“You Made A Very Good Decision To Call”
March 23rd, 2020
“Yes Mr. Glazer, I have Tom Brady’s agent on the other line. No Mr. Glazer, he’s not asking for a piece of your team. I have to go.”
It seems Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht wasted little time wooing future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
That’s the word from Albert Breer of SI.com. Breer, who has fantastic sources with the Belicheats as he used to cover that team, wrote this morning in his weekly “Monday Morning Quarterback” piece that the moment legal tampering began, Licht was on the phone with Brady’s agent, Don Yee.
And Yee was quite happy to hear from Licht.
The Bucs didn’t waste time reaching out to Brady’s camp, with the focus, by Monday, on landing the new free agent. Brady was still a day away from announcing his departure from New England, and thus there was still plenty of speculation that the Patriots and their resident legend would reconcile at the 11th hour. But the signals Tampa got from Brady’s people indicated otherwise.
“You made a very good decision to call,” agent Don Yee told the Bucs. And that conversation led the Bucs to believe that money wasn’t really a huge of concern of Brady’s—mostly because it didn’t come up in that initial talk. In fact, all Yee said was that there were boxes that needed to be checked, and Tampa appeared to be checking them.
Yee did, of course, eventually lay out terms to the Bucs, and he would to the Chargers too. Brady wanted a two-year commitment, backed by guarantees. He had a rough ask for $30 million per year, but that was flexible. The big thing was he wanted to allow for his new team to add to its roster where it saw fit.
Read that last sentence again. The big thing was he wanted to allow for his new team to add to its roster where it saw fit.
Well, most big-named players are gone as free agency enters its second week. So do the Bucs have a trade in the works and have cash stashed to afford another big salary (in addition to Ndamukong Suh)?
Or do the Bucs still have an interest in landing Jason Peters and/or Vonn Bell?
Also in the column, Breer mentions the list of quarterbacks the Bucs were targeting. Breer mentioned No. 1 (Brady), did not mention who No. 2 was, and No. 3 was Mr. Entertainment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:33 am
RUNNING BACK, GOAT needs quick pass catchers out of the backfield , Stat.
Dion Lewis, James WHite, Edelmen, etc…
Be nice to have Humphries right about now.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:39 am
Cam Akers is looking like a really really good idea right now. Don’t screw around, just grab him in the second and be done.
First rd: Kinlaw or Chaisson —fall back position is best OT available
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:45 am
Akers is nice, but do you really think Tom Brady wants a rookie running back to start with?
No, he needs an experience Ace pass catcher out of the backfield with zero to small learning curve.
That is something our current crop and rookies can’t provide.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:45 am
Akers looks good to me too.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:45 am
Think Bucs are trying to make another deal
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:48 am
And perhaps the Glazers said “Well Jason, you need to move on this fast. With this worldwide health and medical emergency coming to a head, we have a very narrow window of opportunity to slap gleeful Bucs fans buying new season tickets with a 15% markup and them to pay now. We can’t wait. They might lose their jobs over the next week and then we’re screwed.”
And that was not mean to be funny. It is simply a crappy way to run a business when you have billions and others face trying to make ends meet. The Glazers can be human and turn that off. Such a bad look
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:48 am
Jason Peter’s at RT, while not as good as Conklin, would still represent a massive upgrade at the position.
After his entire career was played at left tackle, Peter’s has made it known he’s willing to play RT. Aka he wants to play with Brady.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:51 am
I’ve never heard of Jameis Winston.
Is he one of the Boston Dawsons? Oh, a Chippawah Falls Dawson.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:52 am
The deal was done the weekend before the tampering period began. They are throwing dirt on the trail at this point.
March 23rd, 2020 at 10:59 am
Off topic, but still Bucs related…
I’m surprised the Joe’s haven’t mentioned/wrote about ASJ’s latest news. It’s quintessential Austin Sefarian-Jackwagon :p
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:02 am
@Kalind: Agreed! Cam Akers in the 2nd rd!! 1st rd pick I’d trade back and target Kyle Dugger!! I know it’s not a popular opinion, but he is going to be a monster to me! He is VERY similar to Derwin James….just didn’t go to a big school. Akers in the 2nd (could be our Dalvin Cook), and if we don’t sign Suh, a run-stopping DLineman like Raekwon Davis will probably be there in the 3rd. I don’t feel we should reach for an OT if the top 4 are gone….which seems likely according to many mock drafts, but what do they know? We belly-ached about missing out on Derwin and Dalvin and now I believe we can get eerily similar skillset players with less of an investment!
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:03 am
JGhoti86:
Scheduled for “Morning Cup Of Joe” for tomorrow. Doesn’t warrant any more coverage than that.
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:10 am
Jaboo…whooo ?
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:17 am
Joe,
You’re right!
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:20 am
Hethrew30 is Right on the money!!! The Greedy Glazers just couldn’t wait to increase the ticket prices!!! What a sorry ass move…despicable to me. They continue to show total disregard to the fans….the media has been very quiet about this when there should be outrage directed toward them….shine the light of truth on these greedy owners!!
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:27 am
sounds like a great agent based on that last sentence…….read through the lines.
vs. we be ballin, check yo sheets, gimme 30 million
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:33 am
So Jameis is still available…
Asking for a friend
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:33 am
No doubt which Joe wrote this article. Gag me. I hope the XFL hurries and signs Mr Pick-6 so we can stop hearing about him. Why not a mention of Desean Jackson, another former Buc? Or any other former Buc?
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:34 am
Welcome to Tampa Mr.Tom B, why are you here? SuperBowl or bust? …that’s a lot of pressure that I don’t think you can deliver with this team …your the GREAT WHITE HOPE of Tampa bay!! Some here think we were a great QB away from SuperBowl 2020 …I just don’t see it happening and if you don’t make the play offs then this little fiasco will quickly come to an end! BEST OF LUCK TO YA MR. TB 12!! GO BUCS!!
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:39 am
I suggest they trade back in round 1 to somewhere in the low 20s if they can find a partner and pick up Josh Jones. I would then use the two second rounders to trade up to the bottom of the first and get D’Andre Swift. If they can make those two moves alone I think this offense could be absolutely lethal next year. In rounds 3-7 they should target a WR (assuming we don’t get Perriman back), a D Tackle, secondary help, and o-line depth.
I am sure a big part of Brady’s decision was based on the talent of the team he went to. He doesn’t want to tarnish his reputation by going 8-8. He obviously felt we were close and not they have to be smart this offseason and things just may go well in 2020.
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:45 am
This is what I really appreciated about Brady over the years. The willingness to structure to give his team the ability to have cap flexibility. And bring in quality players around him.
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:46 am
Brady is a scout for players he’s played against being the GOAT for 24 year’s. He’s not any GM that makes huge deals like that idiotic AB rumor. Definitely will be in on play calling.
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:53 am
#2 was Teddy Bridgewater
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:58 am
The only RB we need to get this year is Anthony McFarland Jr in the 4th. Watch his highlights and you won’t forget him. Don’t need to break the bank or reach too high in the draft. This guy has all the tools.
https://youtu.be/AxB6yvpFBm
March 23rd, 2020 at 12:03 pm
# 2 QB will be Jordan Love…in a trade up
March 23rd, 2020 at 12:04 pm
TDTB … I agree with you; Brady must think that the Bucs are ‘close enough’ to where, with a few ‘additions’, he can be a difference-maker. It’ll be a huge challenge for him, but that’s sorta kinda what makes life fun.
The Bucs are built quite a bit differently than the Pats it appears. For starters, we’ve got BOTH ME13 (118 targets) AND Godwin (121 targets). The Pats had Edelman (153 targets) then had to go to their RBs (White had 95 targets). The Bucs 2 big TEs got 108 targets, while the Pats 2 predominant TEs only got 43 targets.
That’s a pretty big difference in ‘who’s doing what’ on each team. I suspect that Brady will thrive with 4 receivers like Evans, Godwin, Brate & OJ to throw to … plus Rojo and whoever we bring in at RB. This SHOULD be a very interesting offense, as long as the Bucs’ OLine can do its’ job. Allowing 47 sacks like last year won’t cut it. Bucs need to bring in a stud RT (preferably through the draft) AND improve our depth (still not sold on Cappa BTW).
March 23rd, 2020 at 12:50 pm
It’s not a high priced running back. We already know Arians won’t spend that money. He said so himself.
I do believe they might sign a RB, but it will not be a pricey one.
It is more likely Suh and a bunch of depth players. Maybe a good safety, but I doubt it.
March 23rd, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Bucs only have a little more than $20m after deducting for the draft picks. If they plan to trade back into the first, that number will drop.
March 23rd, 2020 at 1:03 pm
I really highly doubt Tom is coming in and telling Todd Bowles who to put on his defense. If the Bucs are stashing for somebody it’s gotta be a offensive player. OL or RB or both. Plus Antinio Brown can come in and won’t cost much. The Bucs are giving him a second chance which means it won’t cost.
This thing gonna come together real nice. Players are itching to come to Tampa now. Tom probably have the thumbs up on Brate too.
And don’t expect a big high profile RB. Tom and Bruce might share the same philosphy not to make major investments at that position……Just look at who Tom Brady has had success with before at RB. In 20 years Correct Dillion is the biggest name. Enough said.
March 23rd, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Sorry Bonzai. You said the same thing above me. Didn’t read. And don’t worry about the money. I could rattle off 4-5 players tight now we could extend. Not to me tion you can longterm Shaq and backload some of his money to make him cheaper in 2020.
Do be sold Tom is a OJ guy either. Just cause he had a great combine. Plenty of ways to get what we need.
The biggest factor might be what we do on the OL. Lots of cash being spent there.
March 23rd, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Agree D.R. all those targets have to be inviting. And again if we get you monster from BC there is another set of hands. Actually %wise ROJO catches it better than David Johnson or Melvin Gordon so it’s not like he can’t catch it although JJ says he’s “awkward”. I haven’t noticed that but I HAVE noticed ROJO pull some matador blocking in pass pro…Ole..as his man rushed by to kill JW. If ROJO or his “people” have any smarts they’ll spend the entire off season working on ONE thing…ROJO’s pass pro because he’s not getting on the field on 3rd down if he can’t protect the GOAT.
BTW do we suppose our OL’s sphincters will tighten up in a good way. Who wants to be the guy who whiffs on a block or misses his assignment and gets the GOAT pounded.
March 23rd, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Dion Lewis and Jason Peters are the kind of talented vets that can add talent and consistency at great value who typically overlook the Bucs but may actually seek us out to be a part of history if this team makes a SB run. Way too soon to predict but there is enough talent that it is at least possible with another good draft and some luck on the injury front.
March 23rd, 2020 at 2:44 pm
BigHog Race-baiter.
March 23rd, 2020 at 3:17 pm
@Hethrew 30. Or maybe none of that went through the Glazers head. Perhaps it was all about getting the GOAT in Tampa. will that springboard season tix and merch? Of course, but there’s still 50 + million that the Glazers are paying for the right to have Brady grace our presence. I think it will prove to be a wise move. I don’t, however, believe it wa sa let’s get in front of the virus think. it was a let’s jump while we can land TB12 thing.
March 23rd, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Come on Big Hog. You’ve been playing the Great “White” angle for far too long. Let it die with JW leaving. The organization gave Jameis 5 years to figure out how to combat his propensity to hand the rock to the opposing team. He never did and it culminated with historic interception numbers. Are you going to tell me that if Jameis were white his 30 picks would have been forgiven? Ask Ryan Leaf about that.
March 23rd, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Jim Says:
March 23rd, 2020 at 11:53 am
#2 was Teddy Bridgewater
BINGO!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 23rd, 2020 at 3:55 pm
bighog
in NE, its was SB or BUST every year….lol….thats their mentality…..
the thing that Brady has is the ability to lift everyones game…..falcons and rams had more talent on their teams when they made the SB but bradys kept fighting….they kept making plays…..
JW doesnt have that….never did imo….JW benefited from playing in a weak conference and playing on a team full of 5* players…..
JW was treated fairly….
he’s had 2 offensive minded HCs…..
#weaponsforwinston….
support from his team mates after suspension….
suppport from the FO….
others stepped up their leadership so he wouldnt have to be THE TEAM leader….
competition was sent packing to MIA….
MM didnt even get that kind of treatment and he kept his nose clean and won a playoff game….lol…
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 23rd, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Mr Entertainment
March 23rd, 2020 at 7:05 pm
Scotty Miller is gonna blow up as a slot receiver this year. Period. we have our Edelman and Hump. It’s Scotty Miller. Godwin is also a slot beast, proven last year. And Rojo is gonna be getting alot more screens to allow him to juke in space and run wild. Don’t worry, be happy!!
March 23rd, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Trade D Smith and a day 3 pick for LT Trent Williams. Give him a 4 year deal. Draft a RT in the 1st rd. You want have to pay him big $ until Willisms retires and you draft his replacement.
That’s going all in!!!
March 24th, 2020 at 12:53 am
Gostkowski should have been here yesterday! We NEED a proven kicker!