Setting The Table For Byron Leftwich
March 9th, 2022
Joe asked Sage of Tampa Bay Sports Ira Kaufman an interesting question last week.
Where will the Bucs’ focus lean in free agency? On offense or defense?
The venerable JoeBucsFan.com columnist and podcaster did what he usually does. He answered a different question. “Excluding the quarterback position, they need more help on defense,” Kaufman replied, noting that he thought a franchise tag for cornerback Carlton Davis could be a wise option on the table.
So Joe will come back to the original question. Will the Bucs prioritize offense or defense in free agency? Joe thinks the answer is clear.
It’s offense. Bucco Bruce Arians and general manager Jason Licht spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine last week and they don’t want a new face alongside left tackle Donovan Smith, and they want continuity on their offensive line with vocalized dreams of bringing back two of their three free agent interior linemen: Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinnie and Ryan Jensen. There also was optimism for Rob Gronkowski making it a Year 3 in Tampa.
Joe did not hear any peep of a priority on defense.
Since, Chris Godwin was given a $19 million franchise tag and Carlton Davis is on social media acting like he’s leaving town, along with Playoff Lenny.
That lean to the offense leads Joe to believe the Bucs are prioritizing Byron Leftwich as the heir to Bucco Bruce Arians.
Perhaps it’s way too early to go there, but if the Bucs watch Carlton Davis, Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, Will Gholston and Jordan Whitehead walk out the door and replace them with draft picks and bench players, then that sure won’t feel like a team eager to make sure Todd Bowles has what he needs/wants for today and beyond.
March 9th, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Bowles had the entire Super Bowl defense against the Rams and couldn’t figure out a way to limit the Rams or hold onto a tie. Why give that clown the benefit of the doubt?
It’s an offensive league, there are NO shut down defensive units throughout the league. Offense is the key to winning in this league.
March 9th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
This sounds like this year will be offensive, I hope it does not return to the fan headbag days, Guess BA is just padding his retirement nest egg. This does not sound good. The infamous Bowles Blunder ended The Brady Miracle. I hope we can at least win a few.
March 9th, 2022 at 1:40 pm
I recall Bruce saying its a priority to be faster on the D line. Also made comments about getting fast on D in general.
It’s the O line he seems comortable with keeping tackt for continuity.
Could attack D on the draft and FA on offense yes
March 9th, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Defense. Offense. Special teams. It doesn’t matter. When NFL teams go all in…That what they mean. Should of built a dynasty with the ammo we had but no we went 1 and done contracts and can’t sign players we drafted.
I keep hearing how great Licht is…then we should rebuild and back to playoffs in a year or so. That’s the best realistic choice. Rebuild. H
March 9th, 2022 at 1:47 pm
And as a fan…..idc about SBs. I really don’t unless fans get a ring also or a trophy. But we get nothing of substance. Just to cheer. I’m too old for that.
March 9th, 2022 at 1:52 pm
^^^^^
Several teams have tried to build dynasties since their organization started decades ago and still havent won a super bowl
So dumb
You take what you can get and go all in when your chance arrives. Brady was 42-43 so of course they went all in
But lamarcus is a gladiator and like his qb to throw ints like jameiy wameiy
The closest dynasty in modern times was the steelers
But with cap and free agency – You cant have a dynasty when you pay a player 50 mil a year.
March 9th, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Two names. Shaq and jpp. Never dominated. Never made plays.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:06 pm
This is about setting the table for a QB at some poin. Whether that is enticing Brady to come back before camp, or having Deshaun Watson waive his no trade clause to come to Tampa (he really controls where he ends up) – do you think they would come play for the Bucs if there was no Godwin and instead the team retained Carleton Davis? Nope.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:06 pm
CArson wentz to the commanders
March 9th, 2022 at 2:07 pm
And Wentz to Washington . . .
March 9th, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Breaking NFL QB NEWS:
Carson Wentz traded to Washinton for (2) 3rd round picks… Wash takes on Wentz’s full salary.
I guess Wash believes their defense will be good enough to win with an average QB…
March 9th, 2022 at 2:19 pm
Could the Wentz to Wash trade be setting the table for Tom Brady to Indy?
Indy is a team on the cusp… By trading Wentz who are they making room for as their #1 QB?
Luck returning (doubtful)? TB12? Watson? Who else?
It’s not Wilson or Rodgers – I took heat for suggesting TB12 could end up in Indy…
How you like me now?
March 9th, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Likely Garoppolo
March 9th, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Marine
Hopefully Jimmy Garbage is headed to Indy. With the list of QB’s speculated to come to Tampa via trade shortening, so too does the list of destinations for Jimmy Garbage. The last place I want to see him is in One Buc.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:29 pm
@ walk
So they get rid of Wentz in order to trade for Jimmy G – who just had surgery on his throwing shoulder?
That makes zero sense to me.
But strager things have happened I guess…
March 9th, 2022 at 2:30 pm
I still am having a hard time forgiving Bowles for that all out blitz that left Cooper Cupp single covered, with our season on the line.
Especially since our blitz had not been working all day.
Play Calls like this is why he was called “Toilet Bowels” back in NY.
Yes, his defense won us a super bowl against Kansas City, I will give him credit for that.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Really hoping that Trask somehow develops into the real deal…..
Would really like to see Mariota or Dalton or Trubisky brought in as competition..
unless Carr or Cousin gets moved, which I doubt, a gimpy Jimmy G is the only quality qb left…
March 9th, 2022 at 2:46 pm
@ Marine
Props man, i remember you posting that, and I agreed with you. Just an FYI, I thought I read Jimmy G’s surgery was on his non-throwing shoulder but could be mistaken. Now, if the Bucs could squeeze a couple first rounders from the Colts for the rights to Brady, that would be awesome especially if his dead cap money follows him to Indy.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:50 pm
Maybe, I’m crazy but perhaps there’s an off chance Carr gets moved after the Russ trade? Maybe McDaniels likes Carr, but doesn’t believe he can be the guy to get them past Russ, Mahomes, and Herbert twice a year? If Washington just picked up Wentz, I think odds are they don’t draft a QB. That leaves the Aints at 18 and the Pitt at 20 ahead of you who could go QB. If you’re the Raiders, maybe you decide you’ll try your luck with Corral, Strong, or Pickett instead of Carr?
March 9th, 2022 at 2:54 pm
All NFC playoff teams HC were offensive. Every top QB in the division won the division. And second best Qbs in division got wildcards.
It is a 100% a QB offensive coordinator driven league, your not winning with defence and under average QB play anymore. Only coaches who can are Bill and Vrable and they are the two best defensive coaches in football.
March 9th, 2022 at 2:57 pm
@ iamhenry
Thanks man.
NFL.com is reporting – Jummy G undergoes successful surgery on throwing shoulder…
He should be throwing by mid-June…
March 9th, 2022 at 3:01 pm
Jimmy G can win, he is not a horrible option for Tampa. Trade Toms rights for Jimmy G and a future pick in June. haha
March 9th, 2022 at 3:07 pm
The picture should be Dumb & Dumber 3
March 9th, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Licht needs to go. He ruined our team with them big contracts. Donovan smith didnt deserve that contract. I pray he doesnt run to the mike evans bank again n
March 9th, 2022 at 3:18 pm
Delson the same Licht that won the super bowl 2 years ago? You guys are incredulous with your expectations.
March 9th, 2022 at 3:26 pm
#weaponsforthemastermind
March 9th, 2022 at 3:28 pm
I think this is kind of comical. The Bucs are in cap trouble but they got a QB for 1/2 of what he’s worth, AB cost the nothing and Gronk came in on a team friendly deal. Who was all the money spent on? Shaq, Smith, Godwin?
March 9th, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Marine,
Do you really think the Bucs will trade the rights to Brady ???? Like do you honestly believe that ????
March 9th, 2022 at 3:46 pm
@ rashad
Brady is only currently under contract because he helped the Bucs out in 2021 by extending and allowing the Bucs to sign several needed free agents…
So – yes. I believe the Bucs will trade Brady’s rights and probably for a lot less than you will want to believe.
Stay tuned amigo.
March 9th, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Marine I agree. Brady did what he needed to do here, if he wants to move on good luck there. We will get something but not a ton.
March 9th, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Carson Wentz traded to Washington Commanders
March 9th, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Bowles is a clown. Bruce is an idiot. Jason is a fool.
You guys are pitiful. No cred at all for winning a Super Bowl????
March 9th, 2022 at 4:34 pm
lol
BL…srlsy?
oh man…. I might not be able to even watch this trainwreck again.
thanks for the memories Tom Brady.
March 9th, 2022 at 4:36 pm
I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
March 9th, 2022 at 4:45 pm
On D, need to keep Whitehead and Suh or Gholston. JPP, McClendan, Minter and Davis III are all most likely gone.
Fournette and Jensen also are probably testing FA. Bucs need Gronk for 1 more year to rebuild their TE room. Hope we can keep him along with Stinnie and Cappa.
No money to probably sign outside FAs this year unless they are coming in as very cheap $1-2M as role players.
March 9th, 2022 at 4:48 pm
So, Wentz is now a Commie.
March 9th, 2022 at 4:54 pm
Again….Godwin should have been locked up after the 1st tag. Now he’s injured AND guaranteed to make $19 million. We have no leverage AND we’ll get nothing for the guys we’re losing. I’ve said before….I thought the tag should go to Davis, then trade him for maybe a 2 and 4?….Maybe a late #1? He’s going to walk. Jensen or Cappa will likely be gone, those extra picks could really help add depth to our o-line and secondary. We’ll get nothing and still not have a deal done with Godwin. Very poor management by Licht which frankly has been a bit of the norm until Brady arrived. Brady brought the talent and team friendly deals that put us over the top…..and now with him gone, we are right back to where we were when Winston was leaving. I really believe we should have committed to keeping the guys we have, particularly Godwin, the o-line and possibly Fournette or Gronk and see what we have in Trask. I personally think fans could initially rally around the young QB, especially over Gabbert.
March 9th, 2022 at 4:58 pm
The easiest part of coaching is knowing the X’s and O’s
Conducting the orchestra while dealing with 53 personalities is the art of successful coaching .
Of course the biggest factor is having superior talent to the opposition
March 9th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
All of you prognosticators are purely throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks. You have no contacts. You have no inside information. You have no credibility. Some of you have no sense. Merely posting to troll the real Buc fans and to see your own stupid and uninformed opinions in print. Pathetic.
March 9th, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Jimmy G. to the slimy Saints. I guess all that QB talk from BA and JL door number 2 was BS. Wilson, Wentz and Jimmy G.
March 9th, 2022 at 5:45 pm
Marine Buc,, all respect, but literally the LasT team in the NFL Brady would play for is Indy.
But Tom is done. Trust me. He is done.
March 9th, 2022 at 5:54 pm
Some would rather have Bowles. Not me. I waited my whole life to see my Bucs get a great offense.
No way Id let Byron walk out the door with the biskit offense………That said, I might have to rethink it if you told me Bowles leaving meant we had to go back to the Tampa 2 defense.
I do have a pkace in my heart for Tampa 2……But that place is a quater century ago.
March 9th, 2022 at 6:23 pm
@ TBD
” the LasT team in the NFL Brady would play for is Indy.”
Indy head coach Frank Reich on Tom Brady in 2019 –
“I did tell you that we did look at all the guys and I will tell you that I looked at his (Brady’s) tape,” Reich said in a conference call, via Kevin Hickey of USA Today. “The guy is incredible. I mean, I watched all of his tape from the last two years. I think he’s still playing at a super, super high level.
“We know he’s the best of all time for a reason (with) as many championships as he’s won. I mean, he still threw a couple balls in games, I’m saying, ‘How’s this guy throwing this ball this far?’ He’s incredible.”
Let’s just see how this all plays out. I am just speculating like everyone else.
But don’t tell me that Indy wouldn’t take TB12 just because of some old BS from a decade ago…
Come on man. We are talking about a Super Bowl ring here.
March 9th, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Indy would take Brady in a heart beat, he’s kicked their ass for over 20 yrs. The spiff isn’t with Brady it’s with Belichick and McDaniels.
March 9th, 2022 at 10:49 pm
We all thought tom had 1 more season. After next season
We all expected to have to rebuild. For whatever reason he decided
To dip out this year now we pay that price.
Fun while it lasted. We went from the outhouse to the penthouse right
Back to in the outhouse.
March 9th, 2022 at 10:51 pm
From the outhouse to the penthouse. We re headed back to the outhouse.
Sure was a fun couple years.
March 10th, 2022 at 11:24 am
BLAME YOUR HC!!!