Lavonte David To Test The Free Agent Market
March 9th, 2023
Nooooo! The Buccaneers’ leading tackler in 2022, and a true franchise icon, will not be re-signed before the start of free agency and will hit the market.
Joe is referring to Lavonte David. NFL Network broke the bad news early this afternoon. David can begin negotiating with other teams on Monday at noon when the free agency dinner bell rings.
It’s no surprise after general manager Jason Licht said last week, in response to Joe’s question, that the team wants David back but, you know, money.
It takes two for a deal to be made, and David believes he has at least a couple of good seasons remaining in his body, per Joe’s conversations with him after the season.
The free agent inside linebacker market got fuzzy this month with the Vikings cutting stud tackling machine Eric Kendricks, and eight-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner set to be released by the Rams.
What David might command on the market is unclear, but he did earn $12.5 million last season and played in every game.
Find a way, Bucs. Find a way. David’s positive impact is both measurable and immeasurable.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:35 pm
One more time….What is happening today we already knew it two years ago…We made a huge party and is time to pay the bills…
The party was phenomenal and never will be forgoten, today is time to make adjustemnts, and watch LVD playing with another jersey will hurt, that´s for sure, will hurt badly.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:38 pm
I really wish the NFL had a policy that helps teams keep great players. Like if a player has played his whole career with one team, and has played at least 8 years as a starter, the team can pay him a bonus each year that doesn’t count against the cap.
Yeah, I know. It will never happen because the cap is an excuse owners can feed to fans as we watch our favorites walk away.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:40 pm
Sure would be cool if he gave a hometown discount. I am all for going out and making the money you deserve but the Bucs have paid roughly $78 million to him. A hometown discount would be a nice gesture. 2 yrs/$16 million with 10 guaranteed.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:40 pm
Unless a contending team throws crazy money at him I think he returns.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:40 pm
All we can hope for is if he leaves is he wins a Superbowl. I would have no problem routing for LVD
March 9th, 2023 at 2:44 pm
If the Bucs somehow lose David it might be time to move on. How can you lose a guy you are already going to be paying $6.8 million dollars. If he wants $12M it’s only costing you 5.2 more
March 9th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
I could see him signing with the Dolphins
March 9th, 2023 at 2:52 pm
I bet you the Bucs offered him between 8 to 10 mil a year. He can easily get 12 from a team..Easily. You cannot blame him fellow Buc fans. Why should he have to pay for that 35 million Brady cap hit? Go get your paper Lavonte. I ain’t mad at you on bit.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:53 pm
Cowboys could snag him…although they have some cap issues of their own franchising an injured RB ( Pollard ). His stats already rank up there with the all time greats…I wish him well if some team decides to pay him on a multi-year deal. The Bucs are in limbo the next year or two.
March 9th, 2023 at 2:54 pm
Think we will be in a rebuild whether we plan one, or not. The question is, do we win enough and play well enough for Bowles to keep his job?
March 9th, 2023 at 2:56 pm
I can’t stop LMAO here guys. I read here where somebody says Lavonte should give the Bucs a hometown Discount? You kiddin Me? The days of alligence and loyalty left years ago. I would not give the Bucs a discount. Dicount? You kiddin me(In the gestures of coach Mora who was with the Saints) I can’t stop laughing
March 9th, 2023 at 2:59 pm
Blow it up trade whoever has value.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:01 pm
I guess Blows isn’t as liked as some may think, moving on!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:02 pm
Miami is def a player with LD54.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:02 pm
I don’t blame him one bit. He wants to continue playing for a winner. This team turned into a loser even, with TB12. LD deserves to close out his career playing for a winner and having a chance at another ring!! He won’t have that here. LD will be missed!!!!!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:03 pm
FUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCC%%%%%%%%%%
March 9th, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Who else wants to abandon ship?
March 9th, 2023 at 3:06 pm
Damn prepare for the suck. This season and probably next season is going to be bad. A lot of our good players will be gone. Everyone that has watched the Bucs knows the damn backups wouldn’t even be backups on most teams and those are probably going to be your 2023 starters. Time to pay the piper for the last 3 seasons!!!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Go to a Play Off caliber team!
You will always be a Buc!
Git while the gitt’n is good!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Say DBS, I won’t jump ship. But I will be up near the top of the stern where the skull is giving the orders for more to jump off the plank..LOL
March 9th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Quality player. Enjoyed watching him. No D Brooks though. It’s time.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Mark2001 … There are only a handful of premier HCs in the league it looks like, and none of them are standing in line to take Bowles spot. Same with New Orleans when Sean Payton left; their salary CAP was a mess, their offense wasn’t much better, and defense was their strength. Enter … Dennis Allen, a defensive coach, to try to pick up the pieces.
Personal opinion is that when teams go ‘all-in’ to chase a Super Bowl for a couple of years, they should expect a couple of meh years after that. Looks to me like that’s the way the NFL designed the salary CAP to work. Teams have the flexibility to spend-spend-spend to chase the brass ring, but it takes a couple years afterwards (at least) to right the ship it seems.
No big deal IMO. It affords teams a great opportunity to rebuild and to grow. I’m HOPEFUL that’s what the Bucs are trying to do right now. We may very well have a couple of lean years, but if we do it right, those lean years may position us for some really good seasons following that.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:17 pm
I’m with Joe. I’d love to find a way to keep LVD a Buc. BUT … the ball’s apparently in his court. We don’t have an unlimited budget. Like Bucsfan951 says … ‘2 yrs/$16 million with 10 guaranteed’ sounds about right for what we can afford to pay a 33-year-old ILB, even one with LVD’s credentials.
IF LVD moves on, I’m wondering now what the Bucs will opt to do about Devin White’s contract. We may very well end up with a whole new interior LB corps starting next year.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:18 pm
@ Mike Johnson
I have a feeling this will not be the only player jumping ship or trying to. And yes there will be so called fans jumping too.
i
March 9th, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Good move. Probably neither side knows what his value is at his age in the market so FA allows them both to find out. He will probably come back to bucs with a match option. Not like he is going to get a huge offer in the open market for that position and his age.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:24 pm
Well, if he was being honest about how he feels about Tampa, I presume he will give the Bucs a chance to match.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Defense Rules Says:
March 9th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Mark2001 … There are only a handful of premier HCs in the league it looks like, and none of them are standing in line to take Bowles spot.
NONE HAD THE CHANCE, BA TOOK CARE OF THAT!!! Peterson would have jumped on it in a second.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Bowles your being set up dude for failure
March 9th, 2023 at 3:33 pm
He could be affordable for us if he wants…if not, thanks for the memories….no hard feelings.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:36 pm
LB Trenton Simpson in the 2nd or 3rd….
We need picks Mr. Licht! I hope you’re on the phone with peeps about a Godwin trade!!!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:38 pm
Is Devin White next??
March 9th, 2023 at 3:39 pm
Reclaim your wasted Shiano years LVD !
This is a hospice home
Watch for ME, Godwin and Dunder White trades and the supporting spin .
A good year for devoting more time to a fall hobby.
Demand excellence and honesty from the Glazers
This year will be very painful, demand honesty from ownership and management.
We can handle the truth
We will reject anything less
New fan attitude !
March 9th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
what is “get your paper”
fire sale……told yall morans
March 9th, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Andre Carter II …6’7 OLB….
yes I know we need speed at ILB, we can sign one if LD leaves, but this kid in the 5th would be awesome!
March 9th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Watch how bad Diva White is without LVD. He will suck the air right out of the atmosphere.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:55 pm
Lavonte has said he wants to be back. My guess is whatever numbers he sees in the beginning of free agency will be communicated to the Bucs to see if they can get in that neighborhood. Let’s hope they can.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:56 pm
Used feetball players for sale. Get em while u can. Out wit de old pros. Demolition time. Cry me a river.
March 9th, 2023 at 3:57 pm
what is “get your paper”
That means $78 million made up to date isn’t good enough so go ahead and uproot your family and their lives to move to a new city so you can make another couple million more than what is being offered.
People forget how much $78 million actually is. It’s working for 65 years at 100k a year which I can pretty much guarantee you that person saying “get your paper” isn’t making that type of money.
So, get your paper 🤷🏻♂️
March 9th, 2023 at 3:57 pm
robert Says:
March 9th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
Well, when you can’t spell m0r0n, you might be the m0r0n.
Also, it’s not a fire sale when it’s a free agent. Moran.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:00 pm
@ DR
It will be interesting to see what happens with D. White.
I believe they are attempting to find a trade partner. That is why we saw all those cryptic messages on his IG account.
We both know the Bucs are going to need that $11M to sign that list of 12 we both agreed on.
1 Devin White = 12-15 cheap free agents…
Plus we will hopefully get another pick in the top 100.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:08 pm
Marine Buc … ‘1 Devin White = 12-15 cheap free agents’.
Probably, but 12-15 cheap free agents = a REALLY bad team. We’ve been relegated to shopping at the Dollar Store.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:09 pm
Sasquatch … Sometimes they just fall right into your lap, don’t they.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:13 pm
^^ HAHAHAHA
March 9th, 2023 at 4:14 pm
NEfan … ‘NONE HAD THE CHANCE, BA TOOK CARE OF THAT!!! Peterson would have jumped on it in a second.’
IF you bothered to read what I wrote, and what YOU quoted …
‘There are only a handful of premier HCs in the league it looks like, and none of them are standing in line TO TAKE BOWLES SPOT’.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Well dam, if we lose LD54, we better be thinking about trading White so that we can somehow afford two ILB’s….I DONT WANT TO TRADE WHITE!!!!
Dammit boy!
March 9th, 2023 at 4:20 pm
Didn’t they let him go out and test the market last time he was becoming a free agent?
March 9th, 2023 at 4:21 pm
“Hysteria” by Muse…had to get out my bass and play this….need the escape
March 9th, 2023 at 4:22 pm
One thing for sure: the piper will get paid, even if David won’t…
March 9th, 2023 at 4:23 pm
DR, wasn’t aware Bowles spot was available. Why would another HC stand in line for a filled position?
March 9th, 2023 at 4:25 pm
@ DR
– Nassib
– Nacho
– Delaney
– Senat
– Gill
– Ryan
– SMB
– Gholston
– Leverett
– D. Lock
– K. Neal
All for the price of one Devin White…
March 9th, 2023 at 4:30 pm
Go to a GOOD team
Your choice
Your reward
Enjoy!
You will always be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer !
March 9th, 2023 at 4:31 pm
Count me in on being a sceptic of White being able to play at the same or higher level without LVD. His talent in not in question; but his breaking down on tackles
and getting better in coverage should be a requirement for that next contract that has the potential to also affect the the team going forward.
March 9th, 2023 at 4:43 pm
“How do I get out of here?”
March 9th, 2023 at 4:46 pm
The cap space Ponzi scheme has finally run it’s course…..
It’s time for Buc fans to realize….the jig is up. When you let a player like LVD test the market…..it’s quite obvious.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Predictable. Also makes sense on why the bucs kept bowles . trading evans for draft capital may be next
March 9th, 2023 at 5:05 pm
Marine Buc … Yes we could get them all for the price of White, but … which one are you gonna get to play middle linebacker?
March 9th, 2023 at 5:05 pm
i think bowles is here for at least a 3 year minimum, with the way things are playing out now…
he has to get a pass after this season regardless of record, because everyone above him is seemingly giving him limited resources to work with…
you can’t gut an entire team and blame it on the coach for losing 10+ games…
he must go home and lay there at night staring at the ceiling thinking “maybe i should just quit”…
then he thinks about his salary and he jumps out of bed and does the michael jackson moonwalk across the room…
#WeCanGoFarWithLamar
March 9th, 2023 at 5:08 pm
@ DR
“which one are you gonna get to play middle linebacker?”
Probably the 2nd or 3rd round pick I get by trading D. White…
Then bring back LVD – push that dead cap money back and have him mentor the new ILB.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:09 pm
LVD > Devon White. Bucs are making the wrong call here. White ain’t worth the money. Agree with Mad Max on drafting Simpson. We need a LB who can cover a TE or RB — we know White can’t do it.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:12 pm
@ DR
Let’s be honest – RBs, LBs, Safeties and OGs all wear out very quickly and can be easily replaced in rounds 2-6.
If I were a GM I would never overpay for an ILB, RB, OG or safety…
March 9th, 2023 at 5:13 pm
TBBF … Many if not most of these high-priced FAs jumped onboard when the Bucs became competitive, andmost of them will jump ship just as fast if we start sucking hind teet. Careers are short, and everyone either wants to play for a winner or walk away with bags of gold. I don’t blame them.
I’m curious about what guys like Mike Evans & Chris Godwin will opt to do if the Bucs attempt to renegotiate contracts to lower their salary CAP hits this year. Even some others like Carlton Davis, Vita Vea & Ryan Jensen. IF they feel that the Bucs won’t be competitive for several years, some or all may say sayonara at the end of their contracts.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:18 pm
Marine Buc … ‘If I were a GM I would never overpay for an ILB, RB, OG or safety’.
LVD made $12.5 mil last year. White’s making $11.7 mil this year (below Market Value). So what’s a fair price for TWO ILBs in a 3-4 defense? Can you win a Super Bowl with 2 run-of-the-mill ILBs in the center of your defense?
All of the NFL salaries have gotten out of whack, but none more than QBs. When 1 guy makes 20% of your salary CAP something’s gone amiss.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Marine Buc … ‘Then bring back LVD – push that dead cap money back and have him mentor the new ILB.’
And there-in lies our dilemma. We can’t replace David AND White in a single year. IF you trade White, you have to have LVD back. IF LVD signs with someone else, folks better think twice about trading Devin.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:23 pm
The 35 mil leftover from Brady really hurt this year. It seems like the NFL teams are slaves to the quarterback. With the exception of the Chiefs look what the big money quarterbacks have done for the teams. Cleveland, Denver and Arizona(even with Murray) leave a lot to be desired and there quarterbacks eat up 40 to 45 mil in salary cap I can’t believe the owners let this get so out of control.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Sapp and lynch went to new teams brooks retired part of the game
March 9th, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Bowels really destroyed this team from the inside out, even though Joe will make it seem like it was our former Super Bowl winning OC fault. In just one year Bowels single handedly destroyed our No risk it no biscuit offense, yah know, the thing that one us a freaking Super Bowl!!!!
Now we’re just having a big yard sale to recover after our next 3-4 losing seasons to have enough salary cap to purchase the talent we need to win another Super Bowl
F U Todd Bowels!!!! U SUCK
March 9th, 2023 at 5:49 pm
@ DR
“Can you win a Super Bowl with 2 run-of-the-mill ILBs in the center of your defense?”
LOL – to quote the great LLoyd Christmas – “So your saying there’s a chance!?!?”
Come one man… I thought you were one of the more rational ones around here.
Super Bowl? Who? What? How?
We are in rebuild mode… We are the 2022 Texans.
I’m not trying to build a Super Bowl roster. I am trying to reduce cap while rebuilding a roster with 26-29 holes to fill.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:49 pm
It is part of the game lavante is an amazing buc I hope he can play for a contender he certainly deserve it.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Jack Clark tells the truth.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:55 pm
Marine Buc … ‘We are the 2022 Texans. I’m not trying to build a Super Bowl roster. I am trying to reduce cap while rebuilding a roster with 26-29 holes to fill.’
PLEASE take back that ‘We are the 2022 Texans’ (aka, There is no hope?). In terms of rebuilding the roster, I HOPE that the Bucs’ hierarchy is looking long-term rather than just short-term. Once a good ‘building block’ player is gone (traded, released, runs-for-the-hills, whatever) that’s a huge missed opportunity. He often takes not just his talent with him, but also his LEADERSHIP.
March 9th, 2023 at 5:56 pm
@ DR
“We can’t replace David AND White in a single year. IF you trade White, you have to have LVD back. IF LVD signs with someone else, folks better think twice about trading Devin.”
There are several older ILBs on the market. The Bucs will be picking up the crumbs left on the floor after the other teams enjoy their feast…
Don’t be surprised if the Bucs pick 8-10 players off the waiver wire in late August.
Like I said – The 2023 Bucs are the 2022 Texans.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:01 pm
I don’t think he will leave the team he doesn’t want to move now and it’s the same system he’s use to playing. They do need to make it work I couldn’t imagine him playing on another team
March 9th, 2023 at 6:02 pm
Marine Buc also speaks the truth. Even down to the headless coich similarity.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:02 pm
BA is not without blame. Did he even ask Bowles what his philosophy was? If BA stays on at least the O would have been competitive and Bucs squeak out maybe 11 wins and go deeper in the playoffs. BA put the stooge in charge.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:05 pm
@ DR
There is hope.
Even the Texans won 3 games in 2022.
We might win that many.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:10 pm
I typically understand players need to be let go here and there… it’s a business… I get it. But if they don’t resign Lavonte… I’m 100% DONE with the Bucs. He has put his heart and soul into this team… he’s one that should retire a Buc! No doubt.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:13 pm
When Crockstar Mark Dumbestnik cut everyone and hired Raheehaw in 2009, it was the beginning of the lost decade and a half. And then, the guy he chooses to pay? Michael Clayhands!!!
Bwaaaahahahaaaahahahaaaa.
So now we’re gonna hold onto Diva “Gimme $100 million n my talent and potential, not performance” White and let LVD go.
Welcome to the new dark decade. At least until Licht can get rid of the Bowelszo.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:15 pm
We had a linebacker that was a stud last year in the preseason. Coach Bowles loved him but he was lost to the Broncos practice squad, Olakunle Fatukasi. Guess what, he is still so good that New England stold him from Denver. We can guess what will happen now, Belichick will have this kid in the pro bowl soon enough, trust me. Unless coach Bowles steels him back, good luck.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Willie G, I agree. The NFL should have something comparable to Bird rights in the NBA. Sadly I let David walk. Maybe he’ll come back with an offer and let us match it, depending on how expensive. Keep in mind, this is a rebuild, no matter how much they say it’s retooling.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:35 pm
he’ll be picked up at 2 years for 20 somewhere…
2 for 15 bucs will match
March 9th, 2023 at 6:36 pm
The Bucs get two compensatory picks.. 5th and 7th round.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:37 pm
SF gets about 7 compensatory picks. The rich get richer.
March 9th, 2023 at 6:51 pm
What’d I say ? Let him test FA. If the deal is reasonable, let us match. Unless licht wants to cut bait entirely. Then this is all lip service. If I’m David, I want to play for a contender. Thanks for the memories.
March 9th, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Think with the potential loss of LVD and other FAs this could be a total rebuild so it may not matter if the Bucs don’t get a good veteran QB this year.
March 9th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
We were contenders until the Dark Bowels era began. Beginning with the Cover Nobody but blitz nobody either call on the most important defensive snap in franchise history. What a pudoon.
March 9th, 2023 at 7:25 pm
NEfan … ‘If BA stays on at least the O would have been competitive and Bucs squeak out maybe 11 wins and go deeper in the playoffs.’
Pure speculation but excellent Monday Morning quarterbacking. BA quit for a reason. He’s obviously a better fortune teller than you are.
March 9th, 2023 at 7:31 pm
He hasnt left yet. Its common strategy to use FA as leverage by both players and owners. The Bucs will.pay what he is worth. Perhaps the two sides want to find out exactly what that is. If not, then worst case he moves on. Its already an end of an era for many Bucs players, it’ll be tough to see him go but at least if he chases another ring, he would have a real shot at the HOF, something he should already have a shot at if it werent for the disrespect!
March 9th, 2023 at 7:56 pm
ohhhhh good gosh!!!! This changes my draft strategy if we lose LD54…
1st D Washington (in a trade down for a few spots hopefully)
2nd (wherever its going to be, better be high)
Trenton Simpson
3rd no choice, best LT available, hopefully Jaelyn Duncan
No Hooker, no Achane….makes me sad 🙁 ….hate my life, my buc life
March 9th, 2023 at 8:12 pm
After more research, LB Simpson at our pick 19 and trade back into the first, #22 or so for Washington…yeah its gonna hurt, we’ll lick our wounds later like we always do….i dont know how but TRADE into it Mr. Licht and Glazers….please
March 9th, 2023 at 8:13 pm
STOP THE CRYBABY BS …
TB12, the greatest Pat ever, came to the Bucs. Great players leave their teams at the end of their careers. Sapp and Lynch left the Bucs. They are still Bucs for life. Just look at the Ring of Honor.
You act like a bunch of hurt ex-girlfriends.
March 9th, 2023 at 8:14 pm
Amen Sly.
March 9th, 2023 at 8:16 pm
I’m guessing David has made maybe over 60 million over his Bucs career, Maybe more? I believe the last last contract he fulfilled was I around 12 million a year over 3 years, 36 million. Wouldn’t it be refreshing for a player who has built a fortune from one franchise to stay loyal and understand the cap situation and play for less then market value as Tom Brady has done.
How much money does one man need, If indeed it’s 60 million, I’d say most of the people on this site may have stock piled less then 100 k in their retirement fund, I’m sure some with more. Once again how much money does one man need, is there any loyalty to the franchise that stood behind you and made you the millionaire and sacrificed the future to bring a Super Bowl victory to your resume?
March 9th, 2023 at 8:21 pm
Yes! Joe even asked Ira about this maybe a year ago if the NFL would adopt a Larry Bird Rule for quarterbacks. Like their salaries don’t count against the cap — but they would be well-compensated for it.
Good quarterbacks salaries cripple teams.
March 9th, 2023 at 8:42 pm
yt “a day in the life” Trenton Simpson….theres our new LB….then get TE D Washington real quick, trade what you have to!!!
March 9th, 2023 at 8:55 pm
admin Says:
March 9th, 2023 at 8:21 pm
I don’t see why you need to exclude a guy from the cap. Keep the salary down, not just the cap number and stop individual player salaries from exceeding 10% of the cap. I don’t like the fact that QBs are a royalty class. It’s not good for the game for it to be controlled by a handful of entitled pricks like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. It’s not just the cap number. It’s still a team game, as important as QBs are, and these inflated QB salaries are disgusting.
March 9th, 2023 at 9:03 pm
Rga … ‘Wouldn’t it be refreshing for a player who has built a fortune from one franchise to stay loyal and understand the cap situation and play for less then market value as Tom Brady has done.’
Unless Spotrac is inflating his earnings, Brady made the following each year while he was a Buc:
o 2020: $28,375,000 total earnings ($15 mil salary, $10 mil roster bonus, $3.375 mil incentive)
o 2021: $39,420,588 total earnings ($1.075 mil salary, $35 mil signing bonus, $1.875 mil incentive)
o 2022: $30,000,000 total earnings ($1.12 mil salary, $28.88 mil signing bonus)
Total earnings in 3 years as a Buc: $97,795,588
Average earnings in those 3 years: $32,598,529
BTW Rga, in his 20 years as a Patriot, he was paid a total of $235,166,804. Averages out to $11,758,340 per year. Inflation’s a bitch, isn’t it.
March 9th, 2023 at 9:08 pm
Marine Buc … ‘There is hope. Even the Texans won 3 games in 2022. We might win that many.’
Methinks our respective definitions of HOPE differ quite a bit.
March 9th, 2023 at 9:19 pm
Jeez. Even the Lightning stink now. It’s going to be some lean years Bucs fans.
March 9th, 2023 at 9:35 pm
We’ve had 3 good years in a row; a Super Bowl win, a trip to the NFC championship, and a wild care game. Time to go back to reality.
March 9th, 2023 at 9:50 pm
When your biggest heart on the team leaves, and the team could keep that heart, it’s certain doom.
March 9th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
I guess we’re drafting a LB
March 9th, 2023 at 11:03 pm
Maybe he want to go play for a win
He doesn’t owe us anything.
Go Lavonte…play for you
March 9th, 2023 at 11:37 pm
Pay him to stay, JL.
The premise is, this team has to have a good defense to have a chance at anything. Like Bloweszo keeping his job. 4 consecutive losing seasons as a head coich is already am NFL record, he should never last past five and even his arrogant arse must know this.
Bloweszo will ask you to keep him. Do it. The sacrifices are already obviouys at other positions, don’t give your already weak LB corpse another death.
March 9th, 2023 at 11:47 pm
Not time for doom and gloom. Put down the meth pipe.
Allowing him to find out what his market is doesn’t prevent them from signing him back. He wants to finish in Tampa, he has said so… Unless he gets an inflated offer elsewhere, I believe he’ll be back.
March 9th, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Just Leave Trask Alone Says:
March 9th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
Safe to say that was gonna need to happen regardless.
March 10th, 2023 at 12:45 am
At Defense Rules, yes Brady is a wealthy man between his NFL salary and his other ventures. Brady’s yearly salary has been much less than his worth due to his interest in being cap friendly to the team he plays with to achieve talent around him.
I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make. I suppose your suggesting Brady has make a lot of money then David which he has. David while not making as much as Brady has made plenty is my point.
March 10th, 2023 at 2:01 am
It’s a rebuild. This is what happens. It stinks, but if David can go to a winning team and get another SB ring, that is only going to help him get into the HOF, and he’s very very deserving of that.
March 10th, 2023 at 3:48 am
RGA … ‘Brady’s yearly salary has been much less than his worth due to his interest in being cap friendly to the team he plays with to achieve talent around him.’
Brady’s deals with the Patriots were very ‘team friendly’. In his last 3 years with the Pats, he made a TOTAL of $53.0 mil: 2017 – $15.0 mil; 2019 – $15.0 mil; 2019 – $23.0 mil. Those were quite team-friendly IMO.
Brady’s deals with the Bucs weren’t nearly as ‘team friendly’ as some (especially in the media) would have us believe. In his 3 years with us, he made a TOTAL of $97.8 mil: 2020 – $28.4 mil; 2021 – $39.4 mil; 2022 – $30.0 mil. Had they been as ‘team friendly’ as folks say they were (say like the $53 mil the Pats paid him for 2017-2019), the Bucs would be $45 mil better off today in salary CAP AND we’d be a LOT more competitive.
That $35 mil charge hanging over our heads this year for Brady’s past services looms very large.
THAT was my point RSA. Bucs paid handsomely to acquire a 45-year-old QB with a big reputation. We won a SB in 2020, which is awesome, because we mortgaged the estate; we saw an opportunity and we grabbed it. We were competitive in 2021 because we remortgaged the estate. We stunk in 2022 because we tried to go to the well once too often. The estate turned out to be a house of cards. And yes, we are now full speed ahead with a rebuild.
March 10th, 2023 at 6:28 am
Dangerous game to play with David ppl will overpay especially Washington I can see Rivera and Co throwing the bank at the boy to pair with Jamin Davis
March 10th, 2023 at 7:42 am
DR, I guess a better option is to pay Carr, Jones, Roger’s, Wilson, Watson, Smith $35 to $55M? Roger’s is due to make $59M this season. The fact Brady took a incentive deal is a bonus. $28M for a SB sounds like ke a pretty friendly deal to me. You also know the increases are residues from the extensions, if they weren’t Bucs wouldn’t owe $35M in 2023. Belichick screwed Brady in NE, for 2020 season he wanted 2 yrs $50M, Pat’s offered 1 at $14M, that’s why he became a Buc.
March 10th, 2023 at 7:47 am
We are no longer a destination that players won’t to come to. No more hometown discounts as well. When we told the world we were comfortable with the incapable Kyle Trask as our QB that was the end for free agents considering us
March 10th, 2023 at 8:29 am
He will be missed, but I think he is as good as gone.