High Character, Low Drama
July 26th, 2024
ALWAYS ask for the Ira Kaufman discount at Bill Currie Ford, where GM Sean Sullivan will beat any advertised price by $100. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie!
BY IRA KAUFMAN
If the biggest issue through two days of training camp is the whereabouts of Randy Gregory, you’re having a whale of a summer.
Look at what’s going on across the rest of the National Football League.
There are deep concerns from Las Vegas to New York, and many points in between. Meanwhile, over at One Buc Place, Todd Bowles and his coaching staff are going about their business with minimal distractions.
When camp opened, Bowles fielded a bunch of questions about Gregory’s status. He says he’s done answering any more queries concerning the veteran edge rusher.
Bravo.
Get over it. We’re not talking about T.J. Watt or Khalil Mack here. Randy Gregory was a fringe offseason pickup signed three weeks into free agency … a low-risk move accompanied by little fanfare. At best, Gregory was going to be a placeholder until rookie Chris Braswell accumulated enough pro snaps on tape for Bowles to make a judgment on his readiness.
Anytime the focus is on Gregory or Chase Edmonds, that means this franchise is ahead of the curve in late July.
Any key players coming off a major injury? No. Any significant contributors missing from camp because of a contract dispute? None. Anybody demanding more snaps this fall. Hell no.
This smooth start doesn’t guarantee a thing when the Commanders come to town for the Sept. 8 opener. This team will have to work for everything it gets, but the vibe couldn’t be better two weeks before the preseason opener.
Happy times for rookie Graham Barton and the Bucs.
Other NFL camps are fraught with questions.
The Cowboys don’t know when, or if, CeeDee Lamb is showing up.
Green Bay is practicing without disgruntled stud quarterback Jordan Love.
The Falcons aren’t quite sure what to expect from Kirk Cousins, coming off a torn Achilles.
If the Raiders know the identity of their starting quarterback, they’re not saying.
The Jets thought it would be a smooth ride adding Haason Reddick to their strong defense as a dynamic pass rusher. They thought wrong.
John Lynch isn’t exactly enjoying a stress-free summer. Brandon Aiyuk is doing more yakking than practicing and the 49ers have no idea when Trent Williams, the league’s premier left tackle, will grace the organization with his presence.
Tristan Wirfs has been all smiles at training camp.
No such drama at One Buc Place. Why? One critical reason is the high character of the players Jason Licht has welcomed in.
Tristan Wirfs obviously would like the comfort of a long-term extension, but there he is, working out with teammates in 93-degree heat to show his commitment to the franchise.
There’s Mike Evans, still excited about his job after a decade of bumps, bruises and 1,000-yard seasons.
The Bucs are so far under the national radar, you need sonar to find them. They don’t have a flamboyant owner like Jerry Jones or a quote machine under center like Aaron Rodgers. They don’t play in the Big Apple or Big D, so don’t expect much chatter about them on First Take or SportsCenter.
So what?
This is a blue-collar team representing a blue-collar community. Baker Mayfield is well on his way to winning over this fan base as the Bucs pursue a fifth consecutive playoff berth.
One thing we know about the long NFL season — there will be serious challenges to overcome. Tampa Bay had to win five of its final six games last year to win the NFC South once again. Key injuries can expose a team’s lack of depth in a hurry.
But early in camp, the 2024 Bucs appear healthy and driven. It’s so quiet around here you can hear Bowles humming a Motown tune on his way out to the field.
Let’s get it on.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:15 am
I say trade Chris Godwin for Haason Reddick.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:17 am
I guess the algorithm won’t allow me to say the name of the Jets player that is holding out. I would like to see Jason trade our #14 for him.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:20 am
Now you got me hummin’ that Motown tune. đ Seriously though, has anyone set up a “welfare check” on Gregory yet?
July 26th, 2024 at 12:23 am
What is the hold up on the Wirfs deal? The kid is only going to get more expensive every day you wait to resign him. Said the same thing about Winfield, they should have locked him up the 1st day they were able to do so, now they’re paying millions more a year than they would have, had they done that early.
When you have young players on a HOF trajectory, there’s no reason not to get their deals done as soon as you possibly can, and both Wirfs and Winfield should be HOFers one day barring major injuries.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:04 am
The Bucs should trade #14 for Jets #7 and if necessary toss JTS in for good measure.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:14 am
The first thing I said to my buddy today as we were leaving the âopen to the publicâ practice today was that they were light years sharper today than they were at the practice we attended last offseason. This looks like a focused and determined team this year. Itâs going to be a fun season.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:43 am
I dropped 100 this past weekend on us winning the south…max payout is 420…see what i did there? (chuckles) anyways i was trying to put it on the over but the option wasnt there at the casino i go to sometimes….all other teams were there except our Bucs, lol, i guess they said nope thats a losing bet.
July 26th, 2024 at 2:39 am
Ira, the premier LT in the NFL is in Tampa.
July 26th, 2024 at 4:58 am
Excellent overview. We are always underrated while all these other teams have major discord right now. Especially the Cowboys, Jets, et al. Hoping to see Mike Evans break those records this season!
We are a fine-tuning machine with really no drama. Yes there is the Gregory thing. But his beef is with the NFL overall. Not the Bucs.
Surprised about Wirf showing up at camp. Good for him when so many from other teams are refusing to show up until they get the money. So afraid Wirf could get hurt though. A deal needs to be made soon for him.
July 26th, 2024 at 6:38 am
I like the makeup and mindset of this team. Very optimistic they’re going to have a very successful year.
July 26th, 2024 at 7:16 am
Brian:
Interested observation. Donât think you are wrong either.
July 26th, 2024 at 11:28 am
Godwin for a malcontent like Reddick? Horrible deal. Not only do they lose a premium weapon, you gain a giant manchild as well. He’s now crapped all over two franchises- why make it three?
This guy is screaming ‘watch me coast after I get paid’….
July 26th, 2024 at 11:39 am
I say we trade Citrus for Times Square Elmo and a slice on New York Pizza! Or just the Pizza.
July 26th, 2024 at 11:46 am
@Anyhony
And a pineapple fanta
July 26th, 2024 at 12:02 pm
@Dude:
We would have to throe in a bag of Oranges.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
^throw
July 26th, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Finally some feedback.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:29 pm
If you are going to trade me I want a whole pizza and a case of beer on a 3 year deal with performance incentives.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
^^^Trade talks just broak off^^^
July 26th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
I find it a bit odd that all my insistence on trading Chris for Haason didn’t didn’t elicit any more response than it has. I’ve noticed that some of the haters are capable of genuine thought, but most only regurgitate what they have seen elsewhere. If that’s the case why doesn’t someone dig up real info on Haason and make a case for not making that trade. Don’t just say he’s a bad apple without backing it up. Why doesn’t someone make a case to keep Godwin even though he might leave next year, or will he ? Why doesn’t someone put thought into the SuperBowl window and make a case for any potential trade (possibly a running back) or cap move that might benefit the team ?
Some of the posters actually put thought into what they say and make good arguments or analysis. That makes it interesting to read whether you agree or not. Mindless, thoughtless hatred benefits no one and only serves to make yourself to look bad.
July 26th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Anyhony Says:
July 26th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
^^^Trade talks just broak off^^^
Finally some good humor even if the spelling is bad.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Hasson wants more money than either the Bucs or Eagle can scrape up, whereas
Godwin is on the books for 2024 whether we trade him or not. Besides Godwin is loyal and a Pro’s pro.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:24 pm
StormyInFl Says:
July 26th, 2024 at 11:28 am
Godwin for a malcontent like Reddick? Horrible deal. Not only do they lose a premium weapon, you gain a giant manchild as well. Heâs now crapped all over two franchises- why make it three?
This guy is screaming âwatch me coast after I get paidââŚ.
3 teams…Arizona, Carolina, and Philly before the Jets trade. I don’t see that shows signs of coasting. So far as I can find info on him he puts forth effort on every play. Whereas he is a “tweener” maybe the lack of stability in his career is because of the way defenses have utilized him. Is that not similar to the Godwin scenario ? He might actually be a perfect fit for the Bowles defense which in turn would make him a very productive player at good value. He would be a known asset locked in for a period of time at roughly the same expense as Godwin. That would help in managing the cap and may help the Wirfs situation.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:38 pm
My other comment is being moderated. Yes Chris is on the books for 2024. That’s my point. He likely won’t be on the books in ’25. He’s making about 20mil and we have good young receivers on the way up. If we trade him and swap his 20mil for say 18mil for a proven OLB for 3 years on a good creative deal the impact on the defense would, I believe, counteract the loss on the offense. If we packaged in JTS to the Jets for a draft pick they would get an OLB to replace their loss and we would clear a roster spot for someone that could add value to the team as well. The 2mil difference could be important even necessary to completing the gigantic contract Wirfs will get. Or we might find a running back with size that can break tackles.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Davante adams salary
Based on the provided information, here are the key details about Davante Adamsâ salary:
Current Contract: 5-year, $140 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, signed in March 2022
Average Annual Salary: $28 million
Guaranteed Money: Approximately $65.7 million
2024 Salary: Base salary of $16,890,000, with a workout bonus of $100,000, and a cap hit of $25,350,000
Future Salaries: In 2025 and 2026, Adams will earn a base salary of $36.25 million per year
Chris Godwin is 3 years younger and the Jets could work out their own contract with him. I don’t think Aaron Rodgers would scoff at him. They could also work out a beneficial contract with JTS. It looks like a win-win to me.
July 26th, 2024 at 1:56 pm
My other big point is that both CG and JTS will be free agents next year. We should get something for them now rather than just waving goodbye.
July 26th, 2024 at 2:02 pm
I gotta believe Jason is sniffing at this deal. It would go a long way toward paving over the Gregory fiasco and get us an infinitely better player.
July 26th, 2024 at 2:09 pm
And since JTS has one year remaining on his rookie contract the Jets would have an audition period with him.
July 26th, 2024 at 2:27 pm
Think about it. The narrative has been “we need a pass rush”. If we bring in you know who (I think his last name is what is getting me moderated…spell it out with a space between the 3rd &4th letter) then suddenly we have a very formidable pass rush with lots of depth and only one big money player. From famine to feast.
July 26th, 2024 at 2:50 pm
Even with the loss of CG I believe our offense will score at least 21pts. per game as we did last year. With the addition of HR along with all the other talent that should move us up from the 23rd ranked defense to a top 10 defense. Godwin was criticized for not scoring and producing enough last year be it his fault or not (likely not). So how much of an impact would his loss really be ? The addition of HR just might put us over the top.
July 26th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
Maybe the Gregory scenario was just a hedge against Jason not being able to make the Godwin trade.
July 26th, 2024 at 4:39 pm
I would like to think that a trade has been brewing for a while. We played Philly twice last year so Todd got to see HR up close.
July 26th, 2024 at 5:02 pm
After nosing around the Jets roster, CG might be a perfect fit as a slot receiver with them. I noticed that their offense has been referred to as a “slot machine”. From what I can tell they don’t have the right “handle puller” for that machine.
July 26th, 2024 at 5:06 pm
They also run a 4-3 defense and JTS has been in Bowles 4-3 for 3 years.
July 26th, 2024 at 5:06 pm
Good article Ira. Always want to be below the radar, that way your enemies (or opponents) never see you coming. Hopefully our scheduled opponents will believe everything theyâre told by the sports media talking heads servicing the big market teams.
As for those wanting to trade an unsung hero like Godwin, for a malcontent edge⌠do what I did, take a look who was on the other side of that line in Philly (not to mention the rest of that d-line).
July 26th, 2024 at 5:57 pm
Yes CG is a special player for the Bucs. Next year he will be due BIG $$. Football is a business. Everything I have read about HR doesn’t indicate that he is a malcontent. It indicates that he has been misused. One ATL talking head wants to trade a 3rd round pick for HR. There’s rumors in Philly that they will snooker the Jets and get him back at basically no cost or even a gain. Everyone is saying the Jets are stupid enough for anything. With all the new receiver talent Jason won’t pay CG HUGE $ and further insult M.E. So rather than let him reach free agency and get nothing for him get HR. There is nothing to indicate that (barring injury) he won’t get us at least 10 sacks each year for 2 years based on past performance. Give him a 3 year deal for say 60mil with 30mil guaranteed. We lose CG’s salary of 20mil. Now JTS, he sweetens the pot for the Jets as they need a replacement OLB. We take a draft pick for him and at least get something for our trouble. The Jets save face by getting 2 players for 1 and we unload two players that won’t be here next year anyway and get a proven pass rusher in return on a sweet deal with little risk. Of course I’m just using my made up numbers but the thought behind the trade remains the same.
July 26th, 2024 at 5:58 pm
In free speech jail again.
July 26th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Please, somebody who lives in the area spend some time with Citrus. Talking to himself on a fan forum can’t be healthy.
July 26th, 2024 at 11:16 pm
Citrus
If what you are proposing was good for the Bucs, I’m sure that JL, who has incredibly more intel on it than you, would have already pulled the trigger. The fact that he hasn’t doesn’t bode well for your intelligent bonafides.
Just sayin
July 27th, 2024 at 1:16 am
I’m just playing GM in my own mind entertaining my self while recuperating and housebound. I don’t really care what they do any more than they care about my opinion. It just seems to me to be the logical thing to do. I do enjoy trying to liven things up because most commenters never post anything of value. They make a quick hateful smart a.. remark and move on. I look at it like making a thesis and backing it up. It’s an academic exercise to try to keep my brain sharp as old age creeps in. The saying “never let the old man in” applies to the brain as well. Composing and writing is just as important as reading. This is a free and anonymous way for me to do that.
July 27th, 2024 at 1:26 am
gp Says:
July 26th, 2024 at 11:16 pm
^^^^. ^^^^ (A new trick I learned today)
I think it would be great for the commenters to do less mindless commenting and participate in constructive civil conversations. We all might learn some things.
July 27th, 2024 at 1:44 am
As an example; Ira is turning 70. Happy Birthday Ira.
I’ve been following him for many years. In addition to getting his physical exercise, he reads, writes, studies, speaks, makes and keeps contacts. These things he needs to do for his job but they also keep his mind sharp. He needs that sharp mind to present a case for a HOF candidate. That’s a big sales pitch and an important one as well, one he can’t mess up. I’m a little older than him and don’t have a venue like he is so fortunate to have to exercise those skills. JBF is a small venue and I’m looking for other more varied ones.
July 27th, 2024 at 9:14 am
I’m all for civil conversation.
BUT
Beating a dead horse the way you have been doing does get a little boring and irritating.
Temperance, my friend.
July 27th, 2024 at 10:34 am
Then don’t read it.
July 30th, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Can I nominate Ira for All Pro? Outstanding Ira!
Go Bucs!