“No” Means “Yes”
April 13th, 2023
GM Jason Licht
Few in the Fourth Estate understand and can break down what goes on in team board rooms behind closed doors better than a man on the payroll of NBC.
The creator, curator and overall guru of Pro Football Talk, the great Mike Florio, is the best when it comes down to the inner workings of the NFL.
Sure, Scott Pioli and Mark Dominik and Michael Lombardi, former NFL general managers, work in media as analysts. With the exception of Lombardi, Pioli and Dominik don’t often give the full story of what’s going on, or just plain don’t want to pull back the curtain.
Lombardi will and does, but he doesn’t have the platform nor the reach of Florio.
So yesterday on his show “PFT Live,” seen weekdays on Peacock, Florio said the message by the Bucs that they are not willing to trade disgruntled Bucs linebacker Devin White actually means something quite different within NFL circles.
In short, Florio said the Bucs’ public denial of wanting to trade White — Jenna Laine of ESPN reported he demanded a trade and is “fed up” with the Bucs — actually is a signal to NFL teams that the Bucs are eager to hear trade offers from other general managers.
“‘Zero intention to trade’ is usually a precursor to a trade,” Florio said. “Which means, ‘Make us an offer we won’t refuse.'”
If Joe was in the shoes of Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, not only would Joe listen to offers, he might even call Houston to see if the No. 2 pick in the draft (two weeks from tonight!) can be had.
Let’s think about this for a second. Do the Texans, run by a couple of former car washers for Bill Belicheat, impress you that they have a clue what they are doing? These are the same clowns that hired lousy Lovie Smith for crying out loud!
And Houston just hired former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Let’s call it like it is: Defensive coaches just don’t value quarterbacks like normal people. It’s in their DNA. So why not take advantage?
Ryans probably thinks he can get to an AFC title game with some sixth-round bum of a quarterback because that’s what the 49ers did. Ryans probably thinks White is as important to a team as Josh Allen is to Buffalo. So you package the No. 19 pick with White and Joe promises you Ryans is listening.
If the Bucs could pull off a deal with Houston for the No. 2 pick and then grab C.J. Stroud in two weeks, they would kill the draft like Kevin Costner in “Draft Day.”
If the Bucs aren’t trading White because of Bucs coach Todd Bowles, how do we know Bowles will be here next spring?
April 13th, 2023 at 8:05 am
The only way Bowles is back next year is if he agrees to return to the DC job š
I like that scenario Joe but itās not enough juice, they would want more picks – but for the Franchise qb play itās worth it
April 13th, 2023 at 8:08 am
If we can get a package of picks for him, I would be good with that, especially if it gives us ammo for next year’s draft to move up and get a franchise QB.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:09 am
If we end up trading Devin White for CJ Stroud – I’m out. That would be criminally insane.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:19 am
The Bucs have so many holes to fill they should be trading back in first round.
Also trade White for best deal possible and get more picks.
With so many holes at starting positions they can just take best player available
at every pick they have.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:21 am
Maybe they should buy him a pony.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:27 am
Whatever the trade, do not draft Bo Callahan.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:27 am
The Bucs would be lucky to get the 2nd pick in the 4th Round for White.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:35 am
Not 2…..but teams not needing QBs would be more likely…….Cardinals, Lions….we could have a shot at Lsvia
April 13th, 2023 at 8:36 am
I don’t expect more than a late third round pick for him. The team would only have him for one year then hes going to the highest bidder.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:40 am
Does White have any trade value? Maybe a sixth or seventh rounder
April 13th, 2023 at 8:41 am
Joez could certainly find a janitor at OBP who could plant a WiFi cam š
April 13th, 2023 at 8:43 am
Pretty far-fetched scenario Joe. Devin White is in the last year of his contract making $11 mil. He’s apparently VERY UNHAPPY making ONLY $11 mil this year, and believes that he’s worth at least $20 mil. Whoever trades for him … IF anyone ever really does … would be getting a disgruntled employee UNLESS they agree to rework his contract for multiple years at $20 mil a year minimum.
And on TOP of that, you expect them to give the Bucs their #2 First Round pick? If Houston wanted a middle LB so badly, why wouldn’t they just use that pick to draft one? What your scenario seems to be saying is that Houston (or any trade partner) values Devin White so much that he’s worth the #2 pick in the draft PLUS $20 mil a year (or more) for multiple years.
Hate too break this to you, but Devin White isn’t THAT GOOD. He’s not worth $20 mil a year, nor is he worth the #2 pick in this draft.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:44 am
Devin White the J.G. Wentworth negotiation tactics
April 13th, 2023 at 8:44 am
Drinking this morning huh joe
April 13th, 2023 at 8:49 am
Take a 3rd (2nd if they are lucky) and 4th or 5th for White. He is a good LB, but not great. He can be replaced and the Bucs need to bring in as much talent as possible to fill the voids on the roster.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:56 am
A high first rounder for a highly strung, overrated guy who walks away in a year regardless?
Sure, Jan.
April 13th, 2023 at 8:57 am
I would be STUNNED if Texans would offer up that. This is Devin White not Micah Parsons or Ray Lewis. Now if they did would gladly make that trade…. then they could take qb OR trade out of the No. 2 hole for a ton more picks. As I have been saying, this team as SO MANY HOLES IN ROSTER.
I really wonder if there is a market for White and what that looks like? See market for former Lion cb and No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okuda… a fith rd pick from Atl. Now he has done less in nfl than white but come on…
April 13th, 2023 at 9:00 am
The great Mike Fiorio???
Jesus H Christ, what happen to this country??
April 13th, 2023 at 9:02 am
Cobraboy: “Its Vontae Mack no matter what”
April 13th, 2023 at 9:05 am
If those guys made that trade with the Bucs they should be run out of Houston on a rail.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:05 am
If you are calling Houston, the 12th pick is more realistic.
However, I believe a 2nd (33) and 3rd or 4th is more likely. Houston has two 3rd round picks (65 & 73) and an early 4th (104). I would get as many day 2 picks and the 4th rounder as possible. The Bucs have a lot of wholes and there are plenty of good long-term starters available on day 2. Bucs goal should be 6 picks on day 1 and 2. That’s 3 you have already, plus 2 more for White, plus maybe 1 more if you trade back 5 slots on day 1.
Imagine if Tampa came away with quality LT, ILB, Edge, TE, S, and DT after day 2. Then follow it up with a RB at the beginning of the 4th round. Then CB, IOL and WR depth
April 13th, 2023 at 9:06 am
It would take Devin White…..plus probably this year’s 1st and next year’s 1st, plus maybe an additional 2nd or 3rd to move up from 19 to 2. Not happening, fun fantasy though.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:07 am
White is probably worth a second day pick at best, so any sane GM would definitely want more than the Bucs #19 and D White to move up to #2 overall. How much extra? Perhaps the Bucs 2nd rounder as well or a high pick in 2024? Anyhow as Ira said in his podcast, White is a Bowels guy and although Licht took him, it could have been Arians and Bowels who actually wanted the dude and Licht simply signed off on him.
Anyhow, I would love it if Joe is right, getting a chance at a potential franchise QB in this draft would be awesome. I guess Buc fans can always dream but realistically we are now beginning to pay for getting over the hump in 2020 (and almost 2021 if Bowels was not a nimrod). I hope for the best but I have more of a gut feeling that this could be a long year.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:07 am
in rounds 5-7. Now that would help fill the voids and only need to focus on possibly QB next year if neither Baker or Trask work out.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:11 am
if that worked….BIG “IF” Im taking Will Anderson jr!!!
April 13th, 2023 at 9:13 am
I’d be ecstatic getting Houston’s #2, (which is alMOST like a #1)
April 13th, 2023 at 9:14 am
Trade him to them for their 2nd rd pick….or someone in the high 2nds….
Thats more doable.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:21 am
White will end up playing this year and leaving as a free agent. Yāall are lacking brain juice.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:28 am
If we could trade White for a high 2nd….then we trade down from 19 for someone’s late first or 2nd and a “4th”…we could still get RT Darnell wright, TE D. Washington, a LB (dont know who yet…Trenton Simpson?)…..
Then we would have a 3rd and a 4th plus the rest…spend the 3rd on RB Achane, and the 4th on CB/S Mekhi Garner…next pick if you have to trade up WR/Returner Jayden Reed.
Come out of this draft with….
D Wright
D Washington
LB Trenton Simpson
RB/Return Achane
CB/SS Mekhi Garner
WR/Return Jayden Reed
That would be a SERIOUS haul!!!!!
April 13th, 2023 at 9:38 am
If he went to Houston in that scenario, it would prove heās all about the money. They arenāt winning anytime soon.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:46 am
we can only hope someone loves him this much! I’m thinking draft day 4th round pick…
Go Bucs!
April 13th, 2023 at 9:49 am
MadMax Says:
April 13th, 2023 at 9:11 am
if that workedā¦.BIG āIFā Im taking Will Anderson jr!!!
^^^^^^
Did you see where Chris Simms has Anderson as his 5th rated edge in this draft? I wonder if he just does stuff like this for attention.
April 13th, 2023 at 9:58 am
MadMax, I like what you propose, and agree it is far fetched. But what Iād really like to do is trade Bloweszo to the Texans for DeMeco Ryans. Iād give them Diva for free in that scenario.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:04 am
Trade Devin for Bobby Boucher and a keg party at Big Storm Brewery for additional compensation.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:09 am
Idk Iām so torn on white but ima let Jason cook and enjoy this great weather
April 13th, 2023 at 10:10 am
He doesnāt have 100 mil credentials so nobody is going to give up that kind of draft capital and pay this guy the way he wants to. If he was going to get it that place he would was likely here. Trade and be done with it before he comes to camp and infects the team. Everyone is on vacation now so perfect time
April 13th, 2023 at 10:32 am
I agree with BUCS GUY – much more realistic…
any way you slice it I hope JL can get more 2nd, 3rd and 4th round pick(s)… my ideal scenario is a LT, Nolan Smith and Darnell Washington. Folks need to realize that drafting Washington is like having another OT on field and he has skills to be a pass catcher for this offense. And he compliments Otten well as they are two different styled TEs.
I think Smith will be long gone but one can hope… right? In fact, no way Bucs have the capitol to draft my wish list but you never know if JL can make the White deal and see what happens “off” of that.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:39 am
Houston isnāt giving up the number 2 pick but with their second pick at 12 maybe but doubt that also
April 13th, 2023 at 10:55 am
I could see the Eagles giving up a premium pick for White.
April 13th, 2023 at 10:58 am
@Goat, yeah I know, but we’re unfortunately stuck with him so you work with what youve got lol..
April 13th, 2023 at 11:00 am
@Joeinmich, no way….lol, wth is he smoking…I was hoping we could land him 2 years ago after watching him but knew this was unrealistic during this draft….well, unless something crazy occurs.
April 13th, 2023 at 11:23 am
Devin White would be a star on America’s Team – The Dallas Cowboys
How about Devin for some OL help?
April 13th, 2023 at 11:29 am
Put down the Big Storms Joe, no way Houston gives the second over all pick for White. Can’t believe you even printed that. Houston wouldn’t give up their second pick in the first round either, I think it’s the 12th pick. Licht over drafted White using the 5th over all pick on a LB. No other team would be that foolish. Truth is, the Bucs would be lucky to get a 3rd rounder. Second pick in the draft Joe, than we draft Stroud. You’d make a good comedy writer Joe, that was a good laugh.
April 13th, 2023 at 11:58 am
@Joe in Michigan – I usually agree with most of you’re comments on this site , but saying Devin White is not worth more than a 4th round pick is pretty far from reality. I know a lot of people don’t like him , but he’s definitely a top 2 or 3 ILB in the entire NFL. Name 3 better and not just because they are popular. I’m not saying don’t trade him , but he’s worth a first round pick , if not at least a high second plus another pick
April 13th, 2023 at 12:07 pm
DeMeco Ryans will draft a QB in part to give himself some runway as he takes over that dumpster fire.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:08 pm
And let’s face it, trading away the #2 draft pick is not going to fill those seats.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Brock Purdy was a 7th round pick. Mr Irrelevant to be exact, last pick in the draft.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
@Joeinmich, i tried to reply but its stuck in mod…said something wrong i guess, but yeah Simms is on something.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
There is no value in the trade so I’m not even sure you even get any offers and if you did it would be laughable would be lucky to get a 4th than what do you replace him with because he isn’t on the roster and they don’t have money to sign anyone and he isn’t in this weak linebacker class either.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:45 pm
@tampabaydj Roquan got traded for a second and a fifth not even a high second and Devin is worth a first? Yeah no Devin is not a Roquan level player. One of Devin’s biggest weakness is his coverage, in a passing league where linebackers are more dealing with more and more rpo’s and short area passes to beat the rush he just isn’t worth that and it has nothing to do with liking the guy or not.
April 13th, 2023 at 12:51 pm
The Texans aren’t that Stoopid. They’ve made smarter moves since Ryans was hired. I’m guessing he has a lot of control there. And just because the Bucs overdrafted white doesn’t mean other teams would. Plus he wants to get paid. Recipe for disaster for another GM. Houston could just take the best LB at number 2 (or trade down to 10 and pick up picks) and that player would make alot less than 20m a year. And that LB would be better than white. That’s called a no brainer. Trade white to the highest bidder, yes, but won’t be a first rounder with the money he wants too
April 13th, 2023 at 1:50 pm
TampabayDJ Says:
April 13th, 2023 at 11:58 am
@Joe in Michigan ā I usually agree with most of youāre comments on this site , but saying Devin White is not worth more than a 4th round pick is pretty far from reality. I know a lot of people donāt like him , but heās definitely a top 2 or 3 ILB in the entire NFL. Name 3 better and not just because they are popular. Iām not saying donāt trade him , but heās worth a first round pick , if not at least a high second plus another pick
^^^^^^^^^^^
TampabayDJ: White is on the last year of his contract, so that decreases his value. The fact that he thinks he’s worth $20 mil (and he’s not, IMHO) decreases his value, and so does him saying he wants to be traded. So yes, I think the Bucs would be lucky to get a high 4th Rounder for him.
April 13th, 2023 at 2:57 pm
They would have to throw in a lot more than Diva White to get the #2 pick in the draft lol
April 13th, 2023 at 3:16 pm
This is the fun time of the year, where we all read someone’s opinion on how good players and prospects are. We all end up disagreeing:
From fan to the Joe’s to actual GMs on how good players are.
Even the most knowledgeable and experienced analysts can have differing opinions and make incorrect predictions.
A few years back:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had Mahomes ranked as the fifth-best quarterback in the draft, behind Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer, and Davis Webb.
Chris Simms’ quarterback rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft were as follows:
Baker Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen.
I never feel bad when I may disagree with someone else.
April 13th, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Joe, you should push away from the bar man, one too many cold-ones!
DW+#19 DOES NOT equal #2, unless you’re throwing in ME too. And please don’t even consider doing that one!
April 13th, 2023 at 5:00 pm
If they get the #2 pick, they need to trade it and load up on picks.
April 13th, 2023 at 5:06 pm
I agree that Phili would be a good place for DW45. No matter who Licht picks or trades, he needs to get as extra many premium picks as he can. Someone said trade White for an O lineman, hell yeah left tackle if possible.
April 13th, 2023 at 6:01 pm
Joe, thatās the dumbest suggestion ! Not happening, trade round 1 picks plus DW , nā¦please ,
April 14th, 2023 at 2:41 am
Those guys are all the click bait shock jock version of the NFL talking heads.
Listen to Pat Kirwin Joes and you might get a truer idea of what really is going on. Not he bogus BS these goof balls dream up!
April 14th, 2023 at 9:53 pm
I am astounded how quickly people give in to trade scenarios / draft picks. If I’m not mistaken Devin white is under contract right!? Just because he requests/demands a trade doesn’t mean he gets one . I think the Bucs, with a few of the right moves and roster decisions, can make some noise in the NFL South . I’m not at all concerned with either of our 2 main QB options right now, if they can be “game managers”+, like Brad Johnson with the added dimension of Mobility! I wouldn’t trade Devin White. At his best he has been Pro Bowl level and helped us win a Super Bowl. I also don’t think he could/would ruin the locker room. Once a season starts, and there’s any level of success i.e, W’s, and he’s gotten a few sacks/ highlight clips, this could all turn around for the best . I just think he’s too valuable a potential/proven asset to just cut him loose for draft picks. Plus he has every vested interest and incentive to NOT play like a bum, so he can showcase his future value! At his best, he’s an elite NFL linebacker