Dolphins, Titans Named As Fits For Lavonte David
February 9th, 2021
Free-agent-to-be Lavonte David is on the list of studs the Bucs might not be able to afford — or afford to lose.
The best linebackers somewhat similar to David earn roughly $4 million more than David did this season when he hauled in a little over $10 million. Joe’s using general averages, but the point is that durable David could command more cash when the free agency dinner bell rings in five weeks.
The Bucs, like most Super Bowl winners, can’t keep their entire club together if all their free agents are looking for a payday.
Also, the salary cap likely will drop because of lost revenue from The Sickness.
Longtime ESPN.com NFL writer Jeremy Fowler studied free agency this morning and concluded that Lavonte David is the 19th-ranked free agent behind Chris Godwin (13th) and Shaq Barrett (15th). Fowler said he “made calls to league personnel and mapped out the best fits for the best players available.”
Miami’s defensive picture is nearly complete, and the image of David flying around with Jerome Baker at inside linebacker should excite coach Brian Flores. David … has the flexibility and athleticism to play in Miami’s 3-4 base. David is a Miami Northwestern High legend, too. And Miami has $21.7 million in cap space.
Fowler also mentioned Tennessee and Dallas as a likely good fit for David. Remember, Titans GM Jon Robinson was around David during his Tampa days.
Might David give the Bucs a discount? Is he looking for the biggest payday? Does he want to go back home to Miami? Do the Bucs think it makes sense to give David a multiyear deal when they’ll have to pay Carlton Davis premium cash in 2022?
Lots of tough decisions ahead for general manager Jason Licht and Bucco Bruce Arians.
It would be a shame if David ended his career elsewhere, but Joe also could say the same thing about Barrett, Godwin and others.
February 9th, 2021 at 4:30 pm
I would hate to see him go. But finally he got a taste of postseason and a ring after a long wait.
February 9th, 2021 at 4:35 pm
The new TV contracts are expected to be double from the last contract. It seems to me, the salary cap should go up. What am I missing?
February 9th, 2021 at 4:35 pm
You have to have Lavonte back. Are you kidding me?
David, Godwin, Barrett, Gronk, Suh… all need to be back.
February 9th, 2021 at 4:36 pm
I would be highly disappointed it licht if he let David walk. That guy needs to retire in Tampa, he’s been loyal to the fan base, he’s among the best linebackers to play for the buccaneers. Which has a legacy of great LB and D line players. Let’s just hope he decides to stay and go ring chasing.
February 9th, 2021 at 4:37 pm
The man should have enough money after 9 years to be set. Why would you not stay?
February 9th, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Love it if LVD stays, BUT not worried if he goes.
Licht and co. can scout 3-4 LBs at all levels – Kwon, White, Shaq, JPP …
February 9th, 2021 at 4:41 pm
If this man doesn’t retire a Buccaneer. I will be a crushed Bucs fan. He is the definition of a Buccaneer
February 9th, 2021 at 4:44 pm
I saw an interview he did before the SB with Patrick Peterson and Bryant mcfadden(?) On All things covered podcast – Where he said he loves it here and wants to play his whole career here. For what that’s worth..
February 9th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
David: gone – he’ll be offered too much
Linebackers are easy to find but this will hurt
Godwin: gone – he’ll be offered too much
Our WR room is DEEP
Brady: re-does his deal, 2yrs / 50m
AB: re-signs for 2yrs / 20m
Fournette: re-signs for 3yrs / 20m
Barrett: re-signs for 5yrs / 90m
Suh: re-signs for 1yr / 8m
Gronk: re-signs for 1yr / 9m
Losing David & Godwin is alot, but the core of this team will stay intact… there is a 2 year window for the Bucs to dominate.
February 9th, 2021 at 4:55 pm
My first reaction was “ohsht! Not the Titans. They could be enticing”
Old habits die hard. Gonna take a while to get used to us being the enticing team!
February 9th, 2021 at 4:56 pm
We can franchise 1 of the studs
I am ok with LD leaving
It’s easier to replace a lb than a 14 plus sack de
February 9th, 2021 at 5:04 pm
The guy is 30, will probably merit a 4 year contract, and by the 4th year he probably won’t be a starter anymore, seen it a million times. Still, would hate to lose him
February 9th, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Signing a player to their current team should only count 50% against the salary cap.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:09 pm
I believe the Bucs will resign David. The franchise tag for WR is an estimated $15 mil, Bucs can franchise Godwin if need be. Brady, Evans, D Smith, Marpet, Jensen, and maybe a few other team players will help out with the salary cap situation, IMHO.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Let the man get paid. Provided it is the titans who are no slouch.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Joe in MI … there is a salary cap and franchised players salaries are part of it.
David, Godwin, Barrett … you get to keep one. The team cannot afford even two
February 9th, 2021 at 5:17 pm
It’s where they are in their careers that determine what they want.
My guess is we lose Godwin and either David or Barrett. It will be very difficult to keep all 3. They will all get offered BIG money elsewhere. Considering we got Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson and can get a WR elsewhere for less, I don’t think we overspend on Godwin.
Suh and Gronk would probably agree to less. Brown still has to prove he won’t blow up a locker room before anyone gives him big money again. So he’ll probably be back. Fournette may test the market. He probably would rather go somewhere that he would be a guarantee starter and not sit behind RoJo on the depth chart another year. But if the offer ain’t there, he’ll stay.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:19 pm
This is hime and he ain’t leaving!!!
February 9th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Lavonte David
Tackles: 1125
Sacks: 24.0
Forced fumbles: 24
Fumble recoveries: 16
Interceptions: 12
Pass deflections: 51
Touchdowns:3
David is not as easy to replace as some of you think, not to mention he is the QB of this defense. His name and jersey number should be etched into Raymond James stadium, as he was a huge part of this Super Bowl run. He has mentored young linebackers for years. He stayed loyal to Tampa, even in the terrible(and they were terrible)years, never left for paydays or ring opportunity, resulting in this trophy coming to the team that drafted him. This man is a buccaneer by definition.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Davenport: I believe the Bucs will keep most of their core players. I don’t believe there’s a market for AB outside of Tampa Bay, so he probably won’t get 2 years, $20 mil (I think more like 1 year, $5 mil). I doubt Fournette gets anywhere near $6 mil per year, if so he probably won’t be back. With several players reworking their deals, most of the Bucs players will be back.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:31 pm
no way shaq gets 5 years 90 mil…
more like 4 years 60 mil or 3 years 50mil
February 9th, 2021 at 5:31 pm
godwin franchise…
AB out maybe
February 9th, 2021 at 5:32 pm
I would like to let guys like suh, AB, and fournette go, guys who are replaceable. Next to Vea we can draft someone (like barmore if he falls) and get same if not better production right away. Keep Godwin, David, and Barrett somehow thats the key to repeating
February 9th, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Jerry – good take!
Godwin is looking at a $14,000,000 raise over 2020. He’s gone. We cant afford him and ME13.
David is over 30 and could get a raise of $5,000,000. At his age, he’ll follow the money.
AB & Gronk obviously love playing with Brady and will take team friendly deals
I gotta think that Lenny will sign back. He’s got a good thing going here.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Two days removed from the SB and we’re talking FA?! Dang! At least wait until AFTER the parade.
We are going to lose valuable players. That’s life! We can’t keep them all.
Lets celebrate this win a little bit.
SBLV CHAMPS!!!!!
February 9th, 2021 at 5:34 pm
the reality is that this is the price of success…. unless we want to be the Saints in a few years we have to make difficult decisions. Vita Vea and Carlton Davis will be due new contracts, as will Jordan Whitehead and Donavan Smith. Only so much money to go around.
My suggestion would be to use the franchise tag with hopes of trading either Godwin or Shaq Barrett. Could probably get a first and third for Godwin and maybe a second and third for Shaq, which will help you add a young pass rusher and maybe the QB of the future. You keep the other one and hopefully keep Lavonte David. Fournette is as good as gone as somebody will pay him big money but that’s ok because it will give you a good compensatory pick. You may be able to keep AB for a year or two on the cheap since people will be reluctant to pay him a big deal with long term dollars. I think the market for players like Suh and Gronk will be depressed so you may be able to keep them for a reasonable number. Cameron Brate and Will Gholston are likely cap casualties. We also have a decent shot of having guys who want to play with Brady on the cheap in hopes of getting a ring or a guy on a prove it deal coming off an injury (Marlon Mack, etc).
February 9th, 2021 at 5:34 pm
lavonte doesn’t make the splash plays he used to…
ints, strips, sacks, etc have all diminished…
solid linebacker…system player who is terrific along side DW…
but these are things to think about…
he might get more elsewhere…
look what happened to kwon…
i’d offer lavonte 3 years 40 mil
February 9th, 2021 at 5:37 pm
^^^^
gotta keep suh tho…
hey is a key cog up front…
he and vea are the “draino boys”…
they clog up the whole system like a giant sh!t after a night of buffeting
February 9th, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Adam
Gotta work on that metaphor..
February 9th, 2021 at 5:44 pm
He aint going anywhere
Every guy ive seen on tv as said they want to run back. Telling their agents to get things done quickly. All have said tampa is their home. Tampa gave them their chance.
They will take discounts to stay
Lavonte is so uncomfortable in his own skin at times. You can sense his anxiety. Tampa is comfort zone / safe space 😂 and devin white is his boy. Almost like brothers. They want another ring cause they know that will be chance to get into HOF
There may be one or possibly two men out of mix but not lavonte
Bank on it
February 9th, 2021 at 5:44 pm
I love Godwin but he could be the odd man out.
LB Cam Gill has shown well in the spots he has played in, including the SB.
Scotty is cheap but far from a complete WR, I suspect Godwin will be replaced by a good veteran FA at half the cap $ .
AB needs a heavy incentive contract or he could be the Godwin replacement.
OJ will be back next year and hopefully healthy and ready to shine.
I’d favor Suh, Barrett and JPP over Godwin $$$ .
Still need a QB of the future and teams are moving on from high 1st round QB’s , no one is ever going to wait as long as the Bucs did with Jameis ever again!
February 9th, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Guys.
Have a look at the 2021 projected salaries. There is no way to afford David (15), Barrett (16) and Godwin (17) … thats $48m.
Add in Brady (28), Evans (16), Smith (14), Marpet (12), Jensen (10) and that runs up to $128m on just 8 players!
The cap will be around $190m That leaves $62m for 45 players and dead money.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:46 pm
Tampa is new new england. 😂
Guys will tAke a slight discount for opportunity to win championship with GOAT
February 9th, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Some of the best players we drafted never finished their career as Buccaneers. Don’t expect it to be any different now.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Multi-year deals is the only hope the Buccaneers have. 1 year deals are just too expensive, besides who the hell wants to go to a loser franchise and seriously be forgotten?
February 9th, 2021 at 5:48 pm
In the playoffs Shaq Barrett contributed more to the overall wins than Chris Godwin. I like Godwin a lot but with Mike Evans, Chris is replaceable at a lower price. Barrett is different because great edge rushers are harder to find than a WR who is amongst the best number two receivers in the NFL but not a top #1 WR.
Here’s the other reason to keep Barrett over Godwin, he doesn’t get hurt and Chris gets hamstrings and other leg injuries. He can be replaced by Johnson-Miller and a draft pick. I like the idea of franchising and trading Godwin if they get a #1 pick for him.
February 9th, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Sorry … not to mention the cost of JPP (12), Brate (8), Howard (6), Gholston (5).
We can survive without David and Godwin. There is no choice.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:00 pm
If Godwin is offered #1 WR money, he’s gone. We aren’t going to pay him $17 mill.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:00 pm
He will stay a Buc.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Relax Davenport, it all comes down to :Do you like being a Buccaneer and winning Super Bowls?” If not? then have a great life. Multi-year deals will win the team back their players.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:02 pm
I will be pleasantly surprised if we can afford to keep him.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:10 pm
Adam 3 years for 40 million? seems pricy to me maybe 32 Million sounds better
February 9th, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Lets think positive for once. All season it was how brady is washed up and will hurt the team. We won a superbowl.
Now all thats said is that we cant afford our current players. Lets let it play out first. I think the guys that want to stay will sign fair but team friendly contracts to keep as many as possible. Amd a few guys will restructure to lessen their number (jensen, marpet, evans all come to mind as team first guys).
February 9th, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Let’s figure out a way to cheat…….pay some of these guys under the table….happens all across the country every day!!
February 9th, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Hey Ed, Shaq played this season not to get hurt. Notice he played well in the post season but did basically nothing all year. WHY? Because he was butt hurt over the franchise tag. He is the one Buccaneer I do not care what happens to him.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Licht needs to call the Lightning and get their pitchman for resigning free agents. The Lightning use the lack of state income tax bigly to get guys to take less money, yet I never hear the Bucs do that – they need to. It does make a difference when some of these commie states want 12% of your income. If you’re making $10m a year, that’s $1.2m! If Shaq was offered $20m somewhere, he can take $17.6m without losing a dime*, compared to some places…
*Well, not really since those same commie states want money just for the privilege of playing in their God awful states on the road, but no need to mention that part…
February 9th, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Yeah Adam, the metaphor isn’t working.
Find a new one.
Something that clogs not unclogs.
Personally, I blame the NY public school system!
February 9th, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Patience. Your GM has been on target as of late. Let the other teams blow cash early. Then step in for good value.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Godlovesbucs: Agreed.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:48 pm
David is looking for one last payday. Godwin coming off his rookie deal will not look to give a home town discount. Shaq is looking for a payday and I can’t blame all 3 of the touched free agency and went to the highest bidder. I understand Mike Evans will to restructure but at the end of the day its a business and every player should have the opportunity to secure a payday. With the AB and Fournette having the reputation of headaches in other organizations that will allow them to resign with Tampa. I like the WR Corp even if Godwin left via free agency you still have Evans, Miller, Johnson, and AB assuming he is retained.
February 9th, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Extend Brady a year and they save 7 million. Restructure Evans might be another million. They absolutely must resign LVD, Shaq, and Godwin.
AB will probably bolt for a big payday and that’s fine, keep Godwin over him.
Fournette probably cash is in somewhere but that is also fine, Jones and Vaughn have a whole off-season to work with Brady on running routes, catching the ball and learning to block better.
Suh is another one they need to sign but that should not be too much given position and age
They have some other back ups on their D that should be easy enough to sign.
Minter It’s probably the most important
February 9th, 2021 at 6:50 pm
I put Gronk in the category of Suh, it should not be difficult to re-sign them. Neither one is looking to cash in, they’re looking for rings
February 9th, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Those who think AB is not looking for a payday are out of their mind. This whole year was about redemption and a tryout for the NFL.
AB turns 33 this summer.
Godwin turns 25.
It’s a no-brainer. AB walks and you can stretch God went out on a five or six year deal.
Evans and Godwin together for years and they have Johnson and Miller filling the other spots
February 9th, 2021 at 6:54 pm
I’d keep Godwin over Barrett. Do need to Draft edge and find a mid- late round QB steal. Unless we’re just waiting to sign Rodgers after TB leaves😂
February 9th, 2021 at 6:55 pm
LVD Shows no signs of slowing down, he just turned 31.
My guess is four year deal, 12 mil per, with his replacement draft within the next two years.
That will have him sign through the age of 34 and probably retiring as a Buc
February 9th, 2021 at 6:56 pm
Man, I really really would hate to lose LVD. It would just feel wrong. Each time Godwin, Shaq, AB and LVD’s names come up I’m like no way they need to stay Bucs. They aren’t going anywhere. Cap space is limited though and the reality is I guess some of these guys may not be back.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Canishere !?!? Really???
You Said ypu do not care about resigning SHAQ? Are you kidding me?
The Super Bowl just proved everyone you can stop any offense still if you have a solid front for that gets pressure. It’s a simple as that. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but over the past decade, it’s not exactly easy to find awesome edge rusher‘s
Without him on the edge there’s a big fall off in the pass rush.
You may think he fell off because he didn’t have the same sack numbers as last year, a ridiculous 19, but he still had 8 1/2 and he was still in the TOP 3 in the entire league for quarterback pressures and hits. He did not play “not to get hurt.” That’s ludicrous.
Honestly, I should not have even bothered responding to that statement because it’s so ignorant when it comes to what wins football games.
The front seven and the O line. Always.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:01 pm
Yeah David. Well said man. In total agreement with your last 4 posts
February 9th, 2021 at 7:02 pm
sh1t!!!
still basking in the glory of the win and this already pops up less than 48 hours after the win.
LVD is a symbol of the current bucs, loyal, dependable, great mentor.
He’s one there is real attachment to, a great draft pick, always gives 100%. How sad would it be to have him leave now. Hopefully he gives the home team a discount but if you want to make bank LVD we understand.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:02 pm
This conversation is going to drag on for the next month and longer. Its important that we all look at the roster and the salary cap for 53 players + dead money.
It’s all about the math and money now.
These guys all want to get paid and this is probably their only chance to cash in. Careers are short and the money comes in the second contract. Very few get a lucrative third.
Emotion, dreams about finishing as a Buc, and love of the player doesn’t matter.
We cannot afford everyone.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:06 pm
My guess is that Jason Licht will take advantage of the signing bonus spread across multiple years and load the bulk of the contract in the later years for Shaq Barrett and Lavonte. Then you put the non-exclusive franchise tag on Chris Godwin. Nobody will give up 2 First Rounders for Chris Godwin so he’s safe. Or you do the exact opposite as Shaq is designated as an OLB and not a DE, which would be cheaper on a franchise tag.
I’m biased, but I would hate to see Godwin leave. Although, we have the greatest depth at WR so it’s a luxury to sign Godwin. From just a skill set POV, AB is the best WR against press coverage compared to any other WR we have. But, he’s still a liability off the field. And Tyler Johnson is a Chris Godwin clone.
I am hoping Lavonte stays on a hometown discount to retire a Buc and cement his HOF career with hopefully another SB. He’s played long enough where money hopefully isn’t his priority unless someone offers an insane offer for him. But, this team is built to repeat and he may let some of the other guys who’ve never gotten a 2nd contract make coin and be happy taking less to cement his legacy and allow us to keep him and sign the other guys.
If Chris Godwin is a casualty, that would help us sign Fournette and possibly AB. Honestly, I think Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson can give us production with AB gone. AB and Fournette may just go to the highest bidder, which would help us sign Chris.
OJ Howard may be gone. Brate will have to re-negotiate. Suh will have to play for a hometown discount or be gone. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mike Evans re-negotiate to help keep Chris Godwin if both sides are close in agreement.
This is all wishful thinking, but I think the Brady effect will make players rethink their contract demands for at least another year.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Sorry to a negative nelly but AB is going to jail for rape.
Wait till the details come out…Trial is slated for Dec 2021.
LD will be back, Suh for a million less, and Gronk for 1yr/7mil.
What if we traded Evans for a boat load of picks?
February 9th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Shaq Barrett
No Matter What
February 9th, 2021 at 7:11 pm
We definitely have to keep Barrett and Suh and Gronk out of any of those.
LD is my favorite Buc but we have to let him walk for his own sake…he’s got a golden parachute waiting for him on the other side.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:13 pm
AB is going to prison…wait till the details come out from his trial.
Another one year deal for him or we deserve what we get.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:17 pm
The bucs have paid lavonte almost 54 mil
He will take the discount at around 10 mil per to stay a career buc
February 9th, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Lavonte must be re-signed. I think he’s more important than Shaq or Chris to the team, as much as I hate to think about losing either of those guys.
Mike Evans is reportedly already making it clear he’ll help out with his contract to make it easier to keep the team together, hopefully Brady follows suit, hopefully Gronk is willing to play for half his $10 large that he did last season, and hopefully Donovan and JEnsen can also do something with their contracts to free up more cap space. And hopefully the cap doesn’t decline because the future TV revenues are going to be increased.
Lots of hopinng going on right now.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:27 pm
Buzz Kill Joe let’s us celebrate for all of one day before he starts talking about all the depressing “what ifs” scenarios. Thanks Jos. Buzz kill.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:27 pm
Championship teams always go through a roster churn. I would hate to see many of those free agents go, but this is likely the same situation for most teams. There are going to be a ton of one year deals. This team is built to win now, you have to look at it one year at a time. Like many have said before, some of these guys earned the right to outprice themselves on our roster and deserve to test the market.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Tristan will slide over to LT Stinnie is capable of holding down the RG and Cappa can anchor down the RT. Smith can kick rocks! Suh can stay home and help with the twins… should be enough $ now. The Goat wants #8 and may play for free to get it. lol. Nah but he will more than likely offer to restructure
February 9th, 2021 at 7:31 pm
David, Godwin and Barrett will all be Bucs next year, no matter what else happens.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:37 pm
In madden I signed everybody so it can be done
February 9th, 2021 at 7:47 pm
It would be so hard to lose a guy like Lavonte. I think the diehard fans that siffered through all the losing just kinda relate with David who has been here through so much of it. But always playedhis ass off either way.
You might even call it heartbreaking if we lost a guy like Lavonte.
Personally I always understand when a guy chases money. And I hate it when fans act like 4 million(like Joe suggested) arent that much money for an NFL player. Acting like millions of dollars is chump change truely is one of the more assine practices fans partake in.
These guys only got a small amount of time to make as much money as they can.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:57 pm
@Karma. AB is in a civil suit. Pretty sure he’s not going to prison.
February 9th, 2021 at 7:59 pm
The last thing we need is to get into salary cap jail.
Long term deals with aging players over 29 will do that every time. We are in great position cap-wise if we face reality.
Have a look at who’s coming in the next two-three years. All the secondary, Vea, White. That will be crushingly expensive. We need to avoid possible dead money at all cost.
Licht should know the Patriot way – it works… lose them before you have to pay them. Fill back with veteran depth and the draft.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:09 pm
AB Is cashing in. This year was a tryout to show good behavior and that he still has it. But he is 33, Godwin‘s going to be 25, it’s a no-brainer. You sign Godwin to a six year deal to stretch it out
As for LVD and Shaq- what Joe mentioned about state taxes is not to be taken lightly. Only Seattle, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, & Las Vegas offer no state income tax for NFL teams.
With the millions that they are talking about, they would be paying 5 to 12% anywhere else they go … except California, then I think it’s higher.
LVD currently gets 10 mill. Probably looking for 14 mill.
That equals 12.3 – 13.3 in Florida
Big advantage.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:13 pm
SHAQ- currently on the franchise tag at 15.8 mill.
Bruce Arians has already said he doesn’t plan on him going anywhere.
Shaq Barrett is out there saying this is his home and he wants a deal done quickly and he has no intentions of going anywhere.
He is grateful for the starting opportunity after being rotational for 5 years in Denver.
He’s 28. They can get him on a 4 year deal to spread out about 16 mill a year. That would take him through the age of 32 at which point he probably loses a step.
Shaq, Godwin, LVD all on 4-6 years deal Lets them take less Hit next year because the cat probably goes up a lot the following year.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Shaq Barrett is coming back. Outside of him saying it repeatedly over the past year and in his press conference I saw him on Mic’d up with Brady DURING the celebration saying that he can’t wait to run it back for the repeat next year with Tom.
I think there is a real chance they sign Shaq, LVD Gronk and Suh. I am unsure if CG or Fournette will be back.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:19 pm
I think most are missing the point of what ME13 said.
D Smith, R Jensen, Ali Marpet and a host of others will do the same.
Playoff Lenny doesn’t want to get stuck in a Jacksonville situation again where he is banged up from getting 25 + carries a game.
I don’t care how much you pay these guys, AB trusts this team.
Give them bonuses and incentives and let them chase rings with Brady.
They seriously could win 2 more with Brady and that doesn’t come around often.
I think Barrett is replaceable. Hell JJ Watt would be cheaper and we all know it is Vea and Suh that cause the pass rush anyway.
No way does Godwin leave. Who do you think Evans was talking about?
They can afford 12 mill a piece.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Remember the money is the most important factor for some players. But they all different.
Look at Shaq Barrett. He grew up in Colorado. Played for the Broncos and its rumored they are intrested to bring him back. Maybe he would love to go back home. Or maybe hes fallen in love with Tampa Bay.
Some guys love the heat in Florida. Some cant stand it.
You always got a good chance to sign you guys especially if they have family. Easy to imagine moving your family around the country is not desirable……Then again theres probably a lot of single dudes who enjoy bouncing around. Everybodys different.
As far as the Bucs we are in great shape. Bruce has got many many players paid over his career. Players understand thats a big deal……Then you got Tom at QB. I dont think anybodys turning up their noses to that. We will be a very attractive pkace for free agents for all the right reasons……Havdnt been able to say that in a long time.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Billybucfan you are making a grave mistake if you believe JJ Watt can play anywhere near the level Shaq is playing at this point in their respective careers.
You don’t let 30.5 sacks, 8 FF, 53 QB hits, 30 TFL and the 2nd most QB pressures only behind the DPOY Donald over the past two years walk out of the building. Especially if you know the history of the Bucs team.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:30 pm
JJ Watt???? He’s the poster boy for potentially ruining your cap position.
He’s 31, breaking down, cant play even half a season effectively, and on the books for 17.5m in 2021.
Evans base salary for 2021 is only 12.5m, he has no money to give. Plus he just did a major restructure and has already pushed alot of money out to the future.
Vea & Suh (FA) create the pass rush? Yes, they are strong up the middle but effective edge rushers are gold in the NFL.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:32 pm
Shaq wants to be a buc. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. He loves Tampa because the coaches believed in him, the city accepted him and his family, and the fans supported him before his 2019 season. He also has 3 kids with a 4th on the way. He has said before he does not want to move his family, and Shaq is a high character family man first.
Unless something unforeseen happens Shaq will be a buc. Lock it in 🔒.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:35 pm
Let me tell you who the biggest loser is. DeSean Jackson. Moron didnt see the big picture and realize he was in the perfect place. It wasnt easy like he hoped it would be and he wasnt willing to pay his dues. Hes probably been kicking himself all year long. Its all good cause you dont win with guys like that.
We traded Jackson for a 6th rounder and took Scotty. Scotty Miller…..who made the play right before halftime that got us to the SB. I call that a Bucs win….Desean, loser.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:38 pm
Mitch thanks for the summary. Sounds great. Ive heard him interviewed a few times. Lot of fun. Does sound like the high character guy like you said.
GO BUCS!!!!
February 9th, 2021 at 8:41 pm
If i have all the money, I will bring them all back !!! 🙂
February 9th, 2021 at 8:51 pm
Does anyone know if LVD is the longest tenured Buc (both front office and players) currently in the organization?
Id be surprised if he isnt. I know Will Gholston has been here a long time too.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:52 pm
Lavonte needs to retire a Buc, period.
February 9th, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Tbbucs3:
Outside of the Glazers? Maybe Shelton Quarles.
February 9th, 2021 at 9:01 pm
not what I want but my guess is
Bucs sign David, Shaq, CG
Bucs let walk Fournette, AB, Shady McCoy(unless they come on cheap)
Suh and JPP retire or sign for discount
Suh and JPP get special treatment they won’t get anywhere else
February 9th, 2021 at 9:02 pm
Bucs cut OJ or sign him way cheap
February 9th, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Tbbuc3
Ryan Griffin has been here 17 years ….
February 9th, 2021 at 9:08 pm
Let Durable Donnie loaf his azz outta town, save 14 mil.
February 9th, 2021 at 9:11 pm
Lavonte drafted 2012
Gholston drafted 2013
February 9th, 2021 at 9:17 pm
wait…
aww guys…
you don’t like the “draino boys”
but they “clog sh!t up”…
#SuhAndVea
no good ??? 🙂
February 9th, 2021 at 9:21 pm
what are you people saying???…
sign lavonte for like what kwon signed for with san fran???
it’s just too much…
3 years 40 mil should be the max…
3 years 36 mil is actually fair…
remember back in the day when sapp signed a huge 6 year 36 mil contract?
times have really changed…or i’m getting mad old
February 9th, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Brady threw for 50 tds and 15 ints if you count all playoffs and super bowl
Thats winning football
🐐
February 9th, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Licht brought everyone back last offseason …he’ll do the same this offseason
GO BUCS
February 9th, 2021 at 9:42 pm
Jason (JL) was masterful in putting this SB team together and managing the cap. I have been critical of JL for years, especially drafting freaking kickers. But have to give the man (JL) his props, for 2020 team.
So – JL has earned trust for his cap management and roster decisions for 2021, for a repeat. Core is in place. And wild (as Bucs fan) to be dang happy to have 32nd Draft pick.
And JL’s decisions on new contracts – I would like to see Godwin back. OJ? Let him go. Gronk! KEEP! at $10M.
February 9th, 2021 at 9:43 pm
@Davenport … “This conversation is going to drag on for the next month and longer.”
Any talk of Lavonte leaving has already dragged here on way too long IMO. LVD is a Buc. Always has been a Buc. Always will be a Buc.
The Bucs made a huge mistake many years ago in the way they treated Brooks, Sapp & Lynch. Thankfully they didn’t make the same mistake with Ronde, nor will they make that same mistake with Lavonte. Everyone knows that the NFL is a business, but loyalty is a two-way street. You don’t get it if you don’t give it.
Got a hunch that even Bill Belichick agrees with that after Sunday night.
February 9th, 2021 at 9:48 pm
813bucboi … “Licht brought everyone back last offseason …he’ll do the same this offseason”.
BINGO! The window is open for 1 more year & we’ll be going for it big-time.
And kudos to you BTW for staying loyal to BL all season. He grew tremendously during this 2nd half of the season especially in my opinion, and put together an awesome BALANCED ATTACK that the Chiefs had all kinds of trouble dealing with. We’re blessed to have BOTH Byron Leftwich AND Todd Bowles as our coordinators IMO. Hope we can keep the band together for 1 more year at least.
February 9th, 2021 at 9:50 pm
David and Shaq need to stay. We have the depth on offense. Let Godwin walk and see if AB will come back cheap since he is still trying to prove character issues. Cut brate if you need to and draft a TE to go with Gronk. This defense is too good to break up any of the pieces. The defense was the real MVP this season. What everyone thought was the weakest part of the team was really the strongest. Defense wins championships…
February 9th, 2021 at 9:51 pm
Considering Brady is 44 next year, keep the D together , if this is doable by NFL rules, by franchising David and Barrett – both are worth it. Suh will re- sign a 1 year deal with Bucs if he thinks Bucs can win another SB. So franchising Barrett and David makes sense.
Godwin will get a $90 million dollar 5 year offer from some team – Bucs won’t be able to match it. Fournette will get offers from other teams but a long term contract is not a good idea- Joe could’ve run through the hole that Wirfs, Gronk, Brate and a pulling Marpet created on Fournette’s td run vs Chiefs
February 9th, 2021 at 9:54 pm
Defense Rules – “Got a hunch that even Bill Belichick agrees with that after Sunday night.”
Seems like Brady wanted “out” of NE. And Pats had 8 starters who “opted out” per Covid in 2020, so even w Brady as QB under Bill, likely not as sorry as with Cam as QB, but still bad year for Pats. And no SB.
Brady chose his landing spot – masterfully.
Regarding Bucs earlier years of cutting stars – hated the way Brooks situation was handled. And is why I (unlike JBF) dislike Dominick…
February 9th, 2021 at 9:56 pm
Hes not going anywhere and should retire a buc
February 9th, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Bucs FA stars have earned the option to “get paid!” I wish them the best to stash cash for their families’ futures.
At same time, Winning tastes damn good! Will be interesting to see how the contracts land in 2021. Go Jason! And best to our amazing guys who helped Bucs win a SB!
February 9th, 2021 at 9:59 pm
OJ HOWARD – his 2021 contract was the 5th option picked uo by the Bucs. Its fully guaranteed so there is no cutting him
February 9th, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Redzone BA – How much would you wager that most if not all of those 8 players that opted out actually play the season if Brady remained the QB in NE?
February 9th, 2021 at 10:04 pm
ugh = guess we are stuck w OJ (brick hands). Not a fan of OJ – prefer Gronk/Brate for TE’s
February 9th, 2021 at 10:11 pm
@Mitch – great question….and agree with your thought process. No wager from me, Bucs friend!
February 9th, 2021 at 10:13 pm
Defense Rules Im suprized your calling this a one year window. I dont see it that way at all. With Brady, yes……But look at our defense. Look how young that secondary is and just played great in a Championship game. Our core up front with White and V are both young. Barretts got plenty in the tank. Our defense is setup great for the future.
Young recievers, young line, young backs. When/ if Brady ever retires we are in the prime position to sign or trade for a veteran QB and keep the ball rolling. QBs will want to come here too. Dont see how you can say Tampa Bay is not a desirable job for a QB.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:14 pm
They won a SB. Nothing to play for but money now. That’s how majority of players think. I would. I would not take a pay cut for anyone especially for the fans.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:15 pm
extend brady an extra year since he wants to play to 45…
and also i think you guys are crazy regarding godwin…
he’s not going anywhere…
i think he will take a little less than market to stay…
chris is a very sensible young man, and he’s already won a superbowl here…
he has the potential to be a “buc for life” type dude…
and that comes with a lot of perks and props forever…
running to the highest bidder is not always the smartest move…
that’s short-game thinking…
i wanna believe godwin and girlfriend are long-game thinkers
February 9th, 2021 at 10:16 pm
i think brady stays 2 more years…
and we get one more superbowl…
then we need a quarterback…yikes
February 9th, 2021 at 10:17 pm
@Mitch – in hindsight – “What a bad gamble by Cam Newton?” To rebuild his brand, right? On a team so depleted by stars/stable teammates.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:19 pm
by the way…
jameis only threw one touchdown this season and he threw it against the bucs…
payton made sure he did that…
it was like a mini dagger he threw at the bucs actually…
think about it
February 9th, 2021 at 10:22 pm
Play make pretend and imagine if the Brady retired this year.
Now we would have a good team just no QB. We would be looking at Stafford is moving, Wentz is avialable, Watson is avialble. Those arent terrible options. Maybe they all arent Championship material. But you can for sure get one of them you like and be contending for the division, getting into the playoffs…..wed have a shot. The window still open for a lot more years.
Maybe yall would rather grab a rookie QB you like. Not me. Im not fooling around with this team going through rookie pains. We are built to win now. Get a QB who you know is ready to win now.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:22 pm
@Lamarcus – you are 100% correct. Time to CASH in for the stars. But like the STARs in KC, who recognize playing w/Mahomes = annual championship runs, so many Bucs players who now appreciate the fruits of WINNING, may just opt for winning and take less $$$. We shall see soon. I have no blame or judgement either way. I like $$$ too.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:23 pm
When other teams seem to find ways to flirt with the salary cap, I don’t see why we can’t afford it either. Teams like Dallas, New Orleans etc.. always find a way.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:30 pm
If LD leaves and Kwon gets cut by the Saints I wonder if they would sign Kwon to a 1 year deal for something cheap. He is a probable cut from the saints because they have no cap and he has no guarantees left. He was a good player here. I would rather LD by a long shot by Kwon is a backup option.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:35 pm
Colin that aint a bad idea but we are losing a lot of coverage if David leaves. I say that coverage is the main thing you gotta replace and Kwon is just not that guy. Hard pass on that. Just get me a LB who can cover.
February 9th, 2021 at 10:37 pm
@adamfromNY – will be interesting to see where JW lands. Saints seems like safe bet but not a sure bet. Regardless, if JW lands w Saints, a sure bet is that next year’s schedule of Saints/Bucs games – will be prime TV. I will be watching.
For now, happy for Bucs winning SB.
Next year – is already on the table. I will be watching!
February 9th, 2021 at 10:40 pm
JL needs to find cap to keep LD, period. Heart and soul of D.
February 9th, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Seriously those talking about AB. He will not play with anyone but Brady while Brady is playing. Brady is already reworking his contract. I could see as much as I hate it Godwin leaving. Mainly because Edelman is said to be a FA. Shaq I would love to keep but LVD is more important. For some reason I feel like the majority of the FAs will be back. There will be home town discounts. They can load up incentives. Will be interesting but I think the glue will be Brady and him showing how much of a team player he is with his new contract.
February 10th, 2021 at 12:01 am
Already trying to give away our players now that we won the super bowl, these guys no one were talking about this guy commanding all this money but can’t make the pro bowl. He ain’t going nowhere at this age if we close to his range with his life already set up here knowing he could run it back and go into the ring of honor and with Brady finish piling up stats for a hall of fame run. That’s worth more than a couple extra million than trying to beat mahomes and Buffalo out of the afc with that trash offense Miami has.
February 10th, 2021 at 12:42 am
As much as I like Godwin, I’m taking Shaq and David over him every single time. He’s been injury prone the last two years and he was nothing special in the postseason. Some dumb team is going to offer him a 20+ million per year deal like Dallas did with Amari and the Chargers did with Keenan. He’s better than Amari and Keenan, but I wouldn’t overpay for him. We have more than enough receiver talent to withstand his loss, but I’d still be upset if we lost him.
It seems like every above average player is looking for 20+ million per year nowadays, so it’s impossible to keep eveyone. There’s no way in hell that I’d breakup this defense, so if it’s between Godwin and one of our defensive stars, Godwin should be the odd man out imho.
February 10th, 2021 at 2:34 am
lavonte should get 10 mill per year for on field play…
and 2 mil a year for that chin…
so that’s 3 years 36 mil, with a couple hairs from that chinny chin chin
February 10th, 2021 at 5:34 am
@JimmyJack … “Im suprized your calling this a one year window. I dont see it that way at all. With Brady, yes……But look at our defense.”
Our defense is precisely WHY I’m convinced that it’s a 1-year window. I’m not sure many appreciate exactly what this defense pulled off this year. This defense played 20 games with very little DEPTH. Our starters, with the exception of Vea, had almost super-human durability throughout the regular season. Look at the key defensive snap counts for 16 games (1063 def snaps on season):
o LVD … 1056 snaps (99.34%)
o Winfield … 1034 snaps (97.27%)
o White … 991 snaps (93.23%)
o JPP … 943 snaps (88.71%)
o Whitehead … 918 snaps (86.36%)
o Davis … 904 snaps (85.04%)
o SMB … 882 snaps (82.97%)
o Shaq … 822 snaps (77.33%)
o Suh … 786 snaps (73.94%)
o Dean … 708 snaps (66.60%)
o Gholston … 606 snaps (57.01%)
That’s your Top-11 right there, and they were the only defensive players who had over 50% of the snaps. Nunez-Roches followed with 482 snaps (45.34%) then Nelson with 322 snaps (30.29%). Only 2 guys had in the 20% range (McLendon at 24.93% then Cockrell with 22.30% and Vea with 20.98% of the snaps).
So this year LVD, Suh & Shaq are all FAs … and NEED to be RE-SIGNED or REPLACED (with similarly talented players). In addition to Nunez-Roches, McLendon, Cockrell, Minter & several other ‘contributors’ this year.
Next year Vea, JPP, Davis, Whitehead and Gholston will all be FAs … and NEED to be RE-SIGNED or REPLACED (with similarly talented players). And oh, by the way, several of our defensive starters are shall we say ‘getting a bit long in the tooth’?
So between now & roughly this time next year, Bucs’ defense will have the majority of its’ starting lineup and key rotational players up for new contracts. We’ll have the 2021 & 2022 drafts to play with, but how many DEFENSIVE starters & key rotational players do you think we’ll get out of two drafts JimmyJack? Maybe 3 total? (the Bucs’ offense might need a draftee or 2 also to replace some of its key starters & rotational players?). And oh ya, FAs are oftentimes hit-or-miss and good ones are VERY expensive. I’ll stick with the 1-year window, for now at least.
February 10th, 2021 at 5:52 am
@JimmyJack … “Dont see how you can say Tampa Bay is not a desirable job for a QB.”
Don’t think I ever said that JimmyJack. Offensively this should be a QB’s dream location, although we’ll have trouble paying all our super-stars & will undoubtedly lose several. We’ve got a stout OLine now plus solid RBs & receivers. Again, that’s a QB’s dream I would think.
Our problem will be keeping that offensive machine intact with limited salary CAP dollars. And oh ya, let’s not forget having to pay our defensive ‘machine’.
February 10th, 2021 at 8:00 am
JimmyJack
No and he’ll no on Kwon. Everybody knows that.
February 10th, 2021 at 9:55 am
Defense rules Tampa haven’t been a good place for young quarterbacks . The organization has never developed a quarterback in the history of the franchise . So this is not a dream job for a young quarterback . But the players in the NFL have no power over their career like the NBA . It’s almost like a slave plantation and I know a lot of people in the south think ain’t nothing worng with that at all . Trust me I know I’m born and raised in Texas . So I know the mindset a lot of yall have .
February 10th, 2021 at 10:54 am
Defense Rules. Bad wording by me but the comment “Dont see how you can say Tampa Bay is not desirable for a QB” was not directed at you. Meant to be general statement meaning there is no debate whether Tampa Bay is a good place for a QB……If we want to trade for somebody just say…..I dont think they be using a no trade clause.
As far as the window being longer then 2 years I do not see a reason to be pessimistic. Barring injury our entire SB secondary should still be here & improved with experience. White 100% will be here and so will VitaV. We should know more about Barrett in the next few months but I bet he is still here………….
Ok now your point is it leaves a bunch of holes….LVD, SUH, JPP all gone. Throw Gholston to that list too. And dont rule out one guy on that list staying here longer then expected. Its not that crazy to imagine LVD, for example, still being a Buc in 6 years(and setting to retire). He looks like hes still got juice in the tank if ya ask me.
So yes, there are a lot of big names to replace. But we are sitting on a one year window so we got 2 drafts to hopefully find a few guys. And we got a few young guys still getting better and devoloping. Nelson for example. He wont never be no JPP but he does look solid and can ay z nice role here.
I dont see any reason why we can retool around the young talent we got and keep a playoff defense on the field and keep competing. We may never see as dominate a D as this 2021 playoff D but thats too lofty a standard.
And dont sweat the drpth too hard. When we list Vita we got McClendon outta nowhere and he was a fine player. When we lost Davis some guy i never heard of, Cockerell, was playing and did a great job. Depth arent a big deal if you got guys who know shat their doing.
February 10th, 2021 at 11:00 am
Let him go. You can’t have everything and he is getting up there for that much contact. Yes, he was good, and at times great, but thanks for the memories Lavonte. After years of waiting for you to be Derrick Brooks, turns out you played next to the New Derrick.
February 10th, 2021 at 5:06 pm
@ONeilbucs … “Trust me I know I’m born and raised in Texas . So I know the mindset a lot of yall have .”
Uhhh, the mindset that WE have? You mean all of us wild & bigoted Tampa folk who run the Bucs slave plantation? That WE?
That’s just precious ONeilbucs. Just precious. BTW if that’s what they taught you growing up in Texas, you might want to get out and see a bit more of the world. (Hint: I think they stunted your growth).