If The Bucs Lose Ndamukong Suh…
March 6th, 2021
“Perfect fit.”
Joe absolutely hates to think of losing any of the Big 8 when the free agency dinner bell rings in 11 days. But still, we must brace ourselves.
And a way to prepare for a good player walking out the door is to have an option ready to fill the void, not like when the Bucs let Michael Bennett walk out the door for no good reason and banked on empty uniform Daniel Te’o-Nesheim to replace Bennett — sheer idiocy!
Yeah, the Big 8 all say they want to make another run with the Bucs in 2021. But money talks, especially when some like Suh might be looking at their final NFL contract. And the Bucs’ stack of Team Glazer loot to hand out is only so tall.
Seth Galina, typing for BSPN, believes he has the “perfect fit” if the Bucs lose Shaq Barrett. That would be Leonard Williams.
Given his positional versatility and the Bucs’ potential loss of Shaq Barrett, Williams would be a good pickup for the Super Bowl champs; he can play inside next to Vita Vea and kick out to the edge if needed. Tampa Bay is also known to play both a four-down and “Bear” front, adding to Williams’ usefulness. He’s been a solid player for his whole career, with four season grades above 75.0 and one above 80.0.
Joe likes Galina’s conclusion but not his setup. Shaq is an outside linebacker/edge rusher. Williams is more of a down lineman versatile enough to play left end, right end or tackle. And like Shaq, he can get to the quarterback.
Also remember: Williams was a first-round pick of the Jets when Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was the head coach. So clearly Bowles knows how to work with and use Williams.
Like Suh, Williams is durable. In his six-year NFL career, Williams has missed one game.
Joe likes this move a lot if the Bucs lose Suh. If the Bucs lose Shaq? Well, if you are in Publix or a liquor store a week from Wednesday and hear someone hollering for a defibrillator, it’s likely that Joe has hit the deck upon learning Shaq is gone.
Surely this franchise, having just climbed to the top of the NFL mountain, wouldn’t so quickly repeat the greatest football sin of the Lost Decade, could it?
March 6th, 2021 at 12:43 am
Joe I really hope Shaq stays for your own health.
March 6th, 2021 at 12:44 am
Big Suh Fan, and hope JL finds a way to keep him. His “attitude value” is priceless and contagious. All he does, is show up every game with amazing instinct to get to QB.
March 6th, 2021 at 1:07 am
I’d part the Red Sea for LW
March 6th, 2021 at 1:09 am
Do not see mgt letting the pass rush go. Big Shaq attack is coming back. Everyone knows with out a pass rush, then no championship, simple really. GO BUCS!!!!
March 6th, 2021 at 1:11 am
How much will williams cost? If we lose suh its likely because he is too expensive. Wouldnt williams cost at least as much as suh, if not more? Or am I way off in the value of Williams?
March 6th, 2021 at 1:25 am
You may need that defibrillator – fans.
Shaq has made it public and clear, that “breaking the bank” is his goal. And I cannot blame him, per his performance and impact. JL has his work cut out to sign Shaq.
Teams needing a “Shaq” to get them to SB? And willing to pay top dollar? Probably 5 teams….I have my list.
Interested in poster’s thoughts?
March 6th, 2021 at 2:32 am
Per Spotrac, Leonard Williams has a Market Value of $11.2 mil based on receiving a 5-yr contract. Ndamukong Suh’s Market Value is $6.8 mil based on getting a 1-yr contract.
So ya, if Suh’s too expensive let’s surely sign Williams to save money. I’m sure we could borrow the ‘savings’ from China or Japan … then call it a ‘stimulus check’ or something similar.
March 6th, 2021 at 2:34 am
August
Of course. Without a pass rush no team ever wins it all. Saying that must include one person is lunacy. Especially one person who wasnt on the team tao years ago. Same guy who was a one yr three mil FA. Teams will win it alll every year until the end of time without shaq to spite joey. Acts like he is the greatest draft pick ever. Oh wait he was never. There sill be another wayne haddix too joe. Yes us long timers remember em all.
March 6th, 2021 at 5:28 am
Some of you are missing the point. It’s not that they can’t sign Suh – it’s just that he’s gonna be 35 and you don’t give a 35yr old DT 10 million dollars. They would however, give a top 5 26 old DT 10-15 a yr that would be here for a long time next to Vea. They also wouldn’t need to draft a DT in the early rounds. Also with a long term deal, they can backload it for when the cap balloons in 2022 or 2023. Frankly it should be something to consider
March 6th, 2021 at 6:21 am
Last year was an “all in, go for broke” run for the super bowl.
That was a very tall order and yet we made it.
This year, are we trying for another “go for broke” or are we trying to build a multi year dynasty?
The difficulty level for both is considerably higher not even counting the tightening of the cap.
Considering current contracts, ages of players/coaching, TB12 mystique, etc. I would be betting on the “go for broke” option.
Still basking in the success of last year, and curious about what Licht can do with the cards he’s been dealt.
March 6th, 2021 at 6:28 am
Leonard Williams is the player the Bucs SHOULD have drafted in the 2015 draft. Instead of waiting on five years of “potential”, they would have had five years of PRODUCTION.
Needless to say, LW would not be a “cheaper” option over Suh, perhaps if Shaq leaves (please no).
March 6th, 2021 at 6:32 am
I fail to comprehend the general consensus that last yr was some sort of go for broke season. I’m sorry, did we become the New Orleans Saints or something. Did we become that team from that pee smelling city? I didn’t realized we were 90 mil over the cap like those fatties drinking Beignets all day. The Bucs have cap room this yr, they have even MORE cap room next year. Their roster is young. The players they added (Fournette/Gronk/Brown) they got at bargain basement prices. In no way shape or form did the Bucs mortgage their future. The Bucs will be one of the favorites every yr for as long as Brady is playing at a high level. Then the idea is that when he leaves, he will have laid the foundation for Devin White and other leaders here to carry on that winning culture
March 6th, 2021 at 6:44 am
Gronk at $10M is not a bargain basement price. Bucs overpaid on him when he’s only worth $5-6M. Next deal needs to be substantially less or he can go back to retirement.
March 6th, 2021 at 7:36 am
This is confusing to me…..are we talking about losing Suh…..Shaq, both? Why would we bring in Williams for more money than Suh…….Joe must be talking about Williams for Shaq…..
March 6th, 2021 at 7:40 am
@Gofortheface
Gee, when you put it that way, I guess we can resign all our free agents (keep the gang together) sign all our draft pics, and still have money left over!
Easy Peasy, Right?
SMH
March 6th, 2021 at 7:57 am
I think those two guys are ranked priorities 1A and 1B……then everyone else.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:00 am
Leonard Williams would be a good acquisition, in addition to re-signing Suh. In the event Bucs lose Shaq. Vea/Suh/Williams front 3 would be dominant.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:01 am
Bucs Guy, Waller, Kelce, Gronk may want to rethink your math. Neither of the first two can block like him. If Bucs had less weapons like Raiders and KC, Gronk would have more receptions. Sign him for 7-8mm. More to next FA.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:01 am
Speculation is fruitless until the hard cap number is officially announced.
Nothing happens until then.
I suspect there is a thick book of spreadsheets with different cap scenarios on Licht & Greenberg’s desks.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:15 am
There is more to it than a choice of just “letting Shaq go.” If he’s content to see what he could get on the open market and is offered an insane amount of money, we are not going to overpay to keep him. That’s just reality. We don’t have enough money to overpay.
Same thing with every other free agent. If their goal is to make bank and if someone out there is willing to blow up their bank account for him…..bye. We’ll have to move on. That’s the business of football.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:20 am
I think we are gonna Tag Shaq, again.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:26 am
Defense how about we have Mexico pay for it. Oh wait never mind that was just another one of his lies.
Red zone the Bucs can franchise him again if need be. Shaq is the most important free agent for the Bucs to retain and they will find a way to keep him.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:32 am
TheBradyBunch must be one of those who enjoy FREE money the rest of us are forced to donate. How much is gas this week?
March 6th, 2021 at 8:36 am
Also remember last year we got a lot of talent for pretty cheap prices. We got lucky. Fournette is a good RB, just got overused and not utilized well in Jax. He came out of a bad situation. And he kind of fell in our laps right before the season for a cheap price. Antonio Brown is still a good talent and was a top receiver in this league for awhile. We got him mid-season for only $1.5 mil. Both of them scored touchdowns in the Super Bowl for us. Barrett was let go by Denver two years ago and picked up originally pretty cheap. Then he proved himself and we tagged him last year. Now we need to overpay or let him go.
We got lucky with these guys, and a few others. And we will likely need to get lucky with a few others again in order to repeat. But this is how the Patriots was able to build their dynasty. They squeezed a lot of talent out of waivers and guys no one wanted. Once those guys proved themselves and wanted money, the Pats had to say bye and try to find more.
That’s really the only way to be a dynasty in the salary cap era. Otherwise you end up like the Saints right now…sure they got 6 division titles, but they are also $60+ mil over the cap.
March 6th, 2021 at 8:38 am
Too bad our Federal Government doesn’t have cap space…..
What is the NFL doing holding back the cap space number from teams this close to FA….?
March 6th, 2021 at 8:49 am
Brady bunch
Get lost if you want to make yourself feel good
Its a buc football website to dope
March 6th, 2021 at 9:02 am
Cobra, absolutely correct. These guys know what they’re doing. They may not make all the choices we hope they do but I’m confident they will do their best. Certainly they have their spreadsheets ready and their contract offers as well.
March 6th, 2021 at 9:09 am
I love Suh but if he does leave, I do like the idea of Leonard Williams. When is the NFL going to declare the final cap ceiling?
March 6th, 2021 at 9:10 am
List no idea. And be honest you wouldn’t either if you weren’t holed up in your right wing media bubble. The insurrectionst lost. Move on!
March 6th, 2021 at 9:14 am
Fwiw gas prices were higher 18 months ago when your boy was in office. They also started rising in April 2020 when your boy was in office. Leave fox and do some real research.
March 6th, 2021 at 9:23 am
TBBF, Shaq and Williams play different positions, OLB and DE/DL respectively
Ok, I will admit I think I smoked something this morning, BUT, how about letting CG go since we have such depth there, and signing Williams for a front DL starting line of Shaq, LW, VV, Suh and JPP with MLBs of LVD and White?!!
OMG, what a dream that would be. I just had to go there!
March 6th, 2021 at 9:23 am
Swampbuc … Suh’s not leaving. If folks want to speculate about Leonard Williams taking Shaq’s spot, hey, go for it. But Suh’s a Buc … he’s been here 2 yrs now, he’s been a beast in the trenches, and obviously likes it here based on what he’s said recently in various interviews. Suh & JPP sound like they’re right, and it sounds like Vea is kind of a ‘little brother’ in that group.
Shaq’s the one who has to make up his mind what’s most important to him (or maybe Oily Rosenhaus will do that for him). He could very easily price himself out of the picture & the Bucs MAY be forced to move on. Shaq made over $15 mil last season playing for us, and if he feels that he’s worth more than that, hey, that’s HIS decision. Hopefully the Bucs don’t ‘break the bank’ to keep him IMO, because TEAM comes first. Overpaying for one player or position group can screw up the whole enchilada.
March 6th, 2021 at 9:37 am
DR absolutely correct. I’m still haunted by his break the bank comment terrible optics, likely encouraged by his agent. He wouldn’t have the opportunity to break the bank if we hadn’t taking a flyer on him and gave him an opportunity to start and then reward him with franchise money last year.
March 6th, 2021 at 9:47 am
Steven when given the chance he balled out. He deserves whatever teams are willing to pay. He doesn’t owe the Bucs anything. He helped us win a SB and performed at a very high level. Within reason he may give a small hometown discount, but if the Bucs offer him 15 and another team offers 22 per he will be gone. This is the NFL and these guys are trying to secure their futures.
March 6th, 2021 at 9:49 am
Rosenhaus is no doubt telling Shaq he will get get big bucks on the open market.
But I’m not sure Rosenhaus, or any other agent for that matter, really understands that many teams will feel constrained with the cap value this year due to COVID. That’s going to cause some teams to pull back the purse strings more than normal. And some of these players may not get offered the numbers they normally would be able to demand. Teams like the Jets and Jags have a lot of money to spend, but getting the big contracts elsewhere will be tough.
Would that benefit us? Possibly but not initially. Because that means we are also not able to offer as much as normal. So some of our FAs will test the market thinking they are being shortchanged. But down the line, FA could benefit a lot of teams if a lot of vets are on the market and remain unsigned because they are asking too much. Sure we will lose a few guys. But I don’t think that will be very hard finding replacements.
March 6th, 2021 at 10:01 am
Brady bunch, I don’t disagree with you actually. I thought the comment was in poor taste regardless. Everyone knows he’s going to get paid. I don’t expect him to take a home town discount which is a concept I’m not sure actually exists to the extent that people think. But if anyone were to do something like that, he’s the perfect candidate given the conditions I noted. That doesn’t mean he will or even should. As you said and as I agree he’s earned whatever he gets now. But I could easily see a scenario where he goes to the highest bidder, makes his money, and maybe never sees a playoff game again.
March 6th, 2021 at 10:03 am
At the end of the day if we lose Shaq there will be many other options to choose from. Remember, before he was on this team he was an afterthought with very average production. Surrounded by the right parts and with the right coordinator he flourished. I’m sure that will work with others if we’re forced to go that route.
March 6th, 2021 at 10:19 am
Gofortheface30
“it’s just that he’s gonna be 35 and you don’t give a 35yr old DT 10 million dollars.”
And Shaq is nothing but above average without this front seven that consists of two other 30+ year old LB and Suh still putting pressure on the inside. So many say take Shaq over LVD makes me go bonkers. Shaq is back to Denver days for all those that believe age is a factor in play and new contracts. DO NOT resign Shaq. It’s a 180 of Michael Bennett. And players that use the term “break the bank “ are guys that will slack in play and practice (not pointing out Shaq at all) cus they’ve already got paid.
March 6th, 2021 at 10:31 am
^^^ Above average?! Last year he led the NFL in Sacks. This year he led the NFL in hurries. Yes, his teammates help bc they are good, but with your point of view one could argue we should cut both Shaq and JPP because they are nothing without Vea.
What is Shaq worth? Whatever someone will pay him, just like YOU and ME.
If you think a backup like a Carl Nassib or someone like him is going to come in and easily replace Shaq, I want some of what you are smoking.
March 6th, 2021 at 11:20 am
No worry. Suh will be back along with Gronk & Succup for sure. Would think Minter will also be back. Really good backup LB
March 6th, 2021 at 11:21 am
Maybe the Bucs could get Alex Smith to backup TB &release Gabbert & Griffin.
March 6th, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Senor Harry…I only smoke the best of the best, but that’s beside the point. I f#cking love Shaq on THIS roster. But this entire team of talent won’t be able to stick around long to have a chance if you give Shaq 4-year $80M. That sounds like letting Lavonte walk and when that happens, this defense will immediately implode. We have to pay some serious young ballers in the next four years.
1.Lavonte
2.Succop
3.Godwin
Not paying Shaq big money will leave room for so many FA that get pulled into what I call the Brady’s Bucs black hole effect.
Build through the draft, Jason.
March 6th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
1. LVD
2. Succoop
3. Suh
4. Gronk
5. Leonard Williams
6. Van Noy
7. Curtis Samuels