joe, he has ***MUCH*** better things to do than constantly digging comments out of the moderation queue. Like write stories. Like sell ads. Like interview people. Like research stories.
It’s a pain in the arse man. smh — Joe.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Agree with TBBucfan and have said all along, we don’t need 3 No.1 receivers. Any one of ME, CG, and BP could be the top receivers on any number of other NFL teams. But we don’t need 3 top dogs with so many other more pressing needs. We need the cash to lock in our D-Line and pick up a good O-line Tackle in FA. Let Perriman go to another team and get the $$$$ he deserves. He can thank the Bucs and BA for giving him the opportunity.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:49 pm
Scotty Miller can do what Perriman does just like Godwin replaced Humphries.
February 24th, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Joe you’re delusional like many if u believe he cares who the QB is next year he wants to get paid he could care less who’s throwing him the ball money talks
February 24th, 2020 at 3:56 pm
pelbuc
Hump was the biggest mistake the titans made by signing that low ceiling bum…. Godwin didn’t replace hump he was an instant upgrade over that bum hump the day he was born
February 24th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Tmaxcon dare I say Winston has reached his ceiling I think it would b our biggest mistake to resign that bum
February 24th, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Youngbucs Says:
February 24th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Tmaxcon dare I say Winston has reached his ceiling I think it would b our biggest mistake to resign that bum
jameis was setup to fail by this minor league franchise. no qb could develop with the oline and defense he has had for 5 years. this minor league small market franchise does not deserve the savior
February 24th, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Jean Lafitte Says:
February 24th, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Joe gets it. You don’t like moderation. Joe gets it! Guess what Joe hates even more: Digging your friggin comments out of the moderation cue All. Day. Long.
.
.
.
Dig this !
I am in moderation for simply saying “Joe does not like Koetter”…that is ALL…after one of your first podcasts…..
so don’t say
“Joe does not like Koetter”.
That is not at all why you’re in moderation along with hundreds of others. –Joe
February 24th, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Say no to Perriman, use the money on the D. You can find a replacement in the WR heavy draft this year
February 24th, 2020 at 4:36 pm
It almost cannot happen but I like the wishful trade of Godwin to the New York Jets for Jamal Adams. Jets are losing Robbie Anderson and need someone for their franchise QB Darnold. Adams was already on the trade block and the defensive coordinator there (Williams) values other positions on the team more than safety.
Adams and Godwin both have one year left on their salaries. Both need a new contract in the next year.
Jamal Adams is the best safety in the NFL and will probably want 17 million a year starting next year but you will have an All Pro that can play both the run, the pass and blitz.
Godwin is at a higher paying position so although he is not at the stature of Jamal Adams, he also will command another high salary. Probably close to the 17 million a year and will not be a consistent all pro.
I am less a Jameis fan than others but if we are keeping him, one thing we have learned is that Jameis can make a lot of guys look good once he starts practicing with them.
Examples:
Evans
Humphries
Brate
Godwin
Perriman
Howard – last year
the no names at the end of this year
Other teams cbs
Then BA still can get a stud receiver in the 3rd or 4th round of this deep draft.
I think our receiver/TE position (other than Mike and Chris) has had a lot of unicorn types.
February 24th, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Dig this !
I am in moderation for simply saying “Joe does not like Koetter”…that is ALL…after one of your first podcasts…..
so don’t say
“Joe does not like Koetter”.
That is not at all why you’re in moderation along with hundreds of others. –Joe
.,
.
certainly nothing against your “rules” disparaging your business or anything close
virtually all your historical bold face inserts in my posts are personal ….you simply do not like my internet persona and opinions on the Bucs
February 24th, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Robert Says:
“why Chucky will have the Raiders in the SB in 2-3 yrs tops.”
Wanna bet?
February 24th, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Too many needs to fill and there are plenty of draftable WR in the mid rounds.
Gene- he also got Russell Sheppard paid.
February 24th, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Buc1987
I would not bet against gruden especially if the savior is paroled and goes to Vegas….. now you can put the house down this franchise is another decade away from a meaningful game/win if ever
February 24th, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Joe if the cba goes through with expanded playoff field, you know low standard bucfan will be throwing a parade and buying billboards when circus glazer gets in last and loses first round…. given what you consider past glory years would that scenario constitute as a glory year? Just trying to understand how low the bar has been lowered to allow bucfan to use glory years and legend in thier vocabulary….
So to be clear and by your standards pats consider a ring glory years yet its ok for bucfan to celebrate 500 football with absolutely no chance in the postseason as glory years… i get grading on a curve that being said i guess that i didn’t realize the curve was actually a dropoff
February 24th, 2020 at 5:53 pm
you people crying about moderation need to get with the program. if you really need to see your posts instantly that says more about you than joe’s moderation protocols. it’s a sports entertainment blog you are not solving the worlds problems and I hate to be the big meanie but your feelings and opinions simply do not matter anyway. have fun and if you take anything too personal or seriously seek help or grab a lap dance to calm the soul.
i have been sentenced to life because I have too much passion. I believe that was the term joe used. i was wrongly accused and falsely banned for being right always… wait, i was wrong once… i was wrong about lynch being successful but I did not factor in that he surrounded himself with professionals from the broncos and niners not washed up buc has beens.
where is Hawaiian.. I just saw cancer93 practicing with another camera crew something about new line of disappearing/invisible DT wear…. i must admit his crying and victim playing has gotten much improved….
February 24th, 2020 at 6:40 pm
So Joe…….Periman had 645 or whatever yards with 3 100+ yards in the last three games. ?
That means in the first three quarters of the season he was dam near invisible.
February 24th, 2020 at 6:44 pm
geno711 Says:
February 24th, 2020 at 4:36 pm
It almost cannot happen but I like the wishful trade of Godwin to the New York Jets for Jamal Adams.
……………………………
DUDE WHAT?????????
You want to give up the 4th best WR in the league for the 5th best SAFETY?????????????????
Put the pipe down and back away from the table.
February 24th, 2020 at 6:54 pm
This is where I think players like Perriman can sometimes fall into a trap. He made a name for himself last year and instincts(and agents) will tell him to just take whoever offers the most money……..That can be a bad move if it’s a bad situation.
I really think the smartest thing is for him to take the best opportunity. A place that has a legit QB and a nice passing system(like New Orleans for example)……..He might make less now but will make more in the long run if he establishes himself even more.
I think Shaq gets it. And I think it’s a huge reason he wants to stay(think he even mentioned coaching in a interview). Shaq realizes Bowles defense is the perfect system for his skill set. And playing alongside JPP is great for his success. Even if he take less it might be the same on the Bucs where he can hit all his incentives. Or he could take a bigger offer for some 4-3 team and fade into oblivion. Shaq staying in Tampa Bay may be the smartest move he could make, and the most lucritive.
Perrimans smatest move is likely outside of Tampa Bay where he can be featured more. He can’t get that here with Evans and Godwin.
February 24th, 2020 at 6:59 pm
It would be nice to keep him if he fits in after we pay this defense.
And for those of you still trying to apply fantasy stats to success, news flash, it doesn’t equate to team wins.
JW situational football is bottom third in the league. That’s more important than racking up yards with increasingly favorable rules for the passing game.
Marino would have 7,000 yds plus with these rules. He also knew how to make his Oline look good by smart quick decisions. Something Slowmiss doesn’t grasp. But sure rag on the oline.
In BA I Trust!
February 24th, 2020 at 7:04 pm
SB I do not think that’s going to matter. Perriman took snaps as a number one receiver and opposing defenses we’re unable to stop him.
That is not something many players can do in this league. Them games were invaluable to his value and for sure other NFL teams noticed it. Somebodys gonna look at what he did when asked to be a number one and want to add that to their team. I’ve seen many times over the years that a #1 WR goes down and the passing game suddenly hits a wall because no other receiver can pick up the slack. Heck, some teams are still looking for a legit #1.
Yes, only 3 games but what he did with them was very meaningful.
February 24th, 2020 at 7:07 pm
You keep the defense at all costs short sighted individuals do realize the defense is not fixed and is still very much unproven…. they did not embarrass themselves for 1/2 the season nothing more. I know this will come to a shock to desperate low standard bucfan but 1/2 a season is not proven and just because they are no longer embarrassing themselves does that make them good. Suh is the key without him they regress.
February 24th, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Sport o
Marino’s career was filled with meaningless stats and failure…. remind me how many postseason wins he has??? He was just an a-hole with great numbers who never won anything
February 24th, 2020 at 7:15 pm
I understand the unicorn label but Shaq has speed and moves. His sic wasn’t a fluke. He knows how to rush the passer and learned from the best. Perriman also proved his worth. Don’t pay a QB $25-30 million and you can keep everyone else. It’s really a no brainer, keep Jameis or the rest of the free agents that produce. And trade Brate to the Chiefs or Patriots.
February 24th, 2020 at 7:47 pm
Just watched a video on nfl.com. Where they were talking. About landing spots for dez Bryant. Nate burleson said Tampa bay would be a great spot he doesn’t have to be the go to guy can be the number three slot guy with his big body and could put up really good numbers. And he said we could sign him for vet minimum one year big numbers get paid the following year. Makes sense to me worth a look to see if he is close to who he was. Even him at 75% is better than most threes in league
February 24th, 2020 at 9:00 pm
There will be plenty of good players for bucs to fill depth and possibly replace dline.
February 24th, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Perriman is this year’s version of Adam Humphries. Played good for the Bucs, Bucs want to keep him but can’t afford him and someone will overpay for him. Perriman will get $10M a year from someone. Bucs can afford $5M.
February 24th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Defense is more important than Perriman.
February 24th, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Adrnagy
Bucs have been building with bad draft picks, other teams garbage and retired on active duty lazy heartless bums for 2 decades. 18 years without a single meaningful win proves that bucs are king of the low ceiling 1 dimensional roster meat see hump and brate….
February 24th, 2020 at 9:43 pm
Perriman will cost too much to keep and the Bucs have Watson and Miller I have high Hope’s for.Never let godwin go
February 24th, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Tmaxcon.
Faith my friend. Licht is close. Winston will takes us next year to the promise land. I feel it.
February 24th, 2020 at 10:45 pm
TMax – good to see some recognition from you that the D in the second half of the season showed improvement.
Your Marino post inadvertently strengthened my point about JW meaningless yards. I didn’t say Marino was great (Which he was) or a winner, just pointing out he was prolific when you could mug receivers. And if he played now, he would be even more prolific.
I care more about situational football than fantasy stats. JW has proven to be weak in that area. Honestly most people are. Clutch is special. Very few achieve it. Not too dissimilar to your views on certain people getting into the HOF. Selmon was the strongest, and remains the strongest player and person deserving addition to be in the HOF.
Whoever our QB is (JW or other), I want them to deliver in the clutch. Period.
In BA I Trust!
February 25th, 2020 at 12:12 am
Miller should show one improvement with another year under his belt…it’s time for Watson to Show and Tell!!!
February 25th, 2020 at 7:51 am
SB Says:
February 24th, 2020 at 6:44 pm
I appreciate you having a different opinion and maybe you are right.
However, I do not consider Jamal Adams to be the 5th best safety in the league. I consider him to be the best and a likely HOFer.
I do not see Godwin as the 4th best receiver but last year was a top 5 guy statistically and if he continues may be a perennial top 10 guy but still not on the path of a HOFer.
Again, I could be wrong and you could be right. Just a difference of opinion.