Derek Barnett & The Bucs
January 27th, 2025
Bucs general manager Jason Licht.
So the Bucs, unless their front office has a sadistic streak, will let Joe Tryon-Shoyinka walk in free agency and try to find someone more worthy of the 539 defensive snaps JTS enjoyed last season.
The Bucs’ 2021 first-round pick, in regular-season play, has averaged 1 sack for every 168 snaps. That’s brutal for an edge rusher.
Heck, Anthony Nelson, often Tryon-Shoyinka’s backup for the past four seasons, has been a far more prolific pass rusher. Through those same four seasons, Nelson averaged 1 sack for every 112 snaps, and at times he came off the field on passing downs.
This brings Joe to Tryon-Shoyinka’s 2025 replacement. Will the Bucs invest big money in free agency on an edge rusher?
History says that’s highly unlikely. So Joe’s exploring the second and lower tier potential free agents, guys that could compete with 2024 draft pick Chris Braswell, who the Bucs certainly hope/pray becomes a legit pass rusher.
Veteran edge rusher Derek Barnett, who turns 29 in June, might be on Tampa Bay’s radar.
After five seasons on an often loaded Eagles defensive line, Barnett blew out his knee (ACL) on opening day of the 2022 season. He came back in 2023 but rode the bench and was cut in midseason. The Texans picked him up and re-signed him for 2024 on a one-year contract for $2 million plus incentives.
Barnett finished this season healthy as a rotational pass rusher with 5 sacks in only 390 snaps. He also was responsible for one of the most unique plays of the NFL season.
In the video below, you’ll see Barnett get a strip-sack of Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush and after the Cowboys recover the ball, Barnett picks up a second Cowboys fumble and rumbles for a touchdown.
Joe doesn’t know what Barnett might command in free agency, but it won’t be a ton.
He’s got an Eagles Super Bowl ring and maybe, just maybe, Barnett is now fully past the blown ACL and ready to return to the standout player he was early in his career.
Derek Barnett forced the first fumble and recovered the second for the TD!
📺: #HOUvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XoOP2tepIG— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2024
January 27th, 2025 at 9:23 am
With Bowles’ inability to draft and develop an edge rusher, a trade or FA pickup will be needed. BTW, at #19 the Bucs won’t be able to pick an elite edge rusher.
Trade Dean and get a veteran edge or ILB. Pickup an edge or ILB in FA.
I like getting a top CB with pick #19, AND picking up a CB in free agency. Bryce Hall could still be a good CB for us, but his injury history is a risk.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:27 am
Joe, last year you were talking about picking up Haason Reddick, is he still available?
January 27th, 2025 at 9:29 am
I’m pretty sure they are looking for a Free Agent DE and it would be smart for that player signs a fair deal because it’s going to be a very special season for that player.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:30 am
Defense is A-1 Priority this off-season. A punter will help, too. That’s why the OC job needs to be wrapped up ASAP!
January 27th, 2025 at 9:31 am
I HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU FOLKS.
BUT THIS TEAM NEEDS TO TRADE TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS FOR MYLES GARRETT OR MICAH PARSONS.
AND YES THE BUCS SHOULD HAVE SIGNED SAQOUN BARKLEY BUT WE CHOSE TO PAY WINFIELD JR LOL
January 27th, 2025 at 9:32 am
JimBob – Yep, draft best available DB/LB with #19 and address our sad pass rush with a veteran via trade or FA! Could see us drafting almost exclusively defense though out all rounds!!
January 27th, 2025 at 9:34 am
JimBobBuc Says:
“at #19 the Bucs won’t be able to pick an elite edge rusher.”
Verse was picked at #19 last year…. Kancey at #19 the year before….
January 27th, 2025 at 9:36 am
Licht does like the scratch and dent sales.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:42 am
While I appreciate Joe tossing out info on potential Bucs……I would be curious if there was ever one that we actually acquired……
Maybe the second coming of Shaq……Mike Edwards or Jordan Whitehead.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:46 am
JimBobBuc Says
“With Bowles’ inability to draft and develop an edge rusher, a trade or FA pickup will be needed.”
I would point out that the focus was on completing the offense in the draft the past 2 years, and rightfully so. The Bucs knew that for Baker to succeed, he would need a solid offense around him.
But that also meant the defense was not addressed properly during the last 2 years.
Bowles is not to blame for that. He could have selfishly insisted the focus be on his defense to make himself look good, but he did what was best for the team.
They are now in a position to address the defense in the draft. Fix the secondary, ad a good pass rusher…and this team is Superbowl bound. Thanks to Bowles and Jason Licht.
When Arians was coach, we knew his time coaching was limited. With Brady, the time of him playing was limited. So the focus was on rapid improvement for short term gain.
But building a team that can be tough every year is something that takes more time.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:54 am
Bonsai, don’t forget the ILBs. We need two – one from FA and one in the draft
January 27th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Before Bowles arrived in Tampa, what was the good defensive player Litch brought to Tampa?! Name 1?
January 27th, 2025 at 10:13 am
Hope so!
January 27th, 2025 at 10:22 am
Get rid og Bowles defense schemes. Start over with a simple cover 2 and no edge rushers. His do not rush but mostly drop back and run around waving their arms.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:23 am
I’d be fine with this.
Also wanted to come here and vent a little… I can’t stand the Chiefs. I shouldn’t care so much but Mahomes and Kelce are so unlikable, their path to get to the SB was embarrassingly easy with all the help they received through reffing, through teams shooting themselves in the foot time after time. Someone tell me if they are gonna win it again, cause I think I will pass on watching.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Positions of need in FA and or the draft. ILB, OLB, CB and WR. I mentioned at the beginning of the season WR would be a position of need and that hasn’t changed. Even if that were to happen in the 1st round. Which might send some in to an apoplectic fit.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:38 am
I can remember CTB mentioning at the owners meeting that he had a plan for JTS. That he was going to move him around and use him as a special weapon to keep the offense guessing. Turns out the only guessing done was by Bucs fans as to why he was on the field at all.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:39 am
Joe is thinking the right way! Dig for those free agents who come with the most bang for a buck!
If Larry Foote leaves and Lavonte David decides that he doesn’t want to play for a new ILB coach, the hole the Bucs had at ILB this year will become a cataclysmic!
The good news is that the Bucs can get excellent help at Edge and ILB with the same first round draft pick! Jihaad Campbell is 6’3” tall, weighs 244 pounds and runs a 4.52 forty yard dash. He is a three down linebacker who frequently played Edge on passing downs. This year, he had five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Double up by taking Smael Mondon from Georgia in the second or third round. He is an ILB from Georgia. 6’3” tall, 235 pounds, he runs a 4.46 forty yard dash. And, he can play Nickel and Safety as well as three down linebacker.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:47 am
GREAT let’s bring in some more mediocre players and hope they bloom!
Mannnn @joebucsfan we gotta want better. I understand we can’t sign every big name player but sheesh can we atleast try and get over the hump! Signing Barnett sounds like we’re going for another 9-8 season and maybe a playoff birth. Stop selling this crap! Now Pat jones from Vikings is one you may want to look into!
January 27th, 2025 at 10:53 am
Hassan got like ONE sack for the Jets. I’m thinking of the guy the Lions signed after what’s his name blew his knee out
January 27th, 2025 at 10:55 am
But JTS is Todd’s chess piece can’t let him go. The fact that Bowles said that about a guy who’s done nothing in four years is proof Todd’s a fool. Forget the OC search find a DC with half a brain!
January 27th, 2025 at 10:57 am
Yeah, but how is he in coverage? Pfffttttt
January 27th, 2025 at 11:04 am
The only reason JTS is even in the conversation is that he has not been cut before. How can that be?
January 27th, 2025 at 11:14 am
The unrealistic negative for the sake of being nasty comments are pretty tired at this point
It’s what you focus on..
Go Bucs!
January 27th, 2025 at 11:17 am
What are his pass coverage skills? We know that he will drop into coverage more often than rushing the passer. If he can leave the middle wide open and fail to tackle a back in the flat after he converts the first down, he’s Todd’s guy.
January 27th, 2025 at 11:21 am
Potential Free Agent Signing(s):
-Azeez Ojulari (24) HT: 6’3 | WT: 240
-Malcolm Koonce (26) HT: 6’2 | WT: 250
January 27th, 2025 at 11:24 am
How bout go after free agent Khalil Mack and draft a solid pass rusher in the draft. Mack still has something in his tank. Stop going after these mediocre pass rushers
January 27th, 2025 at 11:30 am
khalil mack on a 1-2 year deal is also looking like a perfect fit imo
January 27th, 2025 at 11:39 am
Speaking of Khalil Mack. I do remember when Jon Gruden first took the role as HC of the Raiders (for the 2nd time). He then promptly traded away Mack then turned around and complained that the team needed players that could rush the passer. In the following 18 games Mack sacked the QB 17 times. True story. When it comes to assessing players no one does it quite like Jon Gruden.
January 27th, 2025 at 11:45 am
I am sure the Bucs will come up with someone special on defense. They did it before with Shue and JPP
January 27th, 2025 at 11:46 am
Todd Bowles says outside linebacker is the hardest position to play in his defense. He also says he asks his olb’s to do more than any other team in the league. Does it really matter who the pass rushers are if they’re not allowed to consistently rush the passer?
Just curious, but how often did Shaq drop into coverage the year hea had the 19 sacks versus the following years?
January 27th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Looks like a 4-3 DE not an edge LB
January 27th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
The argument was that CTB has yet to develop an impact pass rusher despite working with a countless amount of guys over many years. Which is why I was shocked to hear Ira make the argument, on his podcast, that CTB had developed Shaq..Wait..What? Ira’s argument was CTB hadn’t developed a legit, impact pass rusher throughout his entire career over many years but he should get the credit for developing Shaq within a six month period to become a 19 sacks a year player? Whoa. Talk about jumping the shark. I had spaghetti-o’s dripping from my chin.
January 27th, 2025 at 12:42 pm
JTS: 539 snaps, 2.0 sacks, 22 pressures
Chris Braswell: 328 snaps, 1.5 sacks, 19 pressures
I wish Todd Bowles would’ve given some more of those 539 snaps to Chris Braswell.
January 27th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
Trade for Maxx Crosby problem solved.
January 27th, 2025 at 1:29 pm
Khalil Mack will turn 34 before the season is over. I’d be a little leery. Myles Garrett is more of a 4-3 DE than OLB. He turns 30 in Dec. Two first round picks is kinda steep considering our other needs, his fit, and his age.
January 27th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
One things for deeyham skippy….Joe Tryon has to go. He has had more than enough time to develop. Don’t you think?
January 27th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Max wants to play pass coverage?
January 27th, 2025 at 2:02 pm
With cap room (finally) and not a lot of FA, we should be able to get some real EDGE talent onto the team.
January 27th, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Bowles runs a rotation no matter what even if that snap count takes his best player off the field on third downs so the dude still gonna need like 2 free agent edge rushers
It’s what we hate about Bowles. We are mediocre middle of the pack which is dead man’s land in the nfl. Be one of the best or one of the worst because it means you either have a stacked roster or high draft picks coming to build one. How common is it to find elite edge rushers where the Bucs pick? Licht won’t trade up in the draft and take a chance on a young pass rusher but he’ll stand pat or trade up one or two spots for an average one? Most of you guys are right but me personally go all in and trade up in the draft after getting aggressive in free agency but this front office doesn’t have any balls and they take this passive approach. I wonder how many late round picks will Licht waste trying to find a edge rush gem instead of getting aggressive
January 27th, 2025 at 2:36 pm
At last I can join the boys ripping on Todd.
It’s inexcusable that the Bucs (Todd/Jason/Kacy Rodgers) kept giving JTS more snaps than Nelson!! Who do we blame? All three perhaps?
Rodgers is headed to Detroit having built his rep on ONE thing, STOPPING THE RUN which Todd does obsess over.
Bottom line is that here is a spot where I agree with the Bowles bashers!
JL may have hoped that his high pick would get justified. It didn’t. Jason is great but we all make mistakes.
Rodgers may have simply been following his OC/DC’s directions.
This does scream that Todd should surrender his DC duties to get a better view of the entire picture!!
January 27th, 2025 at 2:53 pm
“…Bowles’s inability to draft and develop an edge rusher…”???
Overall draft pick #82 two years ago, Yaya Diaby continued to improve this year. It seems like “Bowles” made a good draft pick, and it seems like “Bowles” has done a good job developing an edge rusher.
Draft analysts generally rated JTS as an eventual plus starter. Obviously, it was a gamble to take him at #32 considering that he sat out the Covid year. And, obviously, the Bucs have only gotten third or fourth round production for their first round pick. But, how is that all on Bowles? I am pretty sure that the whole organization has a say in evaluating potential first round draft picks, and that Jason Licht has the final say. And, I am sure that he knows that ~50% of first round draft picks do not get a second contract with the team that drafts them.
With JTS, the Bucs didn’t beat the odds; with Yaya Diaby, it looks like they evened the odds. Of course, I would prefer for them to beat the odds! But, it is not like they haven’t done well in the draft overall. Look at Bucky and Jalon McMillan and Tykee Smith 👍🏻; Graham Barton looks good so far; who knows yet about Chris Braswell. Three out of five beats the odds; four out of five is great! And, they may yet go five for five this year with their top picks!
January 27th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
Oh Nooo!
January 27th, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Imagine Khalil Mack At 34 coming in for a free agent visit and the HC/DC is saying in his scheme his best players one the edge, linebackers and even one of the best nose tackles in football all have to drop back in pass coverage. If you can get that money anywhere why not go somewhere to simply do what you do best?
January 27th, 2025 at 4:19 pm
DO IT. ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN CANT PUT THE BONG DOWN GREGORY WHO FORGOT TO COME TO PRACTICE. Deff bring back Shaq go get Mack or Barnett and draft another dude lol one of these days we will draft an edge rusher who isn’t a DT. Shoot start using kancey on the edge more
January 27th, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Show me his stats in PBUs, since he will be dropping in coverage probably on 3rd and long.
January 27th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Maxx, Barnett, Braswell, JTS, Vita, whoever. If you’re playing for this defense, you’ll be seen running 20 yards off the line of scrimmage all the time. Might as well just line them up at deep safety and put the DBs up at NT and 3 technique.
It will confuse the opposing QB, and that’s what you want out of your defense. Confusions.
January 27th, 2025 at 10:25 pm
Joe–I would be curious to hear your thoughts on what you think the Bucs will do for the backup QB spot for 2025. I assume Trask will leave to find a team where he can compete for a starting job.
January 27th, 2025 at 11:50 pm
Ojulari from the Giants is really good.. if he’s a FA that’s the move
January 28th, 2025 at 12:23 am
we need a couple of these guys! Derek Barnett sounds good Joe! Low price and knows how to get to the passer, he may be willing to take a spot on the Bucs team too as he would likely get work. Our young guys like Yaya and Braswell need a vet to look up to also. Good all the way around.
January 28th, 2025 at 1:06 am
How good is Ojulari dropping 30 yards deep to cover air for 20 yards in any direction? Because in the Bucs current defense, he’ll do more of that than actually playing to his strength.