Todd Bowles’ Greatest Gift
February 4th, 2025
Most Bucs fans are not Todd Bowles fans. So Joe’s often wondered what it will take for those fans to flip in Bowles’ direction or at least temporarily forget their distate for the head coach.
Joe finds the Bowles rage somewhat unique on the NFL scale. Few coaches have been reviled like Bowles after winning three consecutive division titles.
Even the most hateful Bucs fans can admit that’s a rare NFL dynamic.
Yesterday, after All-World edge rusher Myles Garrett made it public that he wants to play for a contender and requested a trade from Cleveland, “this Joe” thought the excitement of the Bucs making that deal might be enough to cool the Bowles fire.
Bucs fans instantly would be so over-the-top focused on being a 2025 Super Bowl contender, and even the most cynical would recognize that Bowles and Garrett are a good fit.
Maybe that would be enough to unite fans like it’s 2021 again?
If Garrett is an honest man, Tampa should be on his list of destinations. Garrett would be a straight up fraud if he wasn’t interested in a Bucs team that’s won four consecutive division titles and has Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey on the roster.
Anyone think Lavonte David sits out the season if the Bucs trade for Garrett?
Yes, Joe thinks the Bucs want Garrett. He matches a need and has a below-market-value contract with two more seasons remaining on a five-year deal.
The problem is nearly every contender will want Garrett.
SI.com national NFL insider Albert Breer told The Rich Eisen Show yesterday he could see the Texans, Rams, Commanders, Eagles and Lions moving on Garrett. And Breer noted how he could talk himself into a large handful of teams.
Sadly, the Bucs will have massive competition.
(Yes, the Texans. Breer said Houston could include their beastly edge rusher Danielle Hunter in a trade.)
But the Bucs have assets to deal, quality talent and picks, if they want to get serious. And that includes a potential three-way trade. Would their be crying the streets of Tampa if somehow Antoine Winfield, Jr. was part of a deal?
A hidden benefit to Garrett, outside of the huge sacks totals and production, is he rarely comes off the field. Warriors like that in the Maxx Crosby, Brian Burns and Jason Pierre-Paul mode are extremely hard to find.
What a gift he would be to Todd Bowles. Do the Bucs love Bowles enough to make a good offer?
February 4th, 2025 at 10:30 am
I think myself and many bucs fans would love to see this, it is unlikely but who knows!
February 4th, 2025 at 10:31 am
No reason they should not be a Super Bowl contender this year
Edge, ILB, CB, WR they don’t have many holes to fill.
February 4th, 2025 at 10:34 am
Winfield??? No
Dean and a 1st
February 4th, 2025 at 10:45 am
Given how much Licht values draft capital and the projected cost of Myles Garrett’s contract and cost to aquire, I just don’t see this happening. If it were next year, it would make more sense, but cap-wise, I don’t see how the Bucs can make it work. There’s around $50 million in dead cap this year. If it were next year or if Garrett were willing to restructure his deal, converting part of his salary to a bonus this year and spreading the cost out over the next few years, that could work. But as it stands, there’s simply no cap space for it.
Would players like Tristan Wirfs, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Evans, or Vita Vea be willing to take a pay cut or restructure their contracts? Otherwise, as much as I’d love to see Garrett in a Bucs uniform, it feels more like a pipe dream. The players would have to understand that this is a Super Bowl-caliber move, so the real question is: Would they prefer the extra money, or would they value another shot at a ring over a bigger paycheck?
February 4th, 2025 at 10:47 am
There isn’t any point in griping about Todd now, he is coming back. Week 5 or 6, I am sure the Bowles questioning will start back up.
Joe will say, I tried telling you guys that 3/4 of the way through the season that was happening and to stop moaning… well I didn’t think it was a certainty until he beat the Saints week 18.
Bucs need to be aggressive, Todd needs all the help he can get on D. I badly want Garrett or Hendrickson brought into the fold. This years 1st, next year 2nd, Dean or R.White. It can be done and should be done to make this team a true contender.
As Joe mentioned, a major perk would be Lavonte almost assuredly coming back for another season. It would also raise a flag above Tampa saying come join us, restructure your deal, it’s serious about SB time. Mortgage the future time is now before Vea, Evans, Godwin, David are too old and out the door.
February 4th, 2025 at 10:54 am
Need players that can overcome Bowles Blunders.
February 4th, 2025 at 10:56 am
I think there are lots of Bowles fans.
The most critical are the most…expressive.
In reality Bowles has a lot of support
The data seems to disagree. https://www.joebucsfan.com/2025/01/todd-bowles-confidence-poll-week-20-edition/ –Joe
February 4th, 2025 at 11:06 am
I am mixed on bowles.
I fear losing him would cause the team to get worse.
I also think that he is average at best at what he does.
His defense is below average.
His game management is nothing special.
I was very disappointed in the decisions to allow evans to continue playing vs ravens (he was limping after his first catch) and Godwin playing so late. (Those may not be his decisions, so maybe not his issue.
As a whole, he is not aggressive.
On the other hand, he builds a good staff around him.
The players love him and want to play for him.
He has gotten more aggressive, slowly.
He had a TON of defensive injuries last year.
I would be super pumped with him if he were to hire a d coordinator. Someone to come in and challenge him a little bit and allow him to focus more on tje big game management picture. I really am right down the middle on him.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:08 am
ReBar….Not here!
February 4th, 2025 at 11:11 am
I would love to have Garrett, the issue is his age and the amount of compensation. He’s 29 and it would take almost a king’s ransom to get him.
Another hidden issue is Godwin. Don’t forget that if the Bucs do not resign Godwin then we will have about 19 million in dead cap space because of his contract restructuring. (I read that somewhere) Also, Licht has no history of getting top end talent like this. yes he got JPP, but JPP was not on Garrett’s level when we got him. Garrett is a top level DPOY right now.
Definitely very interesting to talk about.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:12 am
I love how in that photo Garrett has just come around Donovan Smith who I’m sure was holding him 😂
February 4th, 2025 at 11:21 am
trade jamel dean, rachaad white and a 1st. lets get this done!
February 4th, 2025 at 11:24 am
According to JBF confidence poll/s of a few hundred people over a few hours.🤣
Here’s a more accurate statement imo.
Most Bucs fans don’t read or visit this website.
Or conflict = clicks
February 4th, 2025 at 11:34 am
He’s too old, probably already hit his playing peak
February 4th, 2025 at 11:35 am
Hasn’t Bowles been very clear he is not interested in a dominate pass rusher? Bowles would have him out there covering wide receivers anyways.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:44 am
Hahaha Bucs fans don’t want Dean or his contract, he’s injury prone and they overall think he sucks but also think he has trade value. Nah no I’m not the confused one. These guys are pipe dreams, if baker is a king maker or Bowles keeps hiring head coaches for OC’s that track record people people believe so I’m not sure why people can’t believe the track record of Licht having NEVER made big trades like these. If history holds true its status quo meaning no trades, no big day one move in free agency and no trade up in the draft which is what frustrates me about Licht and a team that is supposedly “all in” or is that only fans and media saying this?
February 4th, 2025 at 11:45 am
Y’all argue the “three division titles” thing like the Bucs are playing in the AFC West, or something. It’s the NFC South. It’s not a good division! Winning the NFC South is like being the floatiest turd in the toilet.
The man is sub-.500 over his entire career. He’s 2 games over .500 over his three years as HC of the Bucs (including playoffs).
Don’t expect anything better than mediocre out of Bowles next year and you won’t be shocked when he delivers yet another .500 season.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:46 am
The Browns have had Garrett for about a decade and have won only one playoff game, and that was thanks to Baker Mayfield. As a Browns fan, I was disappointed with Garrett, not because he was not a good player (when he wasn’t injured or suspended), but because he was touted, every year, as Defensive Player of the Year material. i see he finally made it once, in 2023. The idea that one player will make a team rated “mediocre” by denizens of this blog a Super Bowl winner does not move me. To be blunt, he’s not Tom Brady, who seems to have spoiled a lot of people. If your problem is with Todd Bowles, you should be talking about trading for Andy Reid.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:47 am
‘what it will take for those fans to flip in Bowles’ Direction’s
For many of us it’s winning!
Beat Falcons, Saints and Panthers while they are sorry or there is no need for confidence as those teams get better…
Win consistently!
Stop beating top teams and then lose to sorry the next week…
Stop screwing up control of time management!
Stop having one of the leagues worst defenses!
Stop letting receivers more open than in college and unable to force your opponent to punt!
You know, actually be good at HC or at least DC!
February 4th, 2025 at 11:47 am
Lololololol. Krewe you are hilarious.
February 4th, 2025 at 11:57 am
I would be less than thrilled if Winfield is part of the trade package. A championship caliber defense would seemingly require BOTH on the roster in the ideal scenario.
Dude had a bad, injury-filled year. I’m not betting against him returning to all-pro form next year once healthy however.
February 4th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
I support Bowles 100%….Of course he makes his mistakes, no doubt about that…. Who doesn’t
1- Everybody thinks we have great talent, I disagree, specially on defense
2-No matter what you say about the division, he won it three times.
3-His record on the Bucs is above 50%
3- Every year he has a different OC, not because they are bad, the contrary.
4- This is the same defensive mind that made Patrick Mahomes look like a Ballerina in a super bowl
Nothing but respect to coach Boeles amid his mistakes
February 4th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Browns will demand 2 no 1 picks and a defensive starter if they even consider trading Garrett…might as well dream about trading Mayfield for Mahomes.
February 4th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Do you think maybe the reason us Bucs fans are not Bowles fans has something to do with his inability to do the basic functions of a head coach, ie. manage a game? A new head coach would get a pass on learning g how to manage the clock, time outs and challenges. Todd Bowles just finished his 6th or 7th season as a HC and STILL CANNOT DO THOSE BASIC THINGS! Yes, we have won 3 division titles under him, but this team is capable of more.
February 4th, 2025 at 12:13 pm
I tell you lol every year Bucs think another draft will make them a Super Bowl contender under Bowles and I don’t know how many years it’s going to take before they wake up. What’s worse is we’ve gotten like 4 major contributors in the draft two years in a row. Myles Garrett won’t make a difference maybe if you added a veteran corner as well but starting a rookie corner in this defense I don’t trust Bowles coaching staff in they still don’t know how to develop players that hasn’t changed
February 4th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
i just feel like he would be a waste in Bowles’ 3-4 scheme
February 4th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
So many continue to blow smoke, but ZERO confidence Garrett makes the Bucs SB contenders considering Bowles subpar coaching, tired scheme, and underperforming D coaching staff. Bucs won’t contend until he’s replaced, which can’t be soon enough.
February 4th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
Even if we could get him, Tampa would be the last place the browns would send him. Baker still is a raw nerve for that organization. Imagine baker and Myles thriving together. Brown fans shout of hate would bring the stadium down like the walls of Jericho!
February 4th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Not a fan of this trade. Hearing Garrett is looking for $40m+ – Micah Parsons money – three years $120m. So will that mean we have to extend and pay Baker $50m? How many contracts have to get extended with voidable years that put us back in salary cap hell. Do we let Godwin walk? Send a couple of RD1 picks and maybe a RD3 or RD4? A Lot for one guy that will be 30 and past his prime.
February 4th, 2025 at 12:58 pm
Nice article Joe. Good analysis without straw man arguments or false outrage. Much like old times.
The Bowles hating isn’t curious. It’s just racism.
Joe doesn’t do false outrage. Regardless, Joe doesn’t believe racism is what has fans against Bowles. Maybe Joe would argue racism is a factor for 3 percent of fans. Some would tell Joe loads of fans are racist and don’t know it, and Joe would disagree. –Joe
February 4th, 2025 at 1:46 pm
I think most fans like Coach Bowles, but his defensive scheme clearly does not work very well in the NFL anymore, so it is frustrating to know the Bucs are not going to win a championship primarily because the head coach is going to hold the franchise back.
February 4th, 2025 at 1:54 pm
If the Bucs didn’t operate a team with one person spread between two huge jobs, there probably isn’t an issue with Todd. Clock management and situational game decisions, maybe. But even there, if he wasn’t 50% DC and 50% HC, the odds of improved performance dramatically increase. That’s the deal.
But as long as this scheme is in place, no edge rusher is going to want to come to Tampa where they will drop into pass coverage 75% of the time.
Shame.
February 4th, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Funny you mention JPP. While he didn’t come off the field much, he took running plays off on his own during the regular season.
February 4th, 2025 at 3:25 pm
Aqualung Says:
February 4th, 2025 at 1:54 pm
If the Bucs didn’t operate a team with one person spread between two huge jobs, there probably isn’t an issue with Todd. Clock management and situational game decisions, maybe. But even there, if he wasn’t 50% DC and 50% HC, the odds of improved performance dramatically increase. That’s the deal.
—–
You know I love you like a brother but you continue to want to split the baby on this thing. That would not work. His scheme. His game management. Both are fails. Combined and independently. Not that either of us will find out because as we already know it’s not going to happen. Some in here want to give him one more year. I don’t disagree with that. The only difference is my clock started at the beginning of this past season. Not now.
February 4th, 2025 at 3:31 pm
IMO Bowels is still dealing with aged players he hasn’t replaced.
I’m not talking about a 5th round LB. Sir Dennis.
We had 2 corners 5 years younger when we won the SB.
We had a LB who was what 29. LVD
Replace these guys with either FAs or draft picks.
We can’t keep surviving with 5th round talent.
You gotta use high draft capital eventually with LB or CB unless you can spend and we can’t yet.
When was the last time we went CB in the 1st?
Hargreaves?
That’s why we are gun shy.
February 4th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Happy to include WInfield.
February 4th, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Love to see Garrett as a Buc defense would be instantly improved. I just don’t the Browns trading him or anyone else. The owner Jimmy Haslem has got the contracts of all of his high priced players so out of wack they will lose thousands in cap space if they trade anyone. I don’t know who does their players contracts but if the Browns were a typical company in the US they would have filed for bankruptcy.
February 4th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
I like bowles. I have him as sneaky good with a superior defensive mind.
His moneyball skills on defense saved our bacon in recent years. On his own he picked good coordinator and qbs.
Hell do tge right thing on Garrett whatever he picks
I trust Jason and I trust Todd too.
I have bruce a little higher but a super bowl could change that easily
February 4th, 2025 at 6:56 pm
The reason this Bucs fan is not big Bowles supporter is because his Ds underachieve for the talent they have. And I guess this is what drives so many people crazy with Bowles: you see the potential, you see what they can do, you are told that Bowles is one of the brightest defensive minds in the game and then a nobody’s QB throws 400 yards and 4 TDs on us… and this happens not once in a while but several times in a year… in several years…
Garrett would be an amazing asset for the Bucs…. but we know they won’t do it. Bowles wants to continue to prove that he doesn’t need a pass rush from the edge…. “Jason: get me instead a first round DE that can run with the fastest WRs or another cornerback that excels at giving 15 yards cushions in 3rd and 3 situations!”
February 4th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
I just don’t see it. GARRETT IS A strong edge rusher but I don’t see Jason giving up 2 maybe 3 #1s plus a existing starter for a guy who will want a top money at his position deal as soon as he gets here. Keep the future .
February 5th, 2025 at 12:42 am
Can we trade Todd Bowles for Garrett ?
February 5th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
This costs is overly rich. I pray that the Bucs do not get into the hype sweepstakes. We have a defensive draft class to pick approximately starting CB, starting ILB, depth at Edge, safety, IOL, OT and maybe QB. It would be better for us to pay versus trade for a superstar edge.
This guy is really good, however we don’t need superman added with Vita, Kancey, and YaYa. Reddick or Henderson from Cinncy are much better options.