Shaq Barrett: “It’s Time For Me To Break The Bank”
February 11th, 2021
“Show me the money!”
Yesterday at the Bucs’ Super Bowl boat parade and celebration, all was well and the talk was that all 50+ players will be back wearing pewter and red next season.
Today, after players had a chance to sober up and consult with their agents, it’s business season. Reality is sinking in as the hangovers wear off.
Yesterday while boarding (disembarking?) the vessel he partied on, Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett told Jenna Laine of ESPN he was coming back.
Today? Well, Shaq walked back from yesterday’s statement.
Does Shaq want to be back with the Bucs? He sure does. But he told popular sports radio and television personality Adam Schein he’s not going to give away his services. Shaq appeared on “Schein on Sports,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM Radio, and per Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Shaq wants Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to pay him.
“I’m most definitely looking forward to getting a long-term deal done…” Barrett told Schein. “I feel like it’s time for me to break the bank now, and I most definitely want to do that to be able to set my family up better and most definitely going to keep producing, so it’s not like anything is going to fall off. I still think I got a lot left in the tank.
“I’m still getting better, actually. I’m still learning, like just still learning, like week in, week out. And there’s like, as you can see as the season progressed like … I ended the season playing the way that I wanted to play. And you can see that I did progress throughout the season, and I’m still progressing.”
Shaq then emphasized he likes the Bucs and Tampa and wants to stay. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to bend over and take what he and his agent oily Drew Rosenhaus believe to be an unfair deal.
It is really difficult to believe the Bucs can bring everyone from this year back for 2021, no matter what the greatest coach in Bucs history, Bucco Bruce Arians, and Licht said yesterday after chugging Bud Lights in the Florida sun.
That is, unless the salary cap goes up, which by all accounts won’t happen.
If Joe had his way, Joe would franchise Shaq (again) and prioritize signing Chris Godwin. We’ve seen how important a pass rush is in the last two Bucs wins. Equally important, we’ve also seen through the Lost Decade how difficult it is to find a guy who can rush the passer.
Shaq was a little more positive about a return to the Bucs when he appeared on “Good Morning Football” this morning.
We asked @ShaquilBarrett about returning to the @Buccaneers in 2021.
His answer ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/H4xiR6ZX8D
— GMFB (@gmfb) February 11, 2021
February 11th, 2021 at 5:05 pm
I’d franchise Shaq, sign LD And hope to sign Godwin. Draft an edge rusher in the 1st and we will be good for a few years
February 11th, 2021 at 5:07 pm
I was thinking the opposite – pay Shaq and give him a four year deal and franchise Godwin this season. We could also offer Godwin a backloaded four year deal where he takes less $$$ now during Brady’s twilight and gets a larger amount of guaranteed $$$ later in the deal. Would give us more flexibility for this win now period we’re in during the last few years of Brady’s career.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Only if we can’t make a long term deal fit
February 11th, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Some hard decisions will have to be made because we can’t keep everyone.
I just hope that Shaq does not overvalue himself, or we will have to either franchise him again, or cut him loose.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Based on his wife’s deleted instagram post, he and Drew already know the jags are willing to back up the Brinks truck for him.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Makes allot more sense to franchise Godwin and sign Shaq to a three or four year deal.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:11 pm
it is not definitely an either- or. It is time for the bucs to backload some deals like they never do if they expect to contend again the next 1-2 years. They can fit Godwin, Lavonte and Shaq over the next few years. It will just take restructuring 3-4 other contracts to free up a bit more room on top of what they already have, and then paying for all of this in 3-4 years time (like the Saints are about to).
February 11th, 2021 at 5:12 pm
We need Tom to sit down with him and talk about all the times he restructured his own deal to allow NE to sign guys and keep the band together. I just hope that we can meet him somewhere in the middle of “pay me all the money” and “think of the team”.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:17 pm
The problem with “break the bank” is it’s a me first individual statement that will ultimately cost the Bucs from sign 2 other players.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:19 pm
How much of Shaq’s success has been a result of the guys upfront?
Shaq’s production haulted after Vea went down.
Licht and co. know how to scout 3-4 LBs. They pulled Shaq out of the garbage.
Bowles schemes make them look like stars (i.e. Kwon before and after Bucs).
I would offer Shaq a good deal but I wouldn’t sacrifice the future for one guy.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:20 pm
This is such a tough one! Hard to replace but also….he had quite the drop off in production without Vita Vea.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:25 pm
Franchise Shaq, negotiate with him throughout, trade for Odell (he wants to come here), start Tyler Johnson in Godwin’s place and draft another OLB/Pass Rusher. Oh, and crank up some more OL help. Now we know how much depth means and wow, did it pay off this season!
February 11th, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Sign Shaq to a long-term deal and let Godwin walk. We can’t afford to pay Godwin $16+ mil while we have Evans, AB, Scotty and Tyler Johnson as well. Our depth at receiver is much better than it is at edge rusher.
Also, we have a bunch of young defenders that are going to need contracts in the next few years and having too much tied up at the WR position is not the best idea.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:26 pm
What sly said. No matter what happens that first pick needs to be either an olb or someone to swap in/replace Suh
February 11th, 2021 at 5:35 pm
He “coming back for more” … money 😁
February 11th, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Let him walk. He was garbage all year until vea shows up.
He’s acting like a diva.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Toms going to take less.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Keep suh, gronk, Goodwin , david.
Bring in jj watt , Peterson.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:40 pm
No argument that he is the complete elite package with no baggage… But!
What were his numbers without VV?
There will be a lot of talent wanting to come play in Tampa
February 11th, 2021 at 5:43 pm
DAMN! It feels good to have the problem of wanting to keep everyone and not knowing how the GM will make it happen. For way too many years the off-season has been about dang near gutting the team and trying to find people that want to come here as a last resort. Bring in The G.O.A.T win the Superbowl and people want to come here. I’ve seen that OBJ may want to come here(not sure how I feel about that one) but I’ll say this AB stayed in line and OBJ when healthy and not being a distraction is a BEAST on the field. I love Godwin but if we can’t keep him I’d kick the tires on an OBJ trade. Also heard that Adrian Peterson wants to come here( I wanted him a few years back) I’d love for us to be able to keep Fournette but not sure if it’s possible. Again like I said earlier this is a great problem to have. I don’t envy our GM right now.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:46 pm
tag shaq, how many years can he produce ? Look at Mack , good but didn’t hear much about him, maybe just because he’s in chicago. We need him next year with Brady and if we are great we can worry about his contract the following year. Meanwhile draft a DE.
Chris, I love the guy , hopefully we can get him signed. It seems Tyler Johnson is a Chris Godwin clone. I HATE to say it, but perhaps Tyler will have to take his place if we cannot get Chris signed along with all others.
Can’t believe I’m typing this. I always said “In Godwin We Trust” , but in the playoffs that didn’t seem to be the case. Argh…..
February 11th, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Saw this in New England all the time. Win a Super Bowl; leave town to get a huge contract. Most of the time, they busted, after a few years; never played to the level of their big bucks contract. But the team always found ample/big/better replacements. A few of those not-do-wise contracts and a few injuries…you’re handcuffed in the middle of the pack, whilst everyone else comes do, after the injury. Just sayin…
What? You don’t think someone else will see that opening and say: off to TB to play with TB12 and the boys; love what they got going on? Don’t worry about it! This team is making a few more runs; will improve.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:48 pm
If too many of the players want “to break the bank”, then this team could fizzle.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:48 pm
He was also more positive about coming back talking to Dan Patrick this morning.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Joe I’m totally okay if we can’t re-sign everyone (obviously I want to though) because there is no way Tampa isn’t a free agent destination this year when veterans get cut. The videos of the team on the boats should be enticing enough.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:07 pm
I hope the Bucs will bring back Shaq, LVD, Suh and then franchise Godwin to negotiate a backloaded contract.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Joe, franchising Shaq to me would be another mistake. We already witnessed his attitude towards that maneuver this past season. His production fell way off and he basically played to not get hurt (except in the playoffs) which in my opinion shows me that he doesn’t care about this team. He is a money lover only. He has no devotion to any team and now that he has his prize he has no use for the Buccaneers unless they pay him handsomely. I say cya to the guy. We need players who want to be here regardless of the money.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Without Vita Vea, Shaq does not produce so good luck cause there’s not many Vita Vea’s on other teams Shaq.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:28 pm
Shaq Barrett, Fournette and Godwin will have decisions to make, take the biggest deal on the market or take a fair deal w/ the Bucs and keep ballin w/ championship comradery.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:33 pm
Fournette can be replaced by James White very easily. At least James White can catch.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:34 pm
@Cainishere – you do know that the Bucs and Shaq were trying to hammer out a long term deal before last season started, but the new CBA and pandemic tied the Bucs hands?
Shaq had the second most pressures of any end in the league and played mostly on a completely different side of the defense to help JPP.
He is looking to get paid but I don’t think he’s lazy. He doesn’t have elite speed or athleticism. He also took the time to literally master a tool box of pass rusher moves (including his famous chop move) to become one of the premiere pass rushers in the league.
Unless there is something unforeseen the Bucs should never let an established edge rusher walk out of the building. Top priority should be Shaq and LVD.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Bucs should be able to sign Yannick Ngakoue for 3-4M/yr less than Shaq will get on the open market.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:35 pm
I think we should prioritize LD, Shaq and Godwin. I think we can do this with backloaded contracts. Then draft front 7 heavy in the draft.
I can’t see how we can bring Suh, Brown and Fournette back.
What nobody is mentioning is we are still 8th in available cap space. Realistically, only the Jags, Colts, WFT, Patriots and Jets have money to send this year. It is going to be a tight year for all free agents around the league and 13 teams are over the cap, some way over. There will be a bunch of cuts and bargains.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:37 pm
I think he wants to stay here and wants the max that the Bucs are willing to offer.
He can go elsewhere if he wants a top of the market deal and JL knows this…it’s where our 32nd pick will go(actually we are gonna trade down and out of round 1 and add as many picks for 2022 draft as possible)
February 11th, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Buxnx
Yeah, I feel the same way about Godwin. Great all year and then the dropsies. Hopefully we can sign him for 10-12 mil but doubtful
I’d let Shaq walk and I’d release Durable Donnie.
Above are right about Shaqs production minus VV and Donovan isn’t worth the money, he’s serviceable at best.
Move Wirfs to LT, draft a RT in the 2nd or 3rd and use the 1st for a DL/LB
These are the problems a SB winning team has and certainly is a strange feeling!
February 11th, 2021 at 6:46 pm
I say Donovan has proven his worth. I’ve seen a huge redemption arc for him. He’s been phenomenal since the Chiefs game. Where he was playing with a bum ankle. He has tons of heart.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:50 pm
Honestly I don’t see Shaq as this vital. He needs Vea to be successful, he was not successful without him in the line up. If he goes somewhere else, there’s not another Vea on another team. So good luck to him. Jacksonville sure as hell doesn’t have it so he will get payed but he may be on a team that goes 4-12 even with Trevor Lawrence at QB.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:51 pm
Agree. Donovan Smith has stepped up and elevated his game.
February 11th, 2021 at 6:52 pm
I really can’t believe you can’t let the Lombardi cool off before busting our friggin’ bubbles with this gloomy #ss BS. Jesus!!
February 11th, 2021 at 6:56 pm
As a 30 year attorney, who has no experience negotiating contracts and would be clueless on the innerworkings of this process, I love to read all the armchair GMs on this site talking about “backloading contracts” and such. Hilarious!
February 11th, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Everyone saying we can let Shaq walk is out of their mind. Am I the only one that remembers what happened when we let Mike Bennett go after a 9 sack season?
Shaq had 3/4 of his pressures, 5 of his 8 sacks without Vita this year. That’s not to undervalue Vita. He is the best NT in the league hands down, but even with the pressure up the middle you still need someone on the outside to get home.
Sign the sure thing.
Do not let him walk.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:01 pm
@Alvin what most are alluding to when mentioning backloading they are talking about for the 22 year because that is when the league will experience the full benefit from the revenue of the new TV deals.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:01 pm
I don’t think he’s a sure thing. I think David and Godwin are more sure things. We saw how this team performed without Godwin in the line up. Did you see the Chargers, Chicago, and Giants game. This team with and without Godwin is night and day. David is the heart and soul and Captain of the defense. You can’t take that away.
JPP was better then Shaq in every way this year.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Shaq is gone, unfortunately. Someone will overpay for him.
Same goes for Fournette.
Bring in JJ Watt, who will be released and be hungry to win a title, so should be willing to play at discount price to come here.
Sign James White. Rojo on 1-2 downs and White on 3rd. Guy is a stud out of backfield on 3rd down, and Brady favorite.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Mitch, I fully understand that point. However, my point is, the law, like medicine, is incredibly specialized. You would not want a podiatrist operating on your heart and you would not want a bankruptcy attorney negotiating your NFL contract.
It’s just funny to me to read how a layperson is going to opine about structuring an NFL contract. This is incredibly specialized, technical stuff.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Absolute do not let Shaq walk. Pay him what he wants.
You cannot easily replace a very good pass rusher. It’s the only way to stop a guy like Mahomes.
You have to value Shaq and David over Godwin and Fournette in the offseason. The pieces on offense are replaceable. Brady is used to rotating parts on offense.
Its amazing to me how some Bucs fans who have watched a Bucs defense incapable of stoping the pass for so many years now until this season can say just let Barrett walk.
Maybe some fans are eager to get back to Lovie ball?
February 11th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
All Donnie does is back up.
That’s it.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Shaq was way off in sacks from the 19.5 in ‘19. Whatever kind of money he asks for you have to consider can his production be replaced by a less expensive free agent coming off a team that can’t afford him.
I see Godwin in a similar situation. Tyler Johnson can play #3 WR in this offense and if AB comes back he can be Godwin’s replacement for a couple of years. Other than Brady, White and Wirfs, there are no players that cannot be replaced.
If Playoff Lenny leaves, Vaughn can catch those checkdowns and he showed a powerful running style. What about if OJ Howard comes back?
Don’t think that there are not going to be some quality free agents that want to come to Florida and be part of the new Buc Nation.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Seeing a number of folks talking about salary CAP, but at this point we all have far more questions than answers. Heck, none of us even have a clue yet what the salary CAP number will be for 2021. And oh ya, the rules … will they be ‘modified’ again this year like they were last year? Will there be a franchise tag AND a transition tag this year?
Spotrac shows us with 41 players presently under contract for a total of $158,730,842. Of those, I’d say that 26 will almost certainly be on the team next year, and the salaries for those 26 total to $147,679,206 right now (adjustments & renegotiations are always possible of course).
And just for info, Bucs also have 30 FAs hitting the market, almost all of whom were on the team for our Super Bowl run. Some of those 30 are MUST-HAVES in my opinion (guys like Shaq, LVD, Gronk, Suh & a number of others). Could we bring them ALL back? Nah, not really, especially if we already have 26 ‘keepers’ under contract for almost $150 mil.
Reality will set in soon enough, for the team management/coaches AND for the players. Words are cheap; but money isn’t. The other 31 teams could very well want a piece of this action too, and many have the $$$ to play. Next 3 months should be REALLY interesting.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:12 pm
i don’t know what is the right decision here…but don’t let no one to “break your bank”….. with broken bank you going NOT to far.
sb is good player, did we win because of him? NO. so keeping him with cost of loosing 2 or three players, make no sense.
involve TB12 in important decision…. let him talk to them….. mention NO TAX state…… and other money you make by being a champion…..after that if he or they still want to go…..so be it. I really hope we can keep most of them…..is going to be easy to repeat this wonderful season….BUT, don’t forget TB12 is here, that is 50% of the problem solved…. I believe we should be OK, no mater who stays and who go….
February 11th, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Brady is used to it, it’s also why he left NE. He did not like his offense being consistently changed to the point where at one point he did not have good receivers at all.
I personally see them doing everything to keep Tom happy and why wouldn’t they, look what was accomplished in one year with Tom. Still can’t believe it.
Shaq is gone sorry that’s just to me a fact at this point. There’s plenty of people that will want to come down to ring chase. For example, Joey Bosa is a FA he may want to come down to Tampa.
David is 100% going to stay as is Godwin. Fournette I see leaving unless he’s taking a team friendly deal.
Gronk and AB will stay cause they want to play with Brady, point blank. There’s a lot of teams that are in salary hell right now. We are in the top 6 in cap space.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:16 pm
Joey Bosa is gonna be a free agent, he can replace Shaq Barrett.
Y’all don’t realize the amount of FA’s wanting to come down here to not only play with Tom but also the fact we won the damn super bowl.
They’re gonna flock guys, everyone is gonna want to come down here for dirt cheap as well.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:18 pm
Let him walk. He’s not worth the top dollar contract. If he had 10+ sacks this year I’d be singing a different tune. But his performance fell off. I’ll miss him but I’d say suh, Godwin and LVD is more important. We should restructure brats and gohlstons contracts. Neither are worth the change. Let Howard walk
February 11th, 2021 at 7:19 pm
hmmm. 16 million would have already set up most peoples’ family for the future. It doesn’t sound like he intends to come back.
I agree with the sentiment that he was not as productive without VV in the line up. I think we can find another pass rusher who can be as productive as he was. There will be some cap casualties who may be able to help.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:22 pm
I can’t believe I’m about to say this. Keep D. Smith but we’ve got to restructure his contract. I wanted the guy gone for years but I think he finally found consistency which was the only problem and as GREAT as Whirfs was leave him alone. (Remember when we moved Marpet after a great rookie year it took a bit for him to find his way again.) Can you imagine in year 2 and beyond how beastly this kid is going to be. Don’t mess with him let him and Cappa fortify that right side for years to come. I love Jensen’s edge and tenacity but we need to restructure his contract as well and look for his eventual replacement. Stinne proved he can play and is a great depth piece if either of the guards go down again.
I don’t think AB will be going anywhere. To me all teams will think he only behaved because of Brady and true or not it works in our favor to get him back on a low incentive based contract that coincides with Brady’s contract after we extend Brady.
Shaq I believe will be back we have him his chance to be a starter and he loves it here doesn’t want to move his family again but he won’t let us low ball him so it’s going to take some creative contract to keep him. We need to find the heir to JPP and Suh in the draft so they can learn under them. I don’t think Nelson is the guy but he’s a good piece.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:25 pm
tbbucs3 … Shaq will be 29 this Fall, so I’d guess that he has about 6 more yrs of quality football left in him. The primary reason he excelled here but not in Denver IMO was because his skillset fits much better in Todd Bowles defense. He NEEDS the beasts in the middle eating up double-teams so that he can ‘do his thing’ on the outside. Even in the Super Bowl, I saw Shaq (and JPP) getting tied up in double-teams several times, and they didn’t escape (heck, Shaq only goes 250 lbs so if he gets tied up that’s not good).
My guess is (and it’s only a guess) that Shaq will be quite willing to do a 3-4 deal at $14-$15 per year with the Bucs, providing at least 2 yrs is guaranteed. Keep in mind that JPP is only making an average of $13.5 mil on his contract which ends after this year.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:30 pm
I think his production did drop off without Vea.. but I also think people are guilty of selling him short here. Even if sacks weren’t there he got a ton of presides and he’s better on the other side. However if we have 30 players set to become free agents and 30 mil to do it then you’re halfway thwre alreayd just giving each 500k….. We would only be able to afford one high priced guy. Arguably it could be him, but how high is he going to ask? If you can get David or Godwin on reasonable deals you have to think about maybe you just have to bite the bullet and find a cheaper replacement. It would sure suck to lose Barret, don’t sell him short
February 11th, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Shaq is definitely top 10 talent at his position but without VIta Vea in the mix, he rarely accumulated sacks. He just didn’t do much when he was double teamed and can’t imagine getting top 5 dollar money. Definitely would like to sign him but with the salary cap deflated this year, I can’t see how.
February 11th, 2021 at 7:55 pm
If he goes, he goes. Yeah he gets pressures, and he stepped up, but Vita Vea helped a lot. We need to focus on our homegrown guys. I’m sure we could get another FA or maybe a rookie can produce. I will never fault anyone for trying to make as much money as they can. He needs to do what’s best for him. I appreciate his time and production here, he helped get us a Lombardi. It is a business, however and we need to do what’s best for the team. Hope it works out for everyone.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:00 pm
BREAK THE BANK? Sorry but the GOAT never had that attitude….Shaq can go play in Jacksonville or for some other loser that will allow him to BREAK THE BANK…..
February 11th, 2021 at 8:11 pm
I never understand how these people talk about “setting their family up”… as if he couldn’t already do that with the 15+ million he made this year.
So, which is it? Break the bank or come back? Cuz if you wanna break the bank, go elsewhere. If you wanna make good money, but share the wealth with Godwin and David and others… and WIN, stay here.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:16 pm
Vita is the reason for his success, he was quiet when vita was out.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:17 pm
Sooner or later the reality of the CAP issue will make it’s ugly appearance. the Bucs are going to have to make some VERY tough decisions and there will be blood. Some fans are going to be upset about some decisions and there’s simply no avoiding it.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Shaq didn’t do all that much until Vita came back… better hope Vea stays healthy. Just sayin.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:28 pm
We can use draft some of our draft pics to replace him…
February 11th, 2021 at 8:32 pm
Considering how little he is making, breaking the bank won’t take much.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:39 pm
If we have to sacrifice one high priced player so that we can afford to sign the rest of our guys, then I say let Godwin go. Even without him we have one of the best WR corps in the NFL. Supposedly Tyler Johnson has a very similar skill set to Godwin. Resign Antonio Brown and let Johnson and Scotty Miller play. Godwin is going to get paid by a team that really needs him. He really didn’t do much this year and we still won. His disappearance along with the dropsies in the playoffs did not inspire confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I love CG, he may be our best WR and if there is any way, then pay the man. But if one high priced free agent needs to be sacrificed then we are very deep at wideout.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:49 pm
I love Shaq and hope the Bucs can find a way to do a multi year deal with him, but no, there will be no breaking of banks here sir.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:52 pm
If he really wants to “break the bank” he’s gonna need to go elsewhere.
February 11th, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Defense, your last post sounds good but the figures you throw out do not align with the phrase break the bank in any way shape or form. I would like to thank that he would do a deal like that but if his agent is in his ear trying to squeeze every last dime then he’s not going to end up being a Buc. I like him but as most of us agree his success was largely due to the kind of system we run here. I try to do the deal but I don’t overpay. With the cap situation and so many teams in terrible shape, there will be guys available that can get production similar to what he had this year at a price that fits in with our situation.
February 11th, 2021 at 9:07 pm
1. Everyone who keeps saying his numbers fell off this year, especially when VV was out, are wrong. The sack numbers fell off a little but he’s #2 in quarterback pressures, which is pressures, hits and sacks, in the entire NFL over the last two seasons. He was second in the league this year. We have seen for the last 10 years, great pass rushers don’t grow on trees.
The cap is likely to jump a lot next the two years after being stagnant this year. I think they should sign him to a 4 year deal and make it a little more cap friendly year one.
Same with Godwin, but I would do a 6 year deal.
LVD- 4 years
February 11th, 2021 at 9:10 pm
Godwin and David are top priority
February 11th, 2021 at 9:12 pm
I agree that a lot of Shaq’s success here in Tampa has been because of Bowles blitz happy scheme, and Vita Vea.
He was a mere mortal in Denver, or they would have never let him go!
February 11th, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Everybody who is so easily willing to just kick Barrett to the curb……remember the Bucs held one of the greatest offenses of all time in the Kansas City Chiefs to 9 points in the Superbowl with DB’s that have been inconsistent all year.
Dont try to fix whats not broken.
February 11th, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Lavonte and the Bucs will make a deal. It’s either Godwin or Barrett that’s going to break the bank with the Bucs and it’s not going to Barrett. OLB in the first or second. OT in the first or second.
February 11th, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Godwin is most definitely not top priority. Gronk wants to come back, OJ will be healthy, Miller and Johnson performed well this season and I have no doubt that AB will want to return. Our WR corps is elite even without Godwin. Shaq, Suh and LVD should be the priorities. It would be nice if super bowl Lenny could come back too.
February 11th, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Adios shaq. Winning the big one means guys want more. He’s not a must keep to win playoff games. He was a backup two years ago and signed for three. Draft and let bowles find another project. Have fun as a rich last place player if thats what it takes to “feed your family”
February 11th, 2021 at 9:56 pm
Alot of money that can be used elsewhere but Sack barret came up huge with some clutch pressures and sacks against packers and chiefs . Ill leave this decision to the pros meaning bowles, arians, and licht. If they drop him they must have his replacement already lined up cause it will cause the dline to be a liability with an older suh and jpp
February 11th, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Anyone who thinks they should sign AB over Godwin is insane.
AB is 32-33
Godwin is 25 and has more upside.
And those who think they should get rid of Shaq are simply ignorant.
There’s just absolutely no football knowledge in a brain that thinks that.
They have been searching for good edge rushers since Simeon Rice left. They finally have one for 2 years and you’re ready to dump him?
That’s just asinine
February 11th, 2021 at 10:01 pm
A lot of people seem to think AB will stay.
If he’s willing to take a very friendly deal, have at it.
I just don’t see it. This whole season was a tryout to show he still has it and has the character to behave. I think he’s going to be thrown money from someone and the Bucs would be stupid to go high with him. They have a 25-year-old Godwin to pay instead.
February 11th, 2021 at 10:05 pm
When you combine pressures, hits and sacks , Shaq Barrett is second only to TJ Watt this year and second in the entire NFL over the past two years.
They are not going to find a replacement for him.
It took a decade to find him.
They need to sign him to a 4 year deal and push some of the money out so it’s more cap friendly now and rises when the salary cap rises in 2 years.
They can do the same with LVD. It would take them both through the age of 32, the end of their prime.
They should do a 6 year deal with Godwin and do the same, he’s only 25.
Plus the long term deals enable them to have more signing bonus and less Hits by spreading it out. Plus it’s usually cheaper than going year to year.
Suh
AB
Fournette
Are probably gone in my estimation. They already have all their replacements on the roster except maybe Suh
February 11th, 2021 at 10:11 pm
David, I don’t think anyone wants Shaq to leave. I certainly don’t. But if he insists on breaking the bank as he said out loud, I just don’t think that jibes with what we can do here cap wise. Too many other guys to keep as well. A reasonably friendly deal will keep him here and make him a very rich man. If 5 million more from the jags is worth leaving, then that will most likely happen.
February 11th, 2021 at 10:14 pm
Id franchise Godwin, sign David, Sign J.J Watt on the cheap draft a first round edge rusher, offer Shaq a long term deal but dont BREAK the bank. If the cap shoots up and he is willing to consider the benefits of signing in Florida maybe it will work out.
February 11th, 2021 at 10:22 pm
David and Godwin a bigger priority to be honest. We still need money for Suh and JPP. We also need Playoff Lenny back as he really produced at the end of the season. Not everyone can be kept who ever is willing to do team friendly deals then they will get a shot at another ring. If you just want money go play for the JETS..
February 11th, 2021 at 11:04 pm
Agree long term deals back loaded may help. Here is a thought…. If it comes down to it… Would we rather have JPP or let him go and sign shaq for a few years and pay a bit more for a younger guy? It may ultimately come down to it in order to keep him and have room at other positions. Tough choice, love jpp but he will be slowing down soon. Or is he willing to help the team salary wise to keep his teammate Shaq and take a bit less? Not sure what remainder of his contact looks like
February 11th, 2021 at 11:06 pm
Chris Godwin – resign him – ALL DAY baby! LD is core, too. If Shaq want to break the bank, likely not w Bucs. Thank you for all you did, Shaq. Wish you the best.
February 11th, 2021 at 11:27 pm
There is no way that Shaq leaves, period.
February 11th, 2021 at 11:43 pm
@QBkilla – Shaq got his trophy. Motivations change after success like a SB. Shaq wants to get his $$$. Other teams will come call’in w/$$$. Just reality. Not sure I see Shaq in Pewter uniform in 2021.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:55 am
Yyyy
February 12th, 2021 at 1:02 am
I understand these players want a team to show them the money, break the bank. Great for them, they deserve it ! Please just spare us the nonsense line they all say, “ I need to ensure I set my family up”. A 3-4 year deal at $10 MM sets anyone up for the future, through their grandchildren’s generation and perhaps forever if invested wisely.
They all feel they also need to appear honorable with that nonsense about the family!
Just call it like it is , you want as much f-in money as you can get. We understand, it’s partly how you measure yourself as a football player and it’s partly the number of houses, cars and boats.
Stop with the bit about taking care of your family.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:08 am
Agree Bux… When you’ve got double digit millions you already have generational wealth if you have any money sense.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:13 am
Right on @Buxszntkt — it’s all about the money – which equals how a team “values” the player. Not about the other BS…. Give me $5M, and I can set my family up for life.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:29 am
TEAM WORK HAS MADE THE DREAM WORK!!!!!Franchise Shaq, so you can maneuver around with the other Free Agents contracts. Do not let Shaq go anywhere. The pressure and sacs this front 7 gets on QB and their ability to stop the run is critical to another Super Bowl run. When Vita came back the Defense went to another level. What everyone saw was the overall effect of Vita Vea, being an anchor for this defense to operate off of. It is a team game. At the same time Vita could never do what Shaq does, or D White does. TEAM WORK HAS MADE THE DREAM WORK!!!!! GO BUCS!!! WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!
February 12th, 2021 at 2:17 am
I guess it depends on the bank, but if you’re getting a 5-year deal at $17m, is that breaking the bank? Also Licht needs to play the FL no state income tax card, that adds up quick and gives the Bucs a real advantage over most locations, that can easily end up being a $1m a year or more by itself. So if someone in CA offers him $20m, with that 15% state tax, that’s $17m in FL money, plus it’s a lot cheaper to buy a fancy house here. Licht needs to call the Lightning GM and get his script, because that script, in particular when comparing Tampa to Canadian teams, is how the Lightning have been able to get cheaper deals done.
February 12th, 2021 at 2:52 am
He wants to break the bank let him go do it on another team. We can sign JJ Watt to be a bridge and draft Barrett replacement. Barrett was virtually non existent while Vea was out.
February 12th, 2021 at 6:29 am
Some really interesting ideas being floated about how to proceed, especially with Shaq and/or Godwin. TBBF is right: in the end you’ve gotta make some hard choices & ultimately get under the salary CAP.
Franchising Godwin would ‘break the bank’ because of what top WRs make, and that would be an increase over what he’s now making by over $15 mil most likely. This is Chris’ time to cash-in on his hard work; either the Bucs will pay him or someone else will (my sad guess is that it’ll be someone else).
Franchising Shaq keeps him in the fold, but wouldn’t save you anything; we were already paying him ‘franchise tag money’ in 2020. And with Rosenhaus as his agent, don’t expect any nice-guy discounts.
Even if we rework other deals, I don’t see how we could pay BOTH Godwin AND Shaq. Bucs have almost no depth at OLB/DE, but some at WR (and TE). The odds of drafting a rookie who can come in & perform like Shaq performed are laughably low, plus JPP is in the last year of his contract.
My guess is that the Bucs will choose Shaq all day long, UNLESS his contract demands are ridiculous (like Jameis’ were?). In that case, there’ll be lots of high-priced OLBs/DEs on the market who’d jump at the chance IMO to take ‘a little less’ and play for a Super Bowl contender led by Tom Brady. Interesting times ahead.
February 12th, 2021 at 8:06 am
Remember it was Terrell Owens that pulled the “I gotta feed my family” line when he was demanding more money. And that didn’t go over well with people.
February 12th, 2021 at 8:29 am
Both Shaq and CG deserves to get paid, think Shaq was an UDFA and produced, Godwin is on his 3rd round rookie contract – so yeah, pay the guys, let AB walk or take a discount, same with playoff Lenny (but I’m guessing TB 12 will have something to say) – Gronk has to give us a discount, but will he.
February 12th, 2021 at 9:53 am
Most times, the player wants to stay with his current team. Oftentimes they have an agent whispering in their ear. The agent tells them they need to do what’s best for their family. The agent just wants to squeeze all the juice out of the lemon. So, uprooting your family to an unfamiliar place, new schools, have to make new friends – to a place which they may not like, for a couple extra bucks is the best thing do them? Don’t think so.
February 12th, 2021 at 10:13 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
February 11th, 2021 at 8:32 pm
15.8 million salary this year is “little?” In what universe?
February 12th, 2021 at 11:16 am
He should offer to pay 20% to Vita Vea, he’s a completely different player when Vea is playing. He was average to good without him and exceptional with him. Don’t break the bank, Sign JJ on a one year deal and draft someone to replace Shaq. I would love for him to stay but his agent is greasy and he will take the money and if there’s no stud NT beside him, he will have 6-9 sacks.
February 12th, 2021 at 11:38 am
Look this is simple. With the uncertainty of the upcoming rules on the CAP, whoever wants to go should go. This team has a flood of incoming FA that are a more team friendly bunch just interested in trying to get a ring. Basically, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are in the driver seat and can hand pick who fits the bill. Offer the players reasonable contracts. If they do not want to play for the amount then good luck to them. What else can you do?
February 12th, 2021 at 12:55 pm
As much as I love Chris Godwin I wouldn’t break the bank for him either. AB will be more reasonably priced and Tyler Johnson will make us forget about Godwin. Anyone looking to break the bank should be looking elsewhere. Same thing the Patriots did and look at how many Suowrbowls they played in.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:18 pm
I feel bad for people like Shaq. They must be struggling each day to put food on the table. If only professional athletes could somehow just be paid a living wage.
February 15th, 2021 at 1:24 pm
The point of that comment was that LESS is MORE. Professional athletes should never say b.s. things like “set my family up better”. Just say, you want to renegotiate your contract and leave it at that.
Anyone who knows how capitalism works can and should fill in the details. You just sound really disingenuous if you try to say more.