Sign Jason Peters And Save Draft Capital
April 17th, 2020
Free agent Jason Peters
Joe’s good friend and Bill Currie Ford general manager Sean Sullivan is a lifelong Bucs fan who happens to be one of the top students of the NFL Draft on the planet. For decades he’s been studying the draft year-round in his free time. Sullivan penned a 2019 column here on his must-have draft pick for the Bucs, and he did a fresh one for 2020.
Please enjoy his latest thoughts on the Bucs’ draft approach.
As Bucs fans, we have all heard the rumors about Jason Licht looking to trade up from No. 14 to possibly No. 9 to acquire an offensive tackle.
Based on past trades I believe this would require us trading our pick at No. 14, our second-round pick (No. 45), and one of our two fourth-round picks, most likely No. 117 overall. This is a steep price for a right tackle if the plan is to win now.
I understand as fans we never get the clear picture from the Bucs brass, but we do have some facts to go on.
First and most significantly we signed Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who soon turns 43, and we let a 26-year-old, 5,000-yard passer walk in free-agency (first time in NFL history). This screams win now!
Second, in my opinion there is no future Quinton Nelson, sure-fire-game-changing, can’t-miss tackle or guard available next week. There are holes in the games of each top tackle, plus the bust factor is high on offensive tackles, and you cannot get this pick wrong.
Third, Bruce Arians is on record saying he does not draft tackles high because you will develop them for the next head coach.
We must act as fans as if this is our last season of football ever; there is no planning for the future. We must draft players that are instant-impact Buccaneers, no time for development.
We have been rebuilding for 14 seasons; 2020 is our best shot to win. Period.
Do not trade away picks because we need them. Let’s change our whole philosophy and draft an impact WR/kick returner, an impact running back, and use the rest for depth at linebacker, safety and across the defensive line.
Start by signing a future Hall of Fame tackle with loads of experience, a Super Bowl win and nine trips to the Pro Bowl in Jason Peters, who just earned All-Decade honors. Peters graded out as the No. 6 overall tackle in 2019, per Pro Football Focus.
He’s right there waiting for us.
Interesting thought here because, as I understand it, Jason Peters is open to play either tackle spot. Has played the right side before. Obviously looking for the best situation, whichever side of the line that may be. https://t.co/dOnfrLsiHM
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2020
April 17th, 2020 at 5:19 am
Good article and I agree. Our team is not good enough to just give away draft picks. I’m cool with signing Peters or even trading for a good tackle if we can hoodwink some team to part with one.
April 17th, 2020 at 5:30 am
I would be onboard with this. I wouldn’t trade up for the OT’s in this years draft. If one falls at #14, great but I think we have to make the most of this draft capital. As you point out Peters still played to a high level last year and as we are in win now mode, Peters will only make this team better and improve our chances of a play off year.
April 17th, 2020 at 5:34 am
4th or 5th for the Redskins tackle, also im surprised noone has tried to get Fournette from the Jaguars, he shouldnt cost much, theyve gotten rid of all of their other players.
April 17th, 2020 at 5:41 am
Good read well written.
April 17th, 2020 at 5:46 am
Good take. This would free up the #14 slot for someone like Kinlaw out of SC though Derrick Brown will likely be off the board. Also makes sense as the big 4 OTs could be off the board after the Browns and Jets pick and the Buc simply can not give up that pick @ 45 to leap frog them with needs galore even though Jason is way below average with his 2nd round picking pedigree.. This is a solid backup plan if not a good numero uno plan but the Bucs have to get Peters signed and more often than not Licht gets beaten to the punch…. Great logic from Sean.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:05 am
How much?……there is a reason why he is still on the market……
April 17th, 2020 at 6:28 am
Jason Peters is one foot sprain away from retirement……..
and that’s why he’s still a free agent.
We don’t need to past right now………but the future
speaking of that…..Donovan Smith is a complete bust at the position he was drafted at……SUCKS!!!!!!!!
April 17th, 2020 at 6:35 am
Joe’s good friend and Bill Currie Ford general manager Sean Sullivan should stick to selling trucks. Jason Peters is 38 years old; he’s had a great career & is a true warrior, but has had knee problems in 2 of the past 3 years; Philly probably moved on for a reason? There are at least 4 Tackles (probably more) in this year’s draft who, if properly developed, could start for us for at least 10 years. This is a no-brainer.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:48 am
100% agreed. I’m sure Brady would rather play behind a nasty vet that knows what it looks like than a rook trying to keep his shirt on every play.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:57 am
We’re stuck with Donovan Smith for 1 more year because of the guaranteed money and what makes you think either of them can go play right tackle? It’s not all that easy.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:58 am
If we stay where we are, no trade ups…
OT Thomas (or one of the big 4 for RT)
RB Clyde
WR Claypool/Van Jefferson (great route runner, 2nd to Jeudy)
FS Dugger/Davis for (4th)
DT James Lynch (4th) Baylor
KR/PR RB Javon Leake (5th) (Maryland)
QB Bryce Perkins (6th) Virginia
April 17th, 2020 at 7:00 am
I really don’t think Peters can play RT after so many years at LT. Make it a performance based contract with a veteran minimum base.
April 17th, 2020 at 7:04 am
Madmax lol yup. I keep running the simulator and that’s what I like or marlon Davidson in the 2nd and Ackers in the 3rd. I don’t think Jefferson or Claypool
Will be there when we pick do we’ll need to trade up. We definitely need either a route technician or another big burner at receiver. Watson and Miller can battle our wr#4.
April 17th, 2020 at 7:28 am
With the acquisition of Haeg, the Bucs are not forced to draft OL in the 1st. They may get one at #14, but what if they don’t? Is there a better value later? How about DT? There’s going to be some good RBs in the 2nd and later rounds. But they will probably not drop too far.
April 17th, 2020 at 7:38 am
A couple things on this idea.
– Going from 14 to 9 shouldnt cost a 2nd and 4th. As an example, in 2018 Arizona went from 15 to 10 for a 3rd and 5th for Josh Rosen. A 3rd this year (or OJ Howard) + a 2021 day 2 pick should be enough.
– Where are you getting the money to sign Peters? According to overthecap, the Bucs have $13.5 mil left in cap space. They will need $7-$8 mil of that to sign the rookie class. Is Jason Peters coming here for $6 mil? I doubt that.
April 17th, 2020 at 7:49 am
“We have been rebuilding for 14 seasons”. ☹️🤬🤯
April 17th, 2020 at 7:50 am
Use the money to Extend Godwin. If the bucs don’t now it’s going to cost over 18 million a year.
April 17th, 2020 at 7:56 am
Rework some contracts. Trade futures pick(s). Get Trent Williams. Draft
Clyde-Helaire or Cam Akers. Draft a DT in 1st or 2nd round. OG/OT early. WR later. Just do something right! 😖
April 17th, 2020 at 8:01 am
Drafting anyone…even in the 1st round is a 50/50 bet. Don’t give away draft picks…unless you have a sure fire QB. (like Winston) just say there is NO sure fire.
April 17th, 2020 at 8:08 am
I agree 100%.
April 17th, 2020 at 8:18 am
Peters should ONLY be the fallback plan in the event we whiff on the opportunity to draft a quality Offensive Tackle. He DEFINITELY isn’t and shouldn’t be the priority. You’d get one year out of him, maybe, and simultaneously concede the option to walk away from Donovan Smith’s contract next year if you chose too. Haeg, while not overwhelming talented, is solid enough to man the RT position. He came to Tampa because he was told by Joe Gilbert, who also coached him in Indy, that he’d at least be afforded the opportunity to compete for a starters position at RT. He would’ve stayed in Indy for the contact he signed here. And from looking at some coverage of Colts football, many were shocked and upset they let Haeg get away.
We will target a RT, but trading up for one may be a stretch. I think the trade-up calls are to get Kinlaw before the 49ers do 1 pick ahead of us. I believe Bowles is salivating for him! Besides, Suh signed another 1-year mercenary deal snd squeezed Licht for $8 mil. If he leaves next year, we’re definitely stuck targeting that position next year. We are dangling OJ to get another pick to trade up into the bottom of the 1st to get an OT and get the additional 5th year on his contract. I’d prefer that move and get a RB with the other 2nd rd pick. Here’s what it’d look like:
Kinlaw (1st)
Tackle (late 1st)
RB….maybe Clyde Edwards-Helaire (2nd)
WR, Safety (3rd)
April 17th, 2020 at 8:21 am
Tempting strategy….
April 17th, 2020 at 8:47 am
great take ncbucsfan – I see the below
Kinlaw – 1st
S – 2nd
Trade up to get the D3 OT BEN BARTCH – (late 2nd /early 3rd)
4th – then we start looking for RB or WR…but wouldn’t shock me if we don’t
April 17th, 2020 at 9:05 am
I’m for signing Peters. Not sure how he’d work out at Right Tackle, but it’d be a better plan than having to start a rookie (or Joe Haeg) there.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:15 am
Bucsanthem – you’re a clown. D Smith was an offensive tackle taken in the 2nd round who has barely missed anytime (if any) during his six years in the league. He was resigned last year and has been a starter the entire time. While he isn’t great, I would say this was a very good pick by Licht. Left tackles are premium positions and are taken very early in the first. I would say Smith has been adequate which is basically about the best you can hope for from a left tackle that wasn’t a top 15 pick. He most certainly is not a bust.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:15 am
Bucsanthem – you’re a clown. D Smith was an offensive tackle taken in the 2nd round who has barely missed anytime (if any) during his six years in the league. He was resigned last year and has been a starter the entire time. While he isn’t great, I would say this was a very good pick by Licht. Left tackles are premium positions and are taken very early in the first. I would say Smith has been adequate which is basically about the best you can hope for from a left tackle that wasn’t a top 15 pick. He most certainly is not a bust.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:23 am
Sure, sign an ancient broken offensive lineman for way more than he’s worth. That’s like putting an old dirty bandaid on a broken arm.
In your opinion, there is no Quinton Nelson…a game changer at guard (?) That’s a laughable statement in itself. Guards aren’t game changers and Nelson is proof of this. What plays did he make to help the Colts beat the Bucs last season? Where were his game changing plays down the stretch? It doesn’t happen because he’s a guard. Left tackles CAN be game changers… right tackles, not as often… a great center is great to have but not exactly game changers… but guards… c’mon.
And as far as draft opinions go… pining for Johnny Football, Trent Richardson, and others really devalues the worth of one’s opinion. We don’t need an all-pro at OT, we need someone that is good and can be better. There are four guys in round one that might fit the bill, perhaps a couple more in round 2. Jason Peters is done. Just stop.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:32 am
Joe in Michigan Says:
April 17th, 2020 aa9:05 am
I’m for signing Peters. Not sure how he’d work out at Right Tackle, but it’d be a better plan than having to start a rookie (or Joe Haeg) there.
———————————
Why do you think that? Because you’ve heard for the 38 year old Peters but not Haeg or the rookies? Maybe we should sign Anthony Munoz, he’s available and in the Hall of Fame… he’s only in his 60’s.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:34 am
To those saying Peters won’t sign for cheap, around $5, I completely disagree. Everyone here would have said Gosder Cherilus was done when he arrived in August 2015 and he turned in a good year at right tackle in 2015 for a few million.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:34 am
$5 million
April 17th, 2020 at 9:38 am
a couple things things about this 1)”none of the top OT are cant miss prosepcts” I think this is just wrong. Thomas, Becton, and Wills are all prospects you wouldnt dream of being able to get at pick 14 in just about any other year. Each one of them look very likely to be able to start day 1 and be good.
2)”Bruce Arians is on record saying he does not draft tackles high because you will develop them for the next head coach.” Yes Bruce has said this but what about the fact that Bruce is patently wrong on this? The recent evidence shows completely disagrees with his statement. There have been plenty of tackles drafted over the recent years that come in and are strong pieces as a starter from day 1. If Bruce hasnt changed his mind about this or realized hes blatantly wrong then were in trouble.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:38 am
First of all we only have $5 million left under the salary cap after the projected rookie draft pool.
If we made this move we would have to restructure several contracts – Marpet, Smith, Jensen and Gholston.
Plus – I’m not sure how much Jason Peters has left in the tank. He has missed 12 games the past three seasons and has only played a full season once the past three.
It would be nice to kick the OT can down the road and sign Peters for one season. However if we are able to draft one of the “Big Four” OTs we should just bite the bullet and get it done.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:50 am
The man is 38 years old. We let Dotson go because he was old at 34. Come on, people. Get serious.
April 17th, 2020 at 9:57 am
Ok, it’s an intriguing thought but, can you imagine the future vitriol from certain bloggers if he performs closer to a FA Swaggy Baker rather than the Jason Peters of the past? Poor Jason Licht would be ostracized for life from the revisionist Joe’s. When you’re trying to salvage what reputation you have left, dropping that amount of cash on a hunch, just to have it backfire opens you up to even more bad scrutiny.
April 17th, 2020 at 10:07 am
I never thought I’d say this about a car dealer but I have always really enjoyed Sean’s take and opinions on all things Bucs.
April 17th, 2020 at 10:14 am
You have evidence Jason Peters is a lazy dirtbag just looking for a paycheck?
Wonder how he was a Pro Bowler all these years and won a ring by being this kind of a slob?
April 17th, 2020 at 10:31 am
Much, much, much rather sign a veteran to play right tackle after the draft than either trade up for one in the first round or even use the 14th pick on the 4th best tackle in this draft.
A rookie right tackle isnt going to push this team over the top, I’m sorry. I know everybody thinks that right now. They had Demar Dotson protecting their #1 overall pick investment for five years, 43 year old Tom Brady is valued that much more?
Light’s draft history says that he will either look for game changers at the teams current draft position, or he will look to trade down and accumulate draft picks before taking a perceived need.
April 17th, 2020 at 10:32 am
*Licht’s, freaking autocorrect
April 17th, 2020 at 10:53 am
If we can afford to sign him, then we could trade back and get more picks. Maybe even trade out of the 1st (which would save more money), and load up on 2nd and 3rd round picks. Draft his future replacement (Wilson, Hunt, Bartch?) plus a backup OL. Trading out of the first could land us 3 or more picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, and maybe even more (according to Jimmy Johnsons value chart). Even if we only hit on half of 10-12 picks, at this point, that would significantly improve our team for the next few years.
April 17th, 2020 at 10:53 am
Peters is older than Dot. How much does he really have left in the tank?
April 17th, 2020 at 10:54 am
i say sign peters…
draft kilaw in the first round=suh replacement
draft i.wilson in the 2nd round=peters/haeg replacement
a 38 year old peters was and still is better than a 34 year old dotson….
is the kid wells still on the team…he played well filling in for d.smith when he missed a game…he could at least provide depth….
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 17th, 2020 at 11:06 am
Completely agree, been banging the drum for Peters for months – anybody who brings up Peters’ age hasn’t watched him play. He’s basically the Tom Brady of offensive tackles. Lane Johnson was supposed to be his replacement 6 years ago and this guy keeps playing at a high level. Bring him in for 2 years to protect Brady and groom a replacement.
I’m fine with still taking one of the tackles at 14 still with Peters on the roster and letting them battle it out.
Even trade down and take Josh Jones or Ezra Cleveland. Or even take one in the 2nd round.
Just dont waste draft capital on trading up and pass on Kinlaw.
April 17th, 2020 at 11:06 am
BUCSANTHEM: Agree 100%. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
April 17th, 2020 at 11:44 am
We don’t need to be trading up for anyone. It would be a waste of picks.
April 17th, 2020 at 12:28 pm
IMO going all out to win this year means drafting one of the top 3 receivers, possibly moving to #9 to secure the one we want. Then getting an RB in the 2nd, I hope that’s Edwadrs-Helaire.
IMO All that firepower on the outside deters defense coordinators from calling any type of Cover 0 blitz. And thats where we get the most out of the Brady, finding soft spots on zone, checking to run plays
April 17th, 2020 at 1:05 pm
I’ve been preaching this idea for a month. I love this idea. I would hate to pass on a great player that drops to draft a position of need. For example, I would hate to draft a 2nd round OT talent if the top 4 OTs are gone and DT Brown is still on the board.
April 17th, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Joe Says:
April 17th, 2020 at 10:14 am
if he performs closer to a FA Swaggy Baker rather than the Jason Peters of the past?
You have evidence Jason Peters is a lazy dirtbag just looking for a paycheck?
Wonder how he was a Pro Bowler all these years and won a ring by being this kind of a slob?
__________________________________
optimal word “was” a Pro bowler
April 17th, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Why not both if we can find the cap space? I know people don’t want to lose draft capital, but the chances of finding impact players drops off a cliff after the 1st round. If Willis or Thomas is there, you have to go get him. Wirfs and Becton are going to need time to develop their pass protection, time the Bucs don’t have unless they sign Peters. It’s a gamble either way.
For the record, according to PFF’s draft pick scoring chart, 14 to 9 is a difference of 250 points. The Bucs’ 3rd round pick is worth 210, so it might happen if they swap 1st, give their 3rd and maybe flip picks in a later round.
April 17th, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Is he going to play for the veteran minimum? If so, sure.
April 17th, 2020 at 1:56 pm
I feel they are trying to move up to draft an impact player that is a game changer but they should wait and maybe trade down then use a player to trade back in the first. They are overload at tight end and feel they should move on from a player there. I like the idea of signing Peters and I feel the money is there but they don’t need a RT with the signing of Haeg but they could use a RG to afford to be able to move Cappa in the event they move on from D. Smith in the off-season this year or next which I fully expect he will be gone after this season. Licht is good for finding gems on the oline late in the draft. First round pick imo should be a game changer at defensive back that can start immediately. If we have to sign a vet I say go after Eric Reid. He has a lot left and I feel he would turn Whitehead and Edwards into quality depth while we let Adams start next to Reid to fill out a veteran defense. At NT I still like the aspect of drafting the prospect from Utah. He would push Gohlston to the bench and to DE along with Suh which would give us the strongest dline in the league and full ability to stop the run. We trade down we may can stock up for the future on defense. I feel the early picks should be used to get one RB and two players that can return kicks as well.
April 17th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Anyone else find it ironic that a used car salesman is trying to sell us on a tackle 10 years past his prime? ;p
I definitely agree we shouldn’t be moving up, but I’m not sure we can afford Peters even if we wanted him. I’m good with starting Haeg and grabbing a 2nd or 3rd round OT to develop, especially since BA claims they all need at least a year to start.
We should be looking to trade down if anything. There will be a lot of value in the second that fits our needs- OT, RB, S, DL
April 17th, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Bucs just signed Haeg that played under Gilbert (OL coach). Went 11-5 first three years under Luck. Jason is good at picking up those kinds of players (Nassib, Shaq).
Kinlaw at #14 or trade back for Delpit. He could be a great NFL S and with Bowels young secondary with a high ceiling could be the perfect time to pick up a good young safety and teammate of Devin White.Two picks in the second trade up and get Simmons.The Bandwagoneers jumped back on when we signed Brady, but true Bucs fans also gotta be thinking about the future.
You bring in good average/ above average players vets for not a ton of money to balance out good teams and players can even blow up (Nassib, Shaq).
“Build through the draft” -Jason Licht
GO BUCS!!!
April 17th, 2020 at 2:22 pm
So sign Peter and draft high on only offensive players? Fill in defensive needs with depth players?
Don’t like it. We need to invest something on defense. I can’t even understand why we would blatently ignore that side of the ball.
April 17th, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Sure. The league is loaded with players that have been or have never been Pro Bowlers. Lavonte David hasn’t been a Pro Bowler in years. Should the Bucs cut him? Of course not. Ali Marpet has never been a Pro Bowler. Should he be cut? When is the last time JPP was a Pro Bowler?
You have to ask yourself: Is Peters an upgrade over Dotson? If he is, who gives a damn if he “was” a Pro Bowler? An upgrade is an upgrade.
April 17th, 2020 at 3:23 pm
You have to ask yourself: Is Peters an upgrade over Dotson? If he is, who gives a damn if he “was” a Pro Bowler? An upgrade is an upgrade.
at this point ..barely
April 17th, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Itz a hard pass on Peters. How about resigning Dotson? Hes a proven veteran and I trust Brady to get the ball out quick. As for D Smith who can we get thats better? Is it possible to trade Smith for Trent Williams? I may be intersted in that. You then have a much older player and one who is going to be looking for his big Momey contract. D Smith may not be he best left tackle but we could do worse.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:16 pm
JimmyJack… agreed about getting defense through the draft. S, DT, OLB need to be taken within the first four rounds.
April 17th, 2020 at 6:21 pm
A great idea, and a very well written article!
Sean Sullivan should write more articles for this place, IMHO
April 17th, 2020 at 6:25 pm
If we sign Peters we’ll regret it. Haeg will end up starting while Peters goes on IR yet again and collects fat checks, and we’ll all b*tech endlessly about the waste. Peters is done. Combined with his age, his price is too high and his injury history the last few seasons is too alarming.
Honestly I think Dotson would be a better choice for one last year of gutting it out. I think TB would motivate him to do better than his usual for one last season.
Of course, I still think we need to draft a tackle in the first round. Best available OT. But I’d be happy if we went with best available edge rusher or best available WR or RB. WR only if he’s a proven fantastic kick returner. RB only if he’s a fantastic all-arounder who can run WR routes and has proven soft hands.
April 19th, 2020 at 10:21 am
Holy cow I actually agree totally with the Joe here!! I’ve been saying from the beginning that Bruce has said multiple times I do not draft lineman in the first round!! Glad to see Joe point that out….. The question is can they afford him!?!?…. They need another Blitzer and running back then safety in the 3rd …. I’m telling ya it’s Taylor and chaisson … The team really liked Taylor!! I think that is a pretty sure thing they’ll get him if available