“We Also Like Door No. 2 That’s Right Here”
March 8th, 2024
Plan B.
Jason Licht has a fallback plan ready to roll out if he has to.
That’s the gist of what the Bucs’ AC/DC-loving general manager told reporters today in a sidebar session after Mike Evans’ press conference to celebrate his re-signing with the Bucs.
Licht fielded several questions at the Bucs’ auditorium at One Buc Palace about the negotiations with pending free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield. As Joe is typing this here post, Mayfield is still unsigned. In three days, legal tampering begins.
Of all the questions, leave it to “The Sage,” JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, to hit Licht with the most pointed one. Ira asked Licht if, God forbid, Mayfield bolts to another team, if the Bucs have options and alternatives to turn to for a quarterback this fall.
Licht said options are available. And an alternative is ready to go.
“You always have to have, as Bruce [Arians] would say, ‘Look behind Door 2 and 3 and 4 and 5.’ So yeah, we always feel like we need options.
“We always have to have plans. We also like Door No. 2 that’s right here.”
Door No. 2 is in the building? Well, Joe doesn’t think Licht was referring to John Wolford. While Licht didn’t mention any names, Licht was surely referring to fourth-year backup Kyle Trask.
So we should know in a few days if the Bucs are still Baker’s Bois or if it is Trask Time in Tampa Bay.
How’s your Friday going?
March 8th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Uh oh. Its gettin spicy
March 8th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
If we can’t sign Baker then how would Cousins do in this offense?
March 8th, 2024 at 4:11 pm
I dont think Bowles care for Kyle Trask the only person who hypes him up is Jason he looked good last preseason
March 8th, 2024 at 4:11 pm
Absolutely no freaking way it would be Trask after paying Evans that kind of money. If it’s not Mayfield then it’s a proven, comparable starter. Bank it!
March 8th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
START TRASK!
Spend bakes money to protect Trask. He is in his prove it year and will light it up!
March 8th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Yee haw – Gator fans in their overalls just got rock hard with their 3 inch boners
March 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
Draft Penix, bring in another QB and let the three compete if we can’t get Baker. Use the $$$ we save on the Oline and OLB.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
Playing the Trask Card….LOL
March 8th, 2024 at 4:19 pm
Baker had a good season in 2023. I’m rooting for him…but his season sealing interception is the last image I remember. If he gets too far over his skis greed wise, I’m actually starting to come around to the thought of Trask and a roster reset.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:20 pm
Sign Winston or Wilson and let them compete with Trask.
We found Baker in the NFL dumpster why can’t we do it again and save $30-$40M a year on the cap.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
I think Licht doesn’t think Baker is elite.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
BAKER IS BETTER. Sign him for $35M per and stop being so cheap Tampa. You’re embarrassing your fans.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
“BakerBucs Says:
why wud they extend a mistake even bowels & Licht told us that already u need to follow the characters better u b behind da times Mtn says u need to come down from Mtn to civilization”
^^mtn^^ Says:March 8th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
“LOL, I like my cave better. Plus, there’s a lack of oxygen. Pretty groovy man.
Seriously tho, recall the word ‘IF’ in caps. IF they value him.
All indications are, both publicly & behind the scenes, that the Bucs are happy with his progress
Also:
Licht has public stated this. A rouse? Perhaps, but I’ve seen Trask play & word is, the organization is happy to have him.
Quite sure he learned a bunch from Brady, Wolford & Baker”
Been saying this all along.
Now some of you fart smellers can see it with your own eyes.
OH, & denial isn’t a river in Egypt
Door #2 is ‘In da house’
^^mtn^^
Since ’76
March 8th, 2024 at 4:26 pm
You never wanna give an air of desperation. Public expressions of confidence in Trask should be taken with a grain of salt.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:30 pm
Baker is going to sign. Just get him the protection he needs when he does.
And, it’s tragic how all the haters are rearing their ugly heads because Baker wouldn’t accept a low-ball offer from the Bucs. It’s called a negotiation friends. Calm down.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
GAME OF CHICKEN
Baker’s Camp says, “2-3 teams are interested in hiring me.” Pay me $40M.
Bucs Camp says, “We like Trask.” We’ll offer you $26M.
It’s a game of chicken. Who blinks first? I think the Bucs have more options and more leverage. They probably told Baker, “If you think you can get $35M – $40M, prove it.” No one is paying Baker that much.
(Plus, his dad/brother lost all his money. $100M over 3 years looks really good.)
Baker will blink first.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:35 pm
It’s all negotiations.
Is Mayfield better than Trask? Probably.
Is Mayfield better than Trask +$40m, which would mean four really good players? I’d say no.
Anywho, the Bucs need to be doing all their due diligence and bring in Russell Wilson, like Pittsburgh did today. At the very least it’s a negotiating tactic.
Also the Bucs should start kicking the tires on Cousin, that would be a big upgrade at QB, and while expensive, at least you’d get something more than a middling QB for the money.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Buc1987, I love Mayfield but I don’t think he is elite either 😊😊 not as of yet. I am not a GM, owner or NFL personnel, so this is just my opinion. I really don’t think Bucs are gonna offer a huge contract to Mayfield base on 1 year and a so, so year at that and end up with a situation like Denver or the Gaints. The Bucs have already been through salary cap hell the past 2 years. Don’t think they want to take that gamble at this time
March 8th, 2024 at 4:38 pm
Here are the options
1. Baker
2. Russell Wilson
3. Kirk Cousins
4. Justin Fields
5. Draft (Michael Pennix)
32. Kyle Trask
March 8th, 2024 at 4:40 pm
Agree with Marine Buc sign vet to compete with Trask draft Penix let the cream rise to the top baby. Mayfield better be careful or he will wind up like Jaymiss wanting more than hes worth and wind up riding the bench again.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:42 pm
Exactly Popcorn Mike.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Think of all the good draft and free agents choices that could be made with an additional 30 or 40 million dollars ! We could be stocked team wise for years! Kyle is on the last year of his rookie contract and we don’t even know how he will do in actual games , nobody knows ! It might be a good idea to see ,before We turn him loose to go win a Superbowl for somebody else , while he is basically playing for free this year, and if he doesn’t produce this year ,you’ve lost nothing but have become a much stronger and deeper team with that 40 million dollars, a team like that would attract quite a few free agent quarterbacks , but, If he is as good as many of us think he is , you will be set for years with a franchise quarterback and a strong deep team, as a perennial Superbowl contender, so , what have you got to lose?
March 8th, 2024 at 4:51 pm
Trade fodder.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
If you went the Trask route, you’d still bring in someone, maybe a Gardner Minshew, who stats show had a better year last year compared to Baker. He’d probably cost you $6-8m, so that does take up some of that.
Still, for that extra $32-34m you have left, that can get you a top center (allow you to move Hainsey back to guard where he’s a better player – so two upgrades in one), a LB to replace White, a new safety, and perhaps even a quality #3 WR.
So when anyone talks about Mayfield vs Trask/Wilson/whoever, it’s not a straight up 1-for-1 deal.
Also, while I’m not a Baker fan, I do try to be fair when not dealing with the Baker Boi(s), and I really don’t think the market for Baker is quite as strong as he thinks. I’m not saying he won’t get a great contract from someone, but I think it will be more like $27-30m, not $40m. For the Bucs, I’d be fine with Baker at $27m, but I’d want to be able to get out of that pretty easily if he busts, and I’m sure that’s going to be a huge hold up as the Baker team wants multiple years and as much guaranteed money as possible, even if it’s at a lower annual rate.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Too many people are getting caught up with the word elite. When it’s mentioned anecdotally, many proclaim that Baker is not. Well, it depends on your definition. I don’t necessarily think he is, but he doesn’t need to be. This team won the super bowl without an elite quarterback leading them. And many perceived elite quarterbacks haven’t won one or haven’t even gotten there. Baker has better playoff performance than a few of those guys. While a few of those guys have much better statistics than him. When Mike Evans gives his opinion that he thinks he is elite, it’s regarded as nothing but teammate speak. So at the end of the day, that particular word doesn’t mean much. They are negotiating. Tampa probably started with 25 mil. Baker and his representation probably started with 45 mil. Neither will be the number. Because… It’s a negotiation.
March 8th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Speaking of a #3 WR … what is going on with Russell Gage?
If the Bucs cut him, they take a $7m cap hit, but free up $6m.
If the Bucs knew Gage was healthy, you’d absolutely want to keep him as opposed to only freeing up the $6m – since you won’t get another WR as good as him for that money. Again, with the huge asterisks of him being healthy, and thinking he’ll stay healthy. WR’s have become a super expensive position, so $6m doesn’t get you much. Which is why I wonder if the team might keep Gage afterall. He had no history of injuries before he got here, and he’d still be one of the best #3 WRs in the NFL if he’s at full speed. Just something to consider, because if you had Evans, Godwin and Gage, all healthy at the same time, that would be something.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
On the eisen show Today Licht didn’t look like a man confident with anything related to QBs he has locked up. He clearly indicated he wants and hopes for Baker to sign and not the slightest bit happy he hasn’t locked it up yet
As Gm he HAS to have a back up plan but those of you day dreaming the bucs are in the drivers seat – you should go watch that interview and then watch Baker taking swings with the Yankees and smiling about the future
He’s got nothing to lose. He’s going to sign somewhere that will make him set for life if he spends it wisely.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
How do we know he doesn’t mean Wolford? I wouldn’t overlook that dude. He’s not the physical freak some other QBs are but he can play.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:09 pm
Cousins is coming off a bad injury at 36/37 years old.
Trask is not the guy. Only die hard Gator fans think he’s anything but a guy about to be out of the league.
Chicago isn’t trading Fields here because we won’t give up draft capital for a QB that is only a weapon when he runs.
Replacing Baker with a rookie QB will lead to Evans demanding a trade and a player revolt.
Russell Wilson is a cancer and destroys locker rooms. We have no desire for him.
Any other free agent QB will be a massive step back.
Baker is the only logical choice. He has all the leverage. So the choice is to pay the guy that “proved it” this year or go straight to the bottom of the conference. We would be a 3-4 win team next year.
Don’t be cheap Bucs. Pay Baker the $40 million he’s looking for. It will be a well below market deal in the next few years. Dak is about to reset the QB market at $60 million/year. Then Lamar will bump it to $65 and so on.
Regardless of any of you haters feelings, the fact is Baker is a pro bowl/multiple playoff game winning QB. Those guys don’t get paid like middling players. They get paid well. Pay Baker. Keep this team going.
Otherwise you’re ok going into FULL REBUILD mode and multiple losing seasons.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:10 pm
While I prefer Baker because of his younger age and that he seems to get along with teammates better, I already see that Russell Wilson already has 3 teams lined up for meetings and Adam Schefter thinks there are more than that interested.
So, again, like Baker and want him signed but if he wants north of 40 million and the Bucs can get Russell Wilson for less than half of that, not sure why that would not be in the equation.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:12 pm
Trash time might be approaching….
March 8th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
Is that all Licht and GlazerCo. (the Tribe) have as a bargaining chip with Baker. Man, that is weak.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:18 pm
Cousins had better stats than Baker last year, but the Bucs would take on some risk with Cousin’s injury and definitely overpay him. Hard no on Cousins.
Penix has a tough injury history so I’m sure how much he would get hurt and I’m skeptical of his availability.
Russ had slightly better stats than Bakerr last year, so you would be getting the same level of play as Baker, but with a very small cost. Bring in Russ to compete with Wolford and Trask. Wolford could be a dark horse. His stats with the Rams weren’t good, but his preseason last year was similar to Trask’s and he knows Coen’s offense.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:24 pm
Cousins is coming off a bad injury at 36/37 years old.
Trask is not the guy. Only die hard Gator fans think he’s anything but a guy about to be out of the league.
Chicago isn’t trading Fields here because we won’t give up draft capital for a QB that is only a weapon when he runs.
Replacing Baker with a rookie QB will lead to Evans demanding a trade and a player revolt.
Russell Wilson is a cancer and destroys locker rooms. We have no desire for him.
Any other free agent QB will be a massive step back.
Baker is the only logical choice. He has all the leverage. So the choice is to pay the guy that “proved it” this year or go straight to the bottom of the conference. We would be a 3-4 win team next year.
Don’t be cheap Bucs. Pay Baker the $40 million he’s looking for. It will be a well below market deal in the next few years. Dak is about to reset the QB market at $60 million/year. Then Lamar will bump it to $65 and so on.
Regardless of any of you haters feelings, the fact is Baker is a pro bowl/multiple playoff game winning QB. Those guys don’t get paid like middling players. They get paid well. Pay Baker. Keep this team going.
Otherwise you’re ok going into FULL REBUILD mode and multiple losing seasons.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:24 pm
BakerFan Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
Is that all Licht and GlazerCo. (the Tribe) have as a bargaining chip with Baker. Man, that is weak.
LOL terribly weak but he has to be able to tell Baker’s agent he has options. Agent is no fool though he knows
“if you are good with that option Licht you wouldn’t’ be still here pressing to spends tens of millions per year more”
March 8th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
The problem with door number 2 is that you never know what you have until you open it. It could be a new car, or it could be a year worth of Turtle Wax.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
Morale will not improve until we hear and see more about Trask. DAE. If Bakit can’t meet the Bucs terms, then good riddance. Bring back JW and KT and let them compete. KT was not far off of Bakit’s performance in training camp. If not for the final drive in Atlanta, we would not even be having this discussion. Bakit would be in the rear view mirror, and KT would have shown his value. Mark Plant City
March 8th, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Door #2 is clearly Trask as he’s the only QB under contract next year. Wolford might bolt to be with Canales.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Best leverage in a deal is the willingness to walk away. Whether or not Licht is prepared to go with Trask it is now out there.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:33 pm
“JimBobBuc Says:Bring in Russ ”
Hey couzin, I wud stay away from russ
March 8th, 2024 at 5:35 pm
Baker will sign for 3 years 100 million…book it
March 8th, 2024 at 5:37 pm
To me the best leverage is pointing out when the pressure was on, in the biggest moment of his life, in a situation that every QB ever dreams of, having the ball with 2 minutes left in the playoffs with the game on the line – and Baker promptly failed.
I still have no idea why people think that isn’t a big deal. Winston would throw a 1st quarter INT in week 3 on 3rd and long – basically the same as a punt – and people would literally still be whining about it at the end of the year saying it cost them the season.
Baker literally fails in the biggest moment of his life, and no one seems to be bothered by it.
He’s not clutch, he folds under pressure (he collapsed with 2 games left needing a W to get into the playoffs and had his two worst games of the year), and if the Bucs think they’re a playoff team they shouldn’t be OK with that, and they should look to improve.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:41 pm
Wilson has “locker room issues” and doesn’t seem like a fit. Cousins is good but he is older. Penix will probably get hired before we can get him. Baker wants too much money. Mike can catch passes from almost any QB. I am so tired of hearing suppositions.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:42 pm
“Irishmist Says:
The problem with door number 2 is that you never know what you have until you open it. It could be a new car, or it could be a year worth of Turtle Wax.”
My word, that’s a lot of polish.
to polish:v
1. to make or become smooth and shiny by rubbing, esp with wax or an abrasive
March 8th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
If it ends up being Trask, the good news is Danielle Hunter and Justin Simmons are coming to town. Throw in Gus Edwards and this team will have a chance to win the way Bowles wants.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
I would be very happy if they let Mayfield go somewhere else…and started Trask…but…we all know Bowles would want to sign another veteran.
Personally, I want Trask to get a shot…but I can put up with Mayfield if I have to.
I just think Mayfield might bomb for us in 2024
March 8th, 2024 at 5:47 pm
I also wouldn’t mind seeing Penix in a Bucs uniform.
March 8th, 2024 at 5:50 pm
@ Bonzai
A return to the “norm” wouldn’t surprise me…
March 8th, 2024 at 5:59 pm
Russell may go to Steelers or Giants. I am still holding out for Baker. But are those the same teams that may want to meet with Baker too? So much going on. Hoping for a miracle.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
If you went the Trask route, you’d still bring in someone, maybe a Gardner Minshew, who stats show had a better year last year compared to Baker.
🙂 the fact that that was so thoroughly blown up yesterday that multiple posters were laughing at you was one of the highlights of the season in comments.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
I’d hate to see baker go but if he does I’m going to enjoy the implosion of this team… never seen so many morons banging the drums for a backup unproven QB… And Rid Muncher me and dozens of others have exposed you for the fraud you are but still with the Gardner minshew had a better year…there is no doubt in my mind you are ignoramus
March 8th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
No to Minshew. Baker is our guy.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Yes!!!! They know Kyle is better and will not give BM over
March 8th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Just a quick question for everyone. Who thinks of JW as a Franchise QB? There is a reason to this question.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Some years ago I told everybody that Tom Brady is going to Tampa and no one believed me. I have an acquaintance that plays in the MLB and his agent gave me this info. I’m now being told the Bucs want to go big game hunting for the D-line and are after a guy that had 17.5 sacks last year. . They want Baker back but are not willing to leave themselves handcuffed. They want to address the O-line in the draft . They did interview 6 different O-line men in the draft already too so that part of the story lines up with their actions. We shall see soon .
As always Go BUCS !!
March 8th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
BM is into his ego now. It’s all because of the Baker bois. He’s been reading this blog and thinks the Bucs fans love him. He doesn’t know that it’s only 8 people with multiple usernames
March 8th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Give Bakefield a 1 year deal for 35 million. Add the 5 million this last year and it is 20 million a year. If he improves then pay him next year.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Sadly I say no to JM as a franchise QB. He had so much potential at FSU and with us for a while, but then something changed. And then he was backup QB for the Saints.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Mayfield isn’t elite and everyone knows it. He didn’t play well with rare exception when we played teams with winning records.
HARD PASS. LET HIM WALK.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Hey guys another “elite” QB is now available –
“The Raiders have released backup quarterback Brian Hoyer, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.”
March 8th, 2024 at 6:26 pm
The reason I asked that is due to certain posters saying that because ME said BM was elite. That meant it was so! Two of these so called Bucs fans also gave the explanation that players always talk good about teammates, even went as far to say that coaches, gm’s, and players all have a PR team to take care of their answers. Then turn around and dish out “oh see ME said BM is elite”. I’m only laughing because apparently ME never lies and also said JW was a franchise QB. You guys do the math.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
BM is into his ego and it’s all the fault of you B Bois on this blog making him think he’s the second coming of Brady. If he only knew that it’s only eight people each with multiple usernames!
March 8th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
And I just like getting the BM bois up in arms lol
March 8th, 2024 at 6:28 pm
NCBuc Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Just a quick question for everyone. Who thinks of JW as a Franchise QB? There is a reason to this question.
NO, he may end up in Denver
^^mtnbucman^^
Since ’76
March 8th, 2024 at 6:39 pm
I wouldn’t easily let go of Mayfield because he has proven himself to be a good starter who can win playoff games. However I’m not scared of playing Trask and getting some help on the o-line, d-line, lb and rb . I am fairly confident that we could win at least as many games that way as we could with Mayfield
March 8th, 2024 at 6:41 pm
Marine Buc Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Hey guys another “elite” QB is now available –
Do tell – do any og them have similar endorsment credentails to elite status like this
“Baker is elite.”
— Mike Evans, professional WR that played with Tom Brady
March 8th, 2024 at 6:42 pm
Now THIS is when it gets to be fun. I’m convinced that the Bucs are using San Fran as their model: build a solid TEAM that can be run by an average QB.
March 8th, 2024 at 6:42 pm
No matter which qb that we end up with we need to re-sign Jordan Whitehead. Between him and Winfield forcing fumbles our secondary would cause a lot of turnovers. Even if it was mostly fumbles and not interceptions
March 8th, 2024 at 6:44 pm
@NCBuc
Elite is superior and superior is better than average.
In the draft, elite is often used to describe a ‘once in 10 year’ prospect.
Huge chasm there.
Back to ‘is Baker average or not?’, LOL
^^mtnman^^
Since ’76
March 8th, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
If you went the Trask route, you’d still bring in someone, maybe a Gardner Minshew, who stats show had a better year last year compared to Baker. He’d probably cost you $6-8m, so that does take up some of that.
Still, for that extra $32-34m you have left, that can get you a top center (allow you to move Hainsey back to guard where he’s a better player – so two upgrades in one), a LB to replace White, a new safety, and perhaps even a quality #3 WR.
_________
I actually like that plan.
Are you having a moment of clarity?
😀
March 8th, 2024 at 6:55 pm
Go ahead Baker, price yourself out of Tampa. We’re not headed for the SB this year and with the money we save on Baker’s ego binge we build a better team. Singh me up for Trask. (And no, not a Gator….)
March 8th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
Monkey see monkey do
March 8th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
Cousins is a joke.
If Baker leaves, bye bye. One and done.
Then draft Penix. Sign a vet not named Cousins and let it roll.
March 8th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
Yeah, if Bake wants to Break the Bank, Draft a guy and roll with Trask.
March 8th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
Trask Brigades going to feel bad come Tuesday
March 8th, 2024 at 7:24 pm
“Jeffs grandpa Says:
Trask Brigades going to feel bad come Tuesday”
That’s OK, only ’bout half dozen o them types around here anywayz
^^mtn^^
Since ’76
March 8th, 2024 at 7:27 pm
I thought his family only got taken for 12 mil. Only. lol
March 8th, 2024 at 7:35 pm
Hey guys another “elite” QB is now available –
“Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Patriots have been taking calls from teams about a possible trade involving Mac Jones and that those teams are “doing work” on the 2021 first-round pick. Rapoport also reports that the Patriots appear to be open to making a deal involving Jones.”
March 8th, 2024 at 7:55 pm
We mortgaged the team for Brady and it paid off. We can’t afford to mortgage the team again, and Mayfield is no Brady. Build the team through the draft and affordable free agents. Brady signed with the Bucs because he knew he could win with this team. He knew we could compete. Build the team around Trask for now. I have confidence in him.
March 8th, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Dare I say, I dont want anyone who doesnt want to be here. If bake wanted to be in tampa, he would be. instead he’s playing silly games. kinda over it. bring on trask and lets ride.
March 8th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Penix will not drop to 26. He had a good combine. Someone desperate for a QB will love his deep throw accuracy. If it wasn’t for the Championship game and the knee injuries, he’d be more pro-ready than most of the other guys getting drafted ahead of him – maybe all of them.
Willis McGahee and Frank Gore had terrible knee injuries and they had great pro careers at a much more physical position. This knee injury BS is a lot of smoke and mirrors to allow him to drop in the draft and be less of a gamble for a team to pick him up. If teams are that stupid to let him fall and he gets to 26, the Bucs will take him over an Edge rusher. They probably won’t trade up a few spots to get him though because they need the draft capital to address the Edge early in day 2 if they don’t draft Edge in Rd 1.
March 8th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Rod Munch gives nothing but misinformation and straight out lies…period
March 8th, 2024 at 8:19 pm
Trask would be at least as good as Mr. .500, with much more upside as Trask is essentially a rookie and Mayfield is a worn out old hen who has peaked. Trask won training camp according to JBF articles (also reported on other websites). Canales wanted Trask to start but was overruled by Bowles that’s why Canales sent out feelers and isn’t here anymore. Let Mr. 500 go he ain’t taking us anywhere good.
March 8th, 2024 at 8:31 pm
That sounds like the BUCs notice to wave “bye bye” to your playoff QB people. It was fun watching Baker bounce footballs off the BUCs receivers this year though, really fun! The BUCS rolled with Vinny for all those years, maybe they will start Trask, who knows? Enjoy whatever you have next season, it’s been FUN!🏈
March 8th, 2024 at 8:35 pm
Levin Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 8:19 pm
Trask would be at least as good as Mr. .500, with much more upside
Well yeah because Task’s back side can’t go down any further because the bench blocks it. Now if he had ever been good enough to ge off the bench then he might have some downside.
March 8th, 2024 at 8:36 pm
David.
March 8th, 2024 at 9:07 pm
NEW TOPIC JOE!: WHO WILL THE BUCS GET TO THROW TO EVANS NEXT SEASON?! Baker’s gone come FA, he’s going to get paid, so who’s next? We know it’s not Trask, 5 years is QB backup training, so Wilson?
March 8th, 2024 at 9:12 pm
Call up Bruce…there’s a plan, obviously a CHEAP one, it’s who the BUCS are. I’m betting Wilson or…is there another undervalued bargain QB out there that Bruce is willing to bet the division title streak on?
March 8th, 2024 at 9:18 pm
There’s going to be a big plate of crow getting served up real soon.
L F G
March 8th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
There’s not a defensive coordinator in the league that loses any sleep game planning against Mayfield.
March 8th, 2024 at 9:24 pm
The correct long term move isn’t to overpay, while possibly losing due to lack of good depth and a future.
I seen at a competitive site saying the Bucs has 21 millions in cap space. Not sure how true that is. If this is true, then I don’t see Baker returning with the desire for a big contract. We got holes all over this team now with uncertainty at linebacker with both starters gone, replacing Ryan Jensen (get well soon), down a safety, two outside linebackers, tight end, kicker, and countless positions in need of an upgrade. Not counting needing money to sign draft picks and udfa. If we show Baker the money, then our win record will likely be bad due to depth and lack of core identity. Plus, frustrated players tired of losing with lack of good depth. Unless Jason somehow hit on all of his draft picks and udfa.
I can get Mike Evans getting a contract before Baker. Mike has consistently made every qbs he played with better. It would’ve been a dumb move to let him go. Mike makes things easier for all qbs so far. He’s a confident builder as is Godwin.
I would go with signing a center, LVD or get an edge rusher instead, and a safety. Restructure whomever you can to make room in the cap. Trade up to get a top 5 pass rusher (the second most expensive position outside quarterbacks at the top of their game) preferably between the 11-15 spot. This is cheaper than signing a the flavor of the year edge rusher. Build around the future whether Trask or Wolford take advantage of the opportunity or not isn’t too important to winning the SuperBowl in the future. It’s the players at all the other positions or supporting cast that make SuperBowl winners. We didn’t have all of the supporting cast due to injuries, retirement, cap space, and other reasons. We don’t have it now. But, we had it when Brady and crew came to the Bucs.
I wished we rebuild last year instead of trying to stay relevant in the national media. At least we’ve been closer to building a new core and Trask and or Wolford would had the experience as starter coming into this year knowing what they must improve on. At least we know what we have for sure now.
Now, we’re in a weird spot. If Trask and or Wolford played similar or better than Baker, then how do we know they wouldn’t be consistent the following year with another contract standoff. (It would be wise to extend Trask now for 2 years, while the demand and expectations are low.) Too much guessing and gambling on the future outcome because of the Baker era. But, here we are. At least we could possibly be losing while not being handicapped by being in cap hell for multiple years stagnant. It’s give us a shot to rebound quicker and build a new core of winners. A core lead by Vita Vea, Winfield jr., Chris Godwin, and other currently younger guys as the elder. They gotten the taste of the title. They can lead the younger generation of what’s it like to win.
March 8th, 2024 at 9:33 pm
Smokescreen, trask was a wasted pick
March 8th, 2024 at 9:35 pm
“a year worth of Turtle Wax”
= 1 bottle LOL 2 if you are a diligent waxer….
March 8th, 2024 at 9:48 pm
Hey, I say go for it! Trask cost a pick and is getting paid yearly to hold a clip board one day…start him! Go TUKs!😁
March 8th, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Red86 – I wouldn’t get too hung up on cap space, as the Bucs have been using void years and guarantees to lower initial cap hits. So let’s say Licht was all in Mayfield and was willing to risk his career and give him a big multi-year deal, well they could announce a 4-year $160m deal, but in reality it can be anything. Maybe it has 4 void years at the end, and the first year cap hit is only like $6m, and the total guaranteed money is actually $60m for two years – but from a cap standpoint the hit is $6m, $26m, $25m (even though it’s still a 2-year deal, the 3rd year hit is done via the void year trickery).
I would be completely against a deal like that, but just using it as an example that is similar to what they’ve been doing as of late.
Also the team can create space by giving Winfield a new deal, they could extend Godwin which would bring down the cap, they could extend Davis, another way to bring down the cap. There’s lots of trickery they can use if they’re intent on bringing back Baker – but it would be very very risky as Licht is tying his future to a guy who has been a bust and you’re paying peak money for that guy coming off a “career year”, which was actually quite middling.
March 8th, 2024 at 10:48 pm
I just vomited
March 8th, 2024 at 11:04 pm
Kyle will save us alot of money. I like it!!
Buc this your way off.
2. Trask sVe money
3. Draft
4. Draft
5. Mayfield if he’s cheap.
March 9th, 2024 at 12:12 am
Only sign baker for the right money. Don’t overspend. He played good enough to get us to the playoffs but just barely. I like his aggressive style but at 28 years old how long can he play that way ? If he wants an elite type of pay day let him walk. He’s no Brady Mohames burrow or Allen. I’m sure he signs with the Bucs still I just hope the Bucs are smart and don’t over pay. Honestly we need a pass rusher more than baker.
March 9th, 2024 at 12:23 am
WyomingJoe Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
BAKER IS BETTER. Sign him for $35M per and stop being so cheap Tampa. You’re embarrassing your fans.
——————-
The only embarrassment is BM being our QB. My friends were literally at me all season long because of my qb
March 9th, 2024 at 12:40 am
ATLBUC Says:
March 9th, 2024 at 12:23 am
The only embarrassment is BM being our QB. My friends were literally at me all season long because of my qb
You do know what they say about birds of a feather right?
March 9th, 2024 at 1:00 am
If the Bucs really don’t sign Baker than I would trade a mid round pick for Sam Howell and have him and Trask battle for the job. Can be more aggressive in FA too and get an edge like Danielle Hunter, sign some interior guys, and get a safety.
March 9th, 2024 at 1:40 am
WyomingJoe Says:
March 8th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
BAKER IS BETTER.
———-
Well Baker probably is better than Trask … but that’s not the question.
It’s, is Baker better than Trask plus $40m, which is four really good players.
March 9th, 2024 at 7:33 am
Mike Evans on Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield:
“They both have big arms. They’re both very mobile. So they’re similar in that regard. Obviously, they’re a little different in size. But they have a similar play style. Really good NFL quarterbacks.”
That right there explains why Mike signed with the Bucs and did not wait for Mayfield to sign. Why have we not seen this all-important nugget here on JBF?
March 9th, 2024 at 7:40 am
Rod Munch Says: “Well Baker probably is better than Trask … but that’s not the question.”
Actually, probably Baker is not. That zero-experience Trask beat out/played even with 6-year 84-NFL-games veteran Mayfield in training camp and preseason – requiring Bowles to postpone his quarterback announcement after Trask’s performance in the Jets game that had Aaron Rodgers in the booth going “Wow!” to Trask’s long ball – points to Trask being better and certainly having the much higher ceiling.
March 9th, 2024 at 8:07 am
Trade Davis for Fields. Win/win.
March 9th, 2024 at 8:20 am
Kyle is a good backup. Not QB1. Baker will be back under center.
March 9th, 2024 at 8:42 am
sign wilson cut trask before monday and lets see what offers mayfield gets
March 9th, 2024 at 9:04 am
Bwahahah. No. Just no. They’re not pinning their careers to Kyle Trask and his slappiness
March 9th, 2024 at 9:25 am
YEA you mean like the plan you had ready when Tom Brady retired? You should have been drafting quarterbacks but instead had to have a veteran on the cheap and now you don’t want to pay him. Dude wont draft quarterbacks for fear of failure. We all know it but no one in the media will admit it.
Why are you so confident in drafting lineman and edge rushers but the only quarterback to seemed comfortable using a premium pick on is Trask. It was a fail and you struck out twice. He’s scared to try so don’t expect a second round quarterback this year.
March 9th, 2024 at 10:04 am
Tom Brady took 25mil a year so put that in perspective. Plus Baker is not that elite…besides the interception, Jameis put up good numbers with our WRs.
March 9th, 2024 at 10:21 am
Wow, a lot of anti-Trask people on here. And (not so) shockingly, the exact same amount of people that know nothing about football. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
March 9th, 2024 at 10:35 am
ATLBUC, your friends are idiots. Grow a sack, and stand up for your team. Baker is better than any qb they had all of last season.
March 9th, 2024 at 11:13 am
The consultant might like door #2 but what about the coach..Vikings are fiery and competative to say the least. Might be a good fit.
March 9th, 2024 at 11:17 am
The owners have 100 financial advisors.
March 9th, 2024 at 11:50 am
I’ll take Wilson in the 30 to 40,000,000. Statistics last year between Baker and Wilson are really not that far apart and in some cases Wilson comes out on top.
March 9th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Trask is probably a decent backup. Wolford is not; if he’s not throwing Interceptions he’s out with a neck injury. GM speak for bargaining leverage with Mayfield’s agent; rolling with your #2 says “rebuild”, and that doesn’t align with bringing back ME and Winfield. I figure a 4 year deal with Mayfield, if they’re comfortable with Trask he gets a decent deal next year; if not he walks and they draft a maybe QB in R3 or 4
March 9th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
Wilson is cooked. His stats were decent but he played small ball, lots of high % passes around the LOS. When it came time to uncork a long ball, he just didn’t have it. ME would have had maybe 6 TDs with Russell. There’s a reason Denver is eating a lot of dead $ to say Bye-bye
March 9th, 2024 at 3:42 pm
QB options:
JOSH FREEMAN
JEFF GARCIA
JOSH MCCOWN
LUKE MCCOWN
STEVE YOUNG
VINNY TESTAVERDE
JAMEIS WINSTON
KYLE TRASK
BRIAN GRIESE
SHAUN KING
BRAD JOHNSON
BYRON LEFTWICH
SIGN LEFTWICH. HE’S NOT DOING MUCH!
March 9th, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Or just get Tom to come back somehow.😀🙏
March 9th, 2024 at 4:57 pm
BucThis Says:
“Here are the options
1. Baker
2. Russell Wilson
3. Kirk Cousins
4. Justin Fields
5. Draft (Michael Pennix)
32. Kyle Trask”
Ouch! Honestly, what do you really think about Kyle Trask? LOL. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather have Baker to Trask by a $38M mile but that’s harsh to put Pennix and 26 other options ahead of him. Sometimes you got to have a Sam Howell to get a Mayo or Daniels.
I would agree, Wilson would be a great option 2. At the price of $2M a year for two years, maybe Wilson is already talking to Bucs as an option 2 when Baker is legally able to field Minnesota’s and Atlanta’s best offer Monday. Wilson does have experience in the offense though he did well in the Shottenheimer/Beavell version and a bit less well in the Wauldron/McVay version. And to be honest, the Bucs would be a much better option for Wilson than Pittsburgh or Raiders – unless Wilson wanted to join the Raiders to poke Sean Payton in the eyes at least twice a year. I am hoping he stays out of the NFC. He would own the NFC South playing for Tampa, especially if Cousins goes to Atlanta and Baker goes Minnesota. I am shifting my online bets money that Cousins goes to Atlanta and Baker moves to Minnesota. Wilson to Tampa. My hope is Baker stays in Tampa, Cousins stays in Minnesota (and away from the NFC South) and Wilson goes to Raiders/Steelers. Because I want the Bucs to win in a weak NFC South.
I am not sure why Tampa wouldn’t rather commit 3 years to Baker and risk Baker leaving to Atlanta or Minnesota just to sign very little playoff success for $185M Cousins who wants $45M for two years. It may be painful to see players switch teams but it has been entertaining reading these boards and media useful idiot coverage.
Justin Fields will find a home – whoever doesn’t get Cousins or Baker. For a low price of a pick and 4th year rookie contract value. And if Fields balls, guess who will be asking for Daniel Jones money of $40M a year next year? LOL.
If Trask is your Tampa plan B option and balls, guess who will be asking for Daniel Jones money of $40M a year next year because 2024 is his last year of his 2nd round rookie contract? LOL.
March 9th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
There is still a long road till the season rolls around. Anything can happen, including Duh Baker reverting to his normal self. while Trask takes another big step forward.
We’ll probably bitch about whatever management does if it doesn’t get the Bucs another Stupor Bowl ring.
March 9th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Just roll with Trask if Baker won’t sign and draft another qb
March 9th, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Baker is just too much money for a bottom tier QB1. To win with weak QB1s you need an ELITE team and you can’t get that if you pay your QB a premium.
If you don’t like Trask then draft a QB or two.
March 10th, 2024 at 10:41 am
Matt Says, I completely agree! He is a solid QB, but there has to be money left to surround him with a solid offense for him to be successful.
He is not a top tier QB, and that’s ok. 20-25mil a year for 3yrs should be his limit. Just because the Giants made a terrible decision with their QB doesn’t mean Tampa should.
Reality is, if he wants 40+ mil a year, they need to move on. Too many high priced guys on this team and more high priced contracts coming up and too many holes to fill.