Ndamukong Suh Is A Todd Bowles Guy
February 15th, 2021
Players respect him.
One guy Joe fully expects not to be on the roster for the Bucs in 2021 is beastly Ndamukong Suh.
Yeah, the guy is a freak. Outside of a two-game suspension for stomping on then-Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith, Suh has never missed a start in his 11-year NFL career. At defensive tackle. That just blows Joe’s mind.
Joe would love to bring Suh back but, you know, salary cap. Suh is 34 and a mercenary. At least he wants to return. If he does return next season, he knows his football shelf life is limited, so he’s going to squeeze every last nickel he can out of his body.
Because Suh is no longer ring-chasing, that opens up the field (and potential income). Suh rubs elbows with heavy hitters like Warren Buffett. So Suh knows the value of money.
What Joe finds interesting is that Suh damn near played for the Jets a few years ago because of current Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Bucs’ defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, then Jets’ defensive coordinator, was a factor as well.
It seems per Albert Breer of SI.com, Bowles (and to a lesser degree, Rodgers) has a strong reputation among NFL players as both a smart man and a guy that players can trust to put in the right position.
“It was just the way he’s always carried himself,” Suh says. “I got to meet him a long, long time ago when he was in Arizona. There was a guy named Jim Washburn that I’m super close with and was my coach in Detroit and in Miami. They’re very close, and I got to sit down with him and understand—then really just watch them from afar, him and Coach Kacy [Rodgers]. Then having the opportunities to really speak with him, understanding how he wanted to use me in his defense, it was appealing to me.
“That’s why, like you said, you take that leap of faith with a strong gentleman like that and we just went from there.”
Shaq Barrett came too, on a one-year deal, with the promise that Bowles’s defense would unlock his considerable potential. (It did, and he was franchised in 2020 as a result of it.)
Breer breaks down how Bowles crafted the plan against the Chiefs that got the Bucs their second Super Bowl in franchise history. There really isn’t anything new in the piece that hardcore Bucs fans don’t already know, except what jumped out at Joe from the story is the respect and admiration players have for Bowles (and Rodgers).
One element was Suh explaining in the second half the Bucs’ defensive line noticed how the Chiefs and quarterback Pat Mahomes were teetering. The defensive line was begging Rodgers to turn them loose. They smelled blood in the water.
When Rodgers finally gave in, it was game over for Rodgers and the Chiefs.
But what struck Joe about Breer’s description of Bowles is, whoever leaves from the defense (Lavonte David? Suh?), their replacements won’t be awful because other veterans will want to come here to play for Bowles. And chase a ring.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:34 am
Bucs’ defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers does not get the credit he deserves, IMHO.
His defensive line has lead the NFL in defense against the run, and won us a super bowl.
I think Suh still has a few years left in him, and really hope we can keep him.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:35 am
exactly what I said days back. This team will look a lot different next year. BA and JL can talk all they want, but they are just leveraging. There are a lot of guys who want to come here, and the most value for experience will get the job. Don’t expect them to break the bank for anyone. I don’t see CG or SB getting the franchise tag either.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:38 am
I think if Suh plays, he’ll stay here, life is pretty easy next to Vea & Co. If he retires, Gholston is a solid replacement as long as Vea is in there.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:39 am
Without Suh and Vea…White Shaq and JPPs numbers plummet. I hope Tampa realizes the importance of those 2 big men in the middle. I know JPP and Shaq do.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Very analytical Joes … and very wrong. Suh has finally, after 9 years with the Lions, Dolphins & Rams, found a HOME here with the Bucs. I don’t view him as a ‘mercenary’ at all; he’s an incredibly talented DT who works his tail off & wants to WIN. BIG difference between THAT motivation and being a ‘mercenary’.
Suh doesn’t need the money; he was the highest paid DLineman for several years. And my guess is that, unlike some NFL players, he’s VERY smart about how he invests (and has at least 1 great mentor in Warren Buffet). At 34 & in great condition, it’s pretty obvious from his past statements that he wants to chase 1 more SB ring, and to do right here with THIS defense.
Hopefully the Bucs’ hierarchy recognizes the tremendous asset they have in Ndamukong Suh and pay him accordingly. He performed at an incredibly high level this past season, and without him the Bucs wouldn’t have even made the playoffs IMO. He shows no signs of slowing down, just like Tom Brady at 43. And oh ya, he’s a prime candidate for the NFL HOF.
Very little is more disrespectful IMO than not recognizing a person’s value & trying to get their services ‘on the cheap’ because of something like their age. Pay him the same $8 mil that he played for in 2020, and thank heaven IF he signs that he’s willing to play 1 more year for us.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:50 am
I agree I believe Suh has at least a couple of more years left. I say 6 mil might do the trick.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:50 am
per year.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:54 am
Having just a four man rush was a key, maybe the key, to the Bucs putting a stop to Mahomes and the their dangerous offence.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:57 am
I think Suh can leave a few million on the table next season and still retire comfortably if he lives frugally.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:59 am
With Suh and Vita, the Bucs have been historically good against the run. And also they are the cornerstone of a fierce pass rush. When Vita was out, we saw a different Bucs Defense. But at least with Suh in there they still had the best run defense in the NFL. You just do not run on Suh. You know Suh is sharp in Business outside of football also so Hopefully he will work something out to stay for another Super Bowl.
February 15th, 2021 at 11:59 am
Bucs need Suh to stay and I think he will. He’s a happy man here.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Bowles could help land Watt–in Pittsburgh they’re already worrying TJ could join his brother elsewhere after 2021–TJ would be a nice replacement if JPP retires for 2022.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:20 pm
2 observations.
some think these guys play for the fun. They have to get paid….short of guys like maybe LVD who has been paid and has lost for so long and has long time ties to the area….I could see quite a few walking
and all this JPP and SB talk. short memories around here. They barely sniffed QB’s this year, although there was pressure, the sacks were not there.
Also, you do know KC had more than 1/2 their line shuffled. between that, penalties and playing from so far behind the DE’s could pin their ears back. Could have been a whole different outcome, and I would not grade them on the SB game. They did darn well, don’t get me wrong….but I think you change the name on the jersey and you still see similar outcomes. Shaq was a beast in the SB, but where was he all year?
February 15th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
If Suh lives “frugally”?! He’s made 156 million in career earnings ( minus taxes of course ) and is in Warren Buffet’s inner circle. I’m pretty sure he’s gonna make it financially. I hope he’s back for one last season.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
I don’t know Joe, what kind o money spread do you really expect there is between us and the highest bidder ? $2-3 MM ? He would likely want another super bowl, so it has to be a strong contender, and he knows the pieces around him make him better and he makes them better. The more guys we keep the better each one is individually. Suh is comfortable in this system now. The extra gravy for 1 or maybe 2 years pales in comparison to the interest and capital gains he is making on his lifelong earnings, and he is completely comfortable with his current crew.
Of course if we let LVD and/or Shaq go, it’s a completely different story for Suh.
The more guys we keep the more the others will want to stay.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Robert….exactly…you certainly don’t break the bank for Shaq.
If not Shaq…who do you think they tag then?
February 15th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Joe, David is not going anywhere. If smbdy has to go that would be Godwin.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Robert: JPP had 9.5 sacks in 2020 (11th highest total in NFL) Shaq had 8 (21st highest). What are you talking about?
February 15th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
@87 not sure who if any they tag. do they have to tag someone?
maybe LVD or LF?
I’m not up to speed on who’s worth what. heck…maybe the kicker, cause we sure can’t lose him and it would not cost much. lol
February 15th, 2021 at 12:37 pm
JPP get’s hurt every year…..especially in the offseason. too much risk IMO
I’m saying they couldn’t get pressure/sacks with just the front 4 most of the year.
maybe VV had something to do with it, but it is what it is from what I saw.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Go Bucs – I agree.
Shaq was ineffective without Vea. We can replace Shaq short-term with a FA and long-term via the draft. I appreciate Shaq and I think he should cash in on his success. That said, it’s not hard to imagine Shaq being a FA bust unless the team has a pro bowl line.
The Bucs bringing Suh back and we developing JPP and Shaq eventual replacements.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
I dunno…
I just see Shaq getting tagged again and Godwin playing for the Lions.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Shaq has 31.5 sacs in the last 2 years 2019-19.5, 2020- 8 and 4 in the Post season. Franchise Shaq, and work out the contracts from there. Thats right 31.5 sacs, the best in the NFL. If Vita was there for more than the first 5 games he would have more. So would other player like JPP and White. Again 31.5 sacs, let that sink in. It is all about the front 7 working together, this defense is only going to get better next year. It is not just Shaq or White or JPP, it is all of them, with Suh and Vita being the cornerstone for a fierce pass rush, and Suh and Vita also are awesome against the run. Team Work made the dream work. This front 7 is the foundation of their success and will be for another Super Bowl run in 2021. Oh did I say Shaq had 31.5 sacs the last 2 years. GO BUCS!!!
February 15th, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Suh may be one of the most financially savvy athletes of all times. He’s a modest man and not a big spender, no doubt a spinoff of Warren Buffet “Millionaire Next Door” influence.
He may have been a “mercenary” when he signed with the ‘Fins, but now he can see the end of the race priorities may shift.
I would be surprised if he’s not a Bucs in 2021, and I’d be surprised if Chris Godwin is.
February 15th, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Joe doesn’t think there is one person in the Bucs organization that wants to let any of the players you listed go. Unfortunately, there is only so much cash to spread around and guys want to get paid. For Lavonte David, it is likely his last chance at a big payday.
So there are a number of factors at play, some of which we are not privy to. One is, if you let Player-X go, can he be replaced or partially replaced? Joe doesn’t think there is a guy out there that can replace Shaq, who is the most important player on the defense (yes, pass rushers are that important).
Shaq is *the* priority on defense, or at least should be (you will read this from Joe very often in the coming weeks). Joe has a hunch — nothing more — the Bucs don’t feel the same way about Godwin. All of this is strictly pure speculation.
Joe thinks it is fair to say one of the following three will not be on the Bucs roster in 2021. Shaq, Lavonte and/or Godwin. That f’ing sucks but again, there is only so much cash to spread around unless you don’t bring back Gronk or AB which would make Tommy mad.
Welcome to being a Super Bowl champion and trying to fit guys under a salary cap.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Godwin leaves and the receivers room is still strong.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Franchise Barret at 16 mil, Suh gets 6 mil to come back and then find a way to get David resigned with first year cap hit of 8 mil and that is it for FA signings. You lose Godwin for sure and Gronk comes back as team makes cap room by trading Howard for a third round pick.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Robert: You’re right, the pass rush did suffer once Vea was injured. From what I saw, JPP gave it his all, although his body is torn up. This is why I’d like the Bucs to draft an edge rusher and a DE/DT/NT in the first 2 rounds this year, so JPP and Shaq don’t have to play 90%+ of the snaps, and the DE/DT/NT can back up Suh, and be an insurance policy at NT.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Cobra – Good analysis. I suspect you are correct.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Barrett’s second franchise tag would be close to $20 million, from what I’ve seen.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:17 pm
I beleve Suh has made more money in NFL contravts than any other defensive player in history somewhere around 160 million. And he is doing well in business. So hopefully he wants another shot at a Super Bowl. We will see if he will take less or not. GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Only reason I agree that Godwin is not a priority is because the “Potential” I see in Johnson. However, I doubt Mike took suggested he would take a pay cut or restructure to bring back AB or Shaq. Its likely ME was thinking of guys like CG and LVD.
That said, Shaq and AB are needing for guys like Brate, Will G and Suh to be cut to secure big paydays. Otherwise, both are very much replaceable. Todd has proven this is a system that adjust to its players, BL has proven he is a cool cat that know his sheet and Brady has proven he is the Unicorn.
Also, its is not out of the question some fat can be trimmed on the Oline. With Stinne and Cappa playing so well. It might just be time to move AM to LT. Or role the dice and move TW.
One thing I know for sure. Whatever Jason Bruise and Brady decide, I will support it 100%
February 15th, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Before some of you push Chris Godwin out the door, remember that several Bucs players will probably restructure their deals, or have another year added on for 2021 cap relief. I’m never in a hurry for the Bucs to lose a good player, and Godwin is very good.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Least I remind you we got 8.5 and 9.5 sack seasons out of GMC and we paid him and sacrificed others like Bennett. What did that lead to???
We need to pay guys like Vea and White in the next two years. Both of whom are BETTER than GMC and David respectively.
Shaq is gone if he is chasing top dollar. It just does not make business since. Sorry Joe.
Good thing you have a track record of calling for one thing and the Bucs doing another. Otherwise I might be worried. LOL
February 15th, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Oh and did you see who Shaqs replacement is gonna be???
JJ Freaking Watt yall…. Boom.
Bring back Sue (if he wants to play) Gronk, LVD and CG.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:50 pm
This is all a mental fapping exercise until the new cap number is announced.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:51 pm
I just think that if we wish to keep everyone we will have to make use of multi year deals to retire these good players. They deserve to be Buccaneers in retirement plus if we do what is projected in the draft for us with O-linemen and D-linemen and a LB we would want these guys to mentor the new rookies as they spell these older players in the rotation during games. To me, that is the most sound plan we could have going into 2021. GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Someone is going to offer Barrett an absolute ridiculous amount of money. And it won’t make sense for us to match it. And Licht will let him go in that situation. Remember Kwon? He got offered a massive amount and we had to let him go.
Suh is already on the wrong side of 30. He’s not going to get a massive deal. If he doesn’t play here next year, it’ll be because he decided to retire.
February 15th, 2021 at 2:33 pm
I do not think JJ Watt is the best idea. He has had some very serious injuries and operations to his body and I think he is old and busted. I just think we would do better keeping Shaq than taking a chance on someone who I think is over the hill now.
February 15th, 2021 at 3:33 pm
@Jerry: I’m not sure the Bucs wanted Kwon back. He was semi-OK, and just not that good.
February 15th, 2021 at 3:34 pm
I won’t be surprised to see Barrett get franchised for the second year.
Although he had a terrific playoff run (thanks Vita!), he was largely invisible for most of the seasson.
February 15th, 2021 at 4:06 pm
No state income tax in Florida. NY (for example) is at 8.8% trying to raise it to 10.8% for the top bracket. Suh’s wife is expecting a baby. He’s got his ring. So maybe quality of life will edge out the chase for every last dollar.
February 15th, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Suh, at this point in his career, is more about cementing his legacy and getting a gold jacket, and there’s no better way to do that than winning a few super bowls. He will stay with the Bucs on a cap friendly deal.
February 15th, 2021 at 5:16 pm
I think the Brady effect will take place and players will take a little less…hell Mike evans said he’ll restructure to keep everyone…
Get to work Licht….
GO BUCS
February 15th, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Cobraboy … Franchise tagging Shaq for a 2nd year would cost 120% of what he made last year ($15.8 mil) since he was franchise-tagged then. Works out to $19.0 mil. Gulp! Hopefully we can do a long-term deal with Shaq in the vicinity of $15 mil per year (hey, we can all dream, can’t we?).
In the 2019 season he had Vea AND Suh in there for 16 games & Shaq’s sacks were off-the-charts. This past season Vea lasted 5 games (during which Shaq got 3 sacks, 4 QB Hits & 4 TFLs) and in the remaining 11 regular season games (with Suh still in there), Shaq got 5 more sacks, 12 more QB Hits & 7 more TFLs. IOW his productivity didn’t really fall off a huge amount when compared to his first 5 games in 2020 (he was relatively consistent). Reality is that he’s not a 19.5 sack DE/OLB EVERY SEASON (maybe 10-12?).
The bigger reality IMO is that Shaq is ONE of SIX super-stars in our Front-7: Vea, Suh, JPP, LVD & White being the others. The only non 1st Round picks in there are LVD (a very high Rnd 2) … and Shaq. To say that he’s benefitting from ‘the company he keeps’ would be an understatement. Shaq is very good IMO, but more-so because he nicely complements what those others bring to the table. I have difficulty seeing him as the lead dog.
February 15th, 2021 at 7:23 pm
I’ve seen EDSMITH play here in Tampa and I’m inclined to take Suh’s side on that stomping incident.