Is Nacho Next?
March 15th, 2021
The Shaq-is-back ecstasy hasn’t worn off, but Joe is greedy.
Every Bucs defensive starter is now set to return except for free agent Ndamukong Suh. Hopefully, the Bucs can lock him up today, just like they did with Shaq.
If they can’t do a hurry-up deal with Suh — and Joe expects Suh is in no hurry — then Joe wonders if the Bucs quickly will turn their attention to defensive tackle Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, aka Nacho. He was pressed into major action this season (11 starts) when Vita Vea broke his ankle in October.
Nuñez-Roches, 27, was up for the challenge. Always uncensored savior linebacker Devin White even boldly said Nacho was as good as Vea.
“You know, I don’t feel like we took a step back when we lost Vita. I feel like Nacho was still the same impact guy,” White told Joe. “I felt like he held up in the run game. I feel like whatever we called on him to do, he did it. So I gotta give it to my guy Nacho, big No. 56.”
He’s no lead singer, but Nuñez-Roches is definitely a member of the “band” the Bucs keeping talking about bringing back. Defensive line depth should never be underestimated or underappreciated.
March 15th, 2021 at 1:50 pm
These are the signings I’m concerned about…….our depth FAs are going to receive more value on the open NFL market…..they are younger lower-priced players who haven’t made tons of money so I expect them to play for more.
RNR, Stinnie are two important pieces.
March 15th, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Rather than pay Nacho they need to find another Nacho… a good player that needs an opportunity.
March 15th, 2021 at 1:54 pm
He isn’t all–pro or anything, but he could start for quite a few teams imo
March 15th, 2021 at 1:55 pm
The Bucs controlled the line of Scrimmage – DLine and OLINE in 2020. It is a Massive key to winning, as coach in football will tell you. Have to keep both of them strong. GO BUCS!!!
March 15th, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Mcclendon flashed in spot duty too…DL needs depth
March 15th, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Colin in Canada is onto something. We need to draft and develop Suh’s eventual replacement. I’d could see the Bucs keeping the spot vacant for a guy like Christian Barmore or Darius Stills. They could pick up Nacho post-draft if they don’t land a DT in the draft.
March 15th, 2021 at 2:09 pm
he’s like a minter…he’d be a key piece to keep…
also his attitude and personality are great…i’d bet he’s a great teammate and locker room guy…
get him locked in for a couple years if you can…
he’s one of my favorite guys on the team…
with positive and infectious personality…
some guys when they open their mouth, you just go to sleep…but nacho is a super chill guy and a key cog to round out a defense…
bring the man back
March 15th, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Nacho isn’t starting for anyone, but he’s good depth. Assuming his contract is based on being a good depth player, sure, bring him back! If not, well, then we don’t.
I’m guessing the Bucs are now trying to figure out a deal with Gronk since that will determine if they keep either Brate or OJ. But with no Gronk, if they can’t work something out, then they keep both. But I can’t imagine that Brady redid his deal only to see the team try to stiff Gronk when he says he wants to come back.
March 15th, 2021 at 2:16 pm
Me want a Nacho-Via combo. Sign the man!
March 15th, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Wait, Gronk on coming back to Tampa said he wants to see what else is out there? Wow… I only just saw that.
March 15th, 2021 at 2:27 pm
I think Succop should now be at the top of the list…
March 15th, 2021 at 2:31 pm
will they suck up to succop…
#ThisIsTheQuestion
March 15th, 2021 at 2:33 pm
i think oj is the odd man out somehow…
also auclair is almost most def out of here to free up a bit of cap…
March 15th, 2021 at 3:44 pm
I like Nacho but as far as being next? SUH needs a deal before he does as well as Soccup. Suh is VITAL.
March 15th, 2021 at 3:46 pm
I would try to work a two year deal out for Suh to retire him a Buccaneer.
March 15th, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Nacho is on standby until we get Suh and Gronk, and probably AB contracts in place.
March 15th, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Save that money for Suh.
March 15th, 2021 at 5:44 pm
I think gronk and suh are gonna take time. Sign succop and maybe a few other little guys. Keep money for some post draft releases. Usually good value for a team in place to win (for once tampa)
March 15th, 2021 at 5:55 pm
PETA says no. He’s an idiot.
March 15th, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Must sign SUH. If not, then NACHO.
The other must haves- Gronk, Succop
Would be nice… AB, Lenny, Stinnie
JOE- Any word on restructuring Donovan Smith or Mike Evans?
March 15th, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Suh, Gronk, Succop, Gabbert and sign free agent James White. Thats about another 20 mil. Fill the rest of the roster with the draft and trade Howard.
March 15th, 2021 at 6:41 pm
He is a must to return to this team as well. He was a big part of everything accomplished on defense. They have to bring back Lenny, Suh, Gronk, AB & Nacho. A lot left to do with not a lot of money left.
March 15th, 2021 at 7:04 pm
They do not have to have Lenny or AB back. Those are luxury’s.
March 15th, 2021 at 7:30 pm
White needs to put down the pipe if he thinks Nacho is remotely close to Vea. I’m sure he’s just giving props to his boy there. Nacho is last on the priority list. He’s ok but there are vets that will line up for a chance to chase a ring here. Succop and Suh are priorities.
March 15th, 2021 at 8:20 pm
Sign Suh. Draft a DT.
March 16th, 2021 at 7:58 am
Nope