Slam Dunk Talkin’
February 28th, 2021
Will the Bucs posterize the NFC in 2021 like an Anthony Edwards throwdown?
Yes, Joe has the right sport and the right team here.
Last week on “Good Morning Football,” seen weekday mornings on NFL Network, a subject bounced around the breakfast table: Are the Bucs a “slam dunk” to reach the Super Bowl next year?
There was only one dissenting opinion. And that came from former Vikings and Lions receiver Nate Burleson. He says there is no way the Bucs keep their free agents. Now that they have a ring, guys want to get paid — and Burleson openly rooted for the Bucs’ free agents to walk out of One Buc Palace to go get paid.
Sean O’Hara thinks the Bucs will largely stay together because of the influence of one guy. That’s park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, handshake-stiffing, jet-ski-losing, biscuit-baking, tequila-shooting, trophy-throwing Bucs Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.
Closet Bucs fan Peter Schrager seems to think the Bucs will make the Super Bowl in February 2022. He thinks it is a combination of Brady’s aura and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht finding a way to keep the key free agents.
Kim Jones doesn’t believe the Bucs have yet peaked on offense. And on defense, she noted that Jason Pierre-Paul played at 70 percent most of the year. He’s already had surgery (Joe spoke with someone who chatted with JPP over the weekend and JPP is already bouncing around town after his knee surgery).
See and hear the discussion in the NFL Network video below, including at the end of the segment Burleson advising the Bucs’ free agents to worry about getting the biggest contract first and playing for the Bucs second.
Are the @buccaneers the ‘slam dunk’ favorites in the NFC? 👀
The @gmfb crew gives their answers… 👇 pic.twitter.com/kTgkvxfe1q
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 26, 2021
February 28th, 2021 at 1:21 am
I agree that guys want to get paid and fully understand that. But i also think that LD knows if he has a few more good years in Tampa he may see his 54 jersey retired in the ring of honor. Suh may complete a HOF career. I think they will take less. Godwin and Shaq will get paid by the Bucs.
February 28th, 2021 at 2:47 am
Depends on whether you’d rather be the one or two crazy-paid guys on a struggling team and be one of only 2 or three with a target on your back … for an 8 n 8 team … or play for a team where if the opponent concentrates on you, someone else can make them pay dearly on a super bowl contender.
February 28th, 2021 at 4:24 am
Gonna take a Florida team or another state with no income tax. Bucs get to use that to their advantage. 15 million in Florida isn’t so different than 18 million in New York.
February 28th, 2021 at 5:31 am
They will be the big bad Mongolian Stomper of the NFC if they keep the Defensive front 7 intact, and make another Superbowl run. GO BUCS!!!!
February 28th, 2021 at 6:24 am
But what does Kay think?
That’s the only opinion that matters on that show.
February 28th, 2021 at 6:40 am
Pretty sure it is godwin vs shaq unfortunately
You just cannot rework that many deals to sign both
Lavonte is staying and he will sign for around 10 per as hometown discount
Maybe cleveland wants him. Could be agent. But Dont forget lavonte is 31 and already played almost a decade in league (9 i think); his greatest attribute is speed to go with tackling. Speed tackling and coverage. Not like he is deasan jackson and weighs 178 lbs so he can keep his jets a tad longer. he is a linebacker with over 1000 tackles that did not miss to many games at all. Brooks was 35 when he retired and his last year really dropped off so he probably should have called it quits at 34. Brooks and lavonte very similar in style of play. Brooks better in coverage so more ints. Lavonte better at getting qb so more sacks
Only way shaq and godwin here is donovan smith and will gholston and cam brate all cut. That would free up around extra 28 mil.
Not sure that happens as brady blindside goes bye bye when his salary is reasonable considering
February 28th, 2021 at 7:42 am
Yes Doosh ! I agree, where is Kay, what’s with this very lame line up ! Where is Kay ? Joe that’s the real story here ! Let us know !
February 28th, 2021 at 7:46 am
Shaq is my #1 priority, but I think he is the most likely player to leave for more money. Personally, I don’t get Burleson’s point of taking more money in every situation, such as Jets over Bucs for extra $3MM. If I can get $15MM in a multi year deal vs $18MM (Burleson’s scenario) AND a shot at more SBs, and pushing my legacy to the moon, I going with the $15MM with the Bucs. That is getting LEGACY and MONEY.
Problem is Shaq and his agent will convince him that him going to the Jets will change everything – he will be like Brady coming here.
I think Godwin would do the opposite in that situation – he would take less. CG has been around ME for long enough to keep his ego in check AND make the smart move.
February 28th, 2021 at 8:00 am
IMO…the only player that should totally be motivated by money is Godwin……he has yet to be paid the big bucks….coming off his rookie contract….who can blame him….so we will have to franchise him to keep him.
Most of our other FAs have banked some money from their NFL careers…..even Shaq has made some…but he would be second.
Gronk, Suh, LVD……need to be team-friendly.
February 28th, 2021 at 8:12 am
I’m kinda curious as to how many of our players share the same agent, and what kind of backroom dealings may be going on.
Also curious about what kind of endorsement deals you can get as a Superbowl champion. Tell Shaq and Godwin that if they sign team friendly deals they each get their own Bill Currie Ford commercial with Ira. Who could possibly turn that down?
February 28th, 2021 at 8:19 am
Captain obvious here. There are no slam dunks! Not the 70’s Steelers, not the 80’s 49ers, not the 90’s Cowboys or Pats with Da Goat. The Bucs were a couple of plays away in each NFC playoff game from losing, even when it appeared that they were in command. However, they should be better, must keep as many players as possible & get deeper where/when possible.
When there are so many men to sign, can we really keep anyone who wants to “break the bank”?
February 28th, 2021 at 10:03 am
Devin great point the sales tax advantage is real. If Shaq & Godwin go for $ so be it, keep the rest. Godwin more than Shaqs value could really go down if his future QB stinks and teams with the most cap space most likely need a QB. Let’s say Wilson goes to Raiders and Ryan gets traded and he goes to Atlanta, Carolina, Philly, Bears, NE etc what happens then. Grab another edge man younger ir a Chandler Jones coming off injury. Any good edge rusher can excel with Suh, Vea and JPP.
February 28th, 2021 at 10:03 am
Wanting to get paid is one thing. The ability for other teams for fork up that money and the player wanting to move to a 4-12 team is another. The choice is pretty simple; make a little less and have another shot or get more money to be part of a rebuild. If you’re 28-32 years old, that decision seems pretty simple. In Godwin’s case however, he can afford to leave for a 5 year $100 million+ contract and gamble on a rebuild.
February 28th, 2021 at 10:47 am
There’s a rumor that Saints are interested in a trade for Russell Wilson.
That would make things interesting…
February 28th, 2021 at 11:18 am
Burleson needs to STFU! Ever since the SB, we’ve been hearing about the chemistry among players, the comradery, the great coaching, the all-around fun atmosphere, and of course the influence of TB. I hope these players talk to some of the guys on other teams before they sign contracts. $16 mil vs $14 mil might not seem like such a big deal if you end up going to a team with losing ways and terrible locker room chemistry. I know 2 mil is a lot of money, particularly if you have none, but when you express it as, “will you give up 12.5% of you salary to play on a fun team in a fun city with another shot at the SB?” They’re still going to be rich, regardless. I can’t see Shaq, LVD, or Godwin wanting to go to a new, unfamiliar setting without considering factors other than the dollars.
February 28th, 2021 at 11:38 am
Even if the Bucs keep most of their guys, there’s the pesky injury bug that often hits teams the year following a SB appearance.
2003 Bucs were destroyed by injuries. This year’s 49ers. The Bucs did have some injuries (OJ and Vita, season ending but Vita came back) , Donovan, Marpet, Godwin, Evans all missed time but not the whole season.
If something ever happens to Brady this team doesn’t make the playoffs.
February 28th, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Alanbucsfan, that can’t be! The Saints already have their QB for the next 15 years just waiting for Brees to retire. At least, that’s what I used to hear.
February 28th, 2021 at 2:20 pm
Does NO have cap space for Wilson? He’s $40M? I.thought Dallas made.more sense move off Prescott.
February 28th, 2021 at 2:29 pm
How was that not an offensive charge foul by Edwards when the defender had established the spot?
February 28th, 2021 at 2:30 pm
..and yes I see the Bucs as favorites until they’re not…
March 1st, 2021 at 8:04 am
@alllivesmatter, you are hilarious because you obviously didn’t see the play
@jbf, I am impressed you used an NBA reference and a pic of in my opinion the most disrespectful dunk since Dr. J.
I get what Nate is saying, Chris Godwin is playing on a 3rd round contract, Shaq was an UDFA, LVD has made 50mil +, I get the Florida no taxes, but I say, set your family up for generations when you get an opportunity. If it’s close, then stay home, but if not.., I luv my Bucs but I get it.
March 1st, 2021 at 10:03 am
Would you rather live in the free state of Florida, or be subjugated by the central authority in other states, who use COVID as a pretext to control your life? How does that factor into the dollar-and-sense question?