Bucs Should Embrace Youth, Says Former Tom Brady Teammate
March 3rd, 2021
A Tom Brady friend and former teammate, a guy new to the media world, weighed in on Bucs free agency and seems to be in agreement with general manager Jason Licht when it comes to one area of building the roster.
Retired running back Shane Vereen was a co-host on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week with friend of Joe host Alex Marvez. Bucs chatter emerged and the guy who once caught 11 balls from Tom Brady in a Super Bowl had firm opinions on free agency.
Vereen sort of believes that the Bucs should consider the full value of Brady on the roster when making the tough calls over the next two weeks.
Like Licht, Vereen believes the Brady Effect should last long past his time in Tampa, but that only happens if plenty of young players are in the mix.
“You do whatever you can to keep two of them, whatever that may be,” Vereen said of the Bucs retaining veteran free agents Chris Godwin, Shaq Barrett, and Lavonte David. “And what you do with whoever you are unable to keep, you bring a young guy in. And I’m a firm believer that if Tampa is able to bring in young guys right now while Tom is still playing, while that culture is still there, and you can get as much young guys to feed and learn and understand that culture of championships, understand that it’s Super Bowl or it’s an unsuccessful season, I think that’s going to bode well down the line for the future of the Tampa Bay Bucs.”
It’s an approach worth considering. Yeah, the Bucs are all-in now, and Joe doesn’t want to see any of these three studs leave. But being a lasting contender should still be part of the equation.
Should the Bucs fear replacing David in the draft, or scoring another young receiver in the draft, something they’ve been very successful at doing?
Yeah, the Bucs should fear Shaq walking out the door.
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Receivers are the most replaceable position. We’re not going to replace Lavonte at this stage of his career.
I’d be curious to see how many players in the league take one year deals so they can hit a better market in 2022
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:46 pm
We have Durable Donnie to conquer all.
He makes us better on both sides of the ball!
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:48 pm
It’s crazy the gm had young talent ready. But freak injuries and accidents hurt some of our draft picks and ended their careers. Anybody remember that stud in the making from LSU before we got white. And no I’m not talking about Kwon 😂
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:48 pm
I do know this……I’ve been a fan since the beginning & I’ve never experienced a year when I didn’t covet several FAs…..this year, I’d be ecstatic if all we signed were our own.
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:49 pm
What the Bucs brass better consider is who will be under center once TB is injured, loses his edge, or retires, whichever comes first. We need to get a young stud in the locker room that can be indoctrinated into the Brady Way of doing things. And we should do that fast. Like this year!
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:50 pm
LBer from LSU in the second round. Tag, and trade Godwin for at least a late first, early second. Draft an edge, and a DT with our two first rounders.
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:52 pm
No that is a good philosophy. Finally some Refreshing thinking
March 3rd, 2021 at 2:55 pm
If receivers are the most replaceable position, then why is Chris Godwin going to get $15 million plus per year, from Tampa Bay or another team? If you think WR is more replaceable than RB, I want some of what you and Robert are smoking.
March 3rd, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Joe, Shaq is not LT, I don’t want him to walk as much as the next guy, but if Brady and Mike can take less money so can he. But I really got turned off when he said it is “Time to break the bank” it was as if i could see oily Drew whisper in his ear the moment he said that. I would prefer to keep Shaq and let LVD walk (man that is hard to type), I feel like LVD is more likely to take a homer deal.
March 3rd, 2021 at 3:14 pm
I think we need to draft a QB as well. Let him learn from the best.
March 3rd, 2021 at 3:55 pm
80% of teams are strap with the salary cap. Or whatever.There will a plethora free agents of all positions. Specially pass rushers. If I’m licht I’m sitting back and let them fall my way. Just keep your young guns like Godwin for sure.
March 3rd, 2021 at 3:57 pm
We should take Zaven Collins in the first if we can make it happen, although I doubt he will fall to the 32nd pick. But don’t forget, there are always a couple guys that fall in the draft, that are great value. That’s who we really should take.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:00 pm
@joe in Michigan……it’s medical grade
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Even without Godwin, if we resign AB we have Evans, AB, Johnson and MIller. That’s a pretty damn formidable top four.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Your window to win is right now, then the team is blown up unless you get another HOFer to walk in (Aaron Rodgers maybe?). Anyone saying you have to think long term right now is an idiot.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Would replace the WR first…..good defenses are hard to rebuild….saw many teams sign receivers to big contracts and they don’t produce anymore
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:48 pm
We are going to find out just how bad they want another ring…the teams with cap money are the Jets, Jags, etc – most of the winning teams are just like us if not worse…
do they want the money and 4-12 or maybe 70% of it, and another ring????
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Rob munch. You have to think long term bro . this was my hold point about the Brady thing . Now Yall are afraid of the future with this team. But this is what happens when you make 1 guy bigger than the team.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Brady is an accurate throwing QB, the OLine is good/ great,
the D is Champion caliber, the FG kicker is Money.
You sign Barrett, David, Succop and Suh first and then try to rework contracts to keep Godwin- otherwise go youth at receiver position and RB.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:59 pm
Oneilbuc – Let’s say you’re 50 years old, and you’ve hooked up with a super hot 25-year Brazil bikini model … but you’re also emptying your bank account. Do you do spend the next few years having the best time of your life by taking from borrowing against your 401k, or do you save ever cent so when you’re 80 you can accord the premium adult diaper?
I rest my case.
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Rob. I will still think long term especially if I have kids and grand kids. I’m in my early 40s right now and I still think about my future in case I live to be 80. If it’s Gods will !!!!
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Sign Shaq. Tag LVD. Let CG walk if we have to. Use the $$$ to sign Suh, Gronk, Succup, extend Smith and Jensen…”Get another young WR…Brady will coach the heck out of him!”
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Embracing youth- Isn’t that what got JW in trouble?
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Oneilbuc – uh, I’ll take the bikini model for 3 years. Now I’m not saying blow your 401k on a Denny’s waitress like Tiger Woods, but when you have Miss Universe at your service, enjoy the good times.
Also I’m guessing you drive a Toyota Camry, or a minivan.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:15 pm
I see them bringing in someone on the D line, linebacker, an o lineman, another receiver – through the draft.
If they lose Stinnie and Minter they will have to bring in some more as back up. They have enough vets on the team right now. Most of what they do, other than resigning what they have, should be youth
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:17 pm
They have a two-year window to win two more with Brady. The reality is they’re not an old team other than D line.
The youth movement through the draft and in free agency probably will happen as they mold them into backups and groom them from there
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:29 pm
Oneilbuc Says:
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Rob munch. You have to think long term bro . this was my hold point about the Brady thing . Now Yall are afraid of the future with this team. But this is what happens when you make 1 guy bigger than the team.
……………..
LOL Yeah you win your first playoff game in 19 years
You win the Frigging Superbowl you dam Jameis Nuthugger.
He is gone.
Go with him
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:36 pm
O’Neill
You know the object is to win the Super Bowl right?
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:40 pm
It’s all about protecting the QB and getting after the QB. Whatever moves you make those two things should take precedence.
March 3rd, 2021 at 9:32 pm
Will be interesting to see offensive production absent of Godwin – assuming he signs elsewhere. Per my earlier posts – Godwin does so much more for the offense than making amazing catches, first downs, and TD’s. Ask ME13…
AB is a freak of nature physically, but also mentally, is an unpredictable freak. We can count on Godwin every game… Hate it, if we lose him. I’m a Big fan.
March 3rd, 2021 at 10:01 pm
SB. Yall worry about Jamies more than any body else on this site . I’m getting sick tired of seeing Jamies name on here . The thing is it yall trying to rely on the feelings of a 44 year old quarterback who can stop playing at any time base on how he feels . You are the one who rides Jamies every day on this site .
March 3rd, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Rob. First of all I ain’t never been a trick in my life . I’ve always had women never had that problem when it comes down to women. So I don’t know about buying women . Maybe that’s what you have to do but not me .
March 3rd, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Oneilbuc is right, we should have kept Winston, because he’s younger than Brady……LOL!!!!
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:05 pm
@oneilbuc – I hear ya. Bucs future is bright – for next year.
2022 – unless Brady is still on roster – and unlikely >>> We, as fans, may have to endure a possible re-set with a rookie QB, re-tread QB or a gap QB. NFL success is predicated on having a Franchise QB. When Brady leaves Bucs, our future is back to normal.
Brady’s short tenure got us a SB win – YEAH!
And 2021 will be a “winning season including playoffs”. Repeat SB win will be challenging, especially w/17 games.
Life after Brady? Hard to argue with JL strategy right now. And maybe JL finds another HOF QB to take over for a few years, after Brady – (A Rogers?).
Outside of Pat Mahomes, not sure any rookie QB can lead a team to SB in his first 5 yrs. It took P Manning 7 years and Elway 10+ years… JL signs VET QB on rotating basis while keeping D intact – is the formula.
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:22 pm
@Oneilbuc – adding on. I am a JW fan. And will go on record to say that I believe JW will win lead a team to SB win during his career.
JW’s INTS doomed him with BA — based on a timeline for BA to win SB fast. Had BA coached JW earlier in BA’s career, I believe BA would have stuck with JW through growing pains. BA’s window was closing and WIN NOW was the mantra – both for BA and for JL’s career. Signing Brady was the ultimate salve.
JL made horrible decisions during JW’s tenure that hurt the roster. But JL got a lot right too..
I will say, watching talking heads – that they pointed out that every point scored in SB win — was by a player who was not on 2019 roster. So, kudos to JL. And – for JW haters, there is a “there there”….
Anyway, 2021 feels good…. Go Bucs
March 4th, 2021 at 12:21 am
I agree, it’s why I want to see the RB shared with RoJo and Vaughn as the 3rd down back. I’ve heard enough about these old receiving backs.
March 4th, 2021 at 8:09 am
Lol lol 😆 🤣 😂 where did I say anything about Jamies ??? Yall are obsesse over Jamies . Jamies is gone so please get over it
I did !!!! We are talking about the future of the team that means after Brady is gone . I hate to bust yall bubble but Brady ain’t gonna be here the next 3 years . So you can’t be afraid to move on and Rogers ain’t coming here . Don’t talk to me about Jamies come with something else !!!
March 4th, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Oneilbuc, you never told me what you drive, I need to know.
Also, I’m talking about a Miss Universe level Brazilian bikini model here, not some chick you picked up from the local pig trough.
March 4th, 2021 at 2:12 pm
I wouldn’t care what she is I’ve never had to pay no women to take home . I’m from a different generation I came up in the 90s . Meaning I was a teenager in the early 90s . So I was taught different my pops taught me and my brothers not to be a trick. My mother taught us the same way . You got laughed at in my house hold for doing such a thing. And my parents been married for 50 years . But my parents grew up in time when most women had self respect in those days .
March 4th, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Bucs will tag RodGod and re-sign Shaq to a 4-5 year deal. I believe they will re-sign David as well, but there is a 20% chance that another team throws a bigger load of cash at him and he decides to take it on what is likely his last big payday opportunity. I’ve got money on all three returning to Tampa to further the new dynasty.