Silly V-Jax Trade Talks
February 16th, 2015
Last year, when it was clearly obvious to everyone not named “Lovie Smith” that Tampa Bay was out of contention for January games, the Bucs allegedly rebuffed trade offers for wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
It was a smart move.
First, it was forward thinking.
Even then, even the drunkest of fans knew the Bucs had to upgrade the quarterback position. And the best thing for a rookie quarterback is to have targets, hence, the Bucs kept Jackson.
It seems heavy metal head-banging Jason La Canfora is not among this group. The NFL columnist for CBS Sports believes the Bucs should be shopping Jackson as we speak for a draft pick come May (figuring Jackson won’t bring a first round pick to use in April).
La Canfora discussed his logic as he broke down the goals he would have if he were running each NFL squad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I’m going to spend as much time as I possibly can on finding out as much as I possibly can about Jameis Winston, because there is a very good chance I’m about to put my franchise in his hands. That’s where I am looking with the first overall pick. And this selection will define the next decade of the Bucs. In the meantime I’m taking any sort of pick I can for Doug Martin and Dashon Goldson, and if I can get a solid mid-round pick for Vincent Jackson, I’m doing that, too.
Joe wouldn’t be doing this. In fact, unless Jackson fell into Tampa Bay, Joe would let Jackson’s contract expire with the Bucs. Is Jackson worth the reported $9,777,777 he is to be paid each of the next two seasons, per Rotoworld.com? On paper, probably not.
However, to the team, he is worth every penny.
Want to know one reason why Mike Evans had such a good year last season? It took teams half a season to wake up and move double teams from Jackson to Evans. Because of Jackson, teams often left Evans in single coverage.
Besides, when the Bucs draft Jameis Winston, providing as many targets as possible will surely help him ease into the NFL. Take China Bradford, for example. Nevermind his brittle nature, the Rams invested so heavily into a quarterback, and never, ever got him decent weapons (unless you call Tavon Austin and/or knucklehead Kenny Britt a “decent” weapon). That was both irresponsible and profoundly stupid.
February 16th, 2015 at 6:30 am
If he can take a pay cut I will keep him. About 6,5MM a season for his role in this new rookie QB to get acclimated to the pros. If we can’t make him take the cut then take a 3rd rounder for him.
February 16th, 2015 at 7:05 am
Why take a pay cut?
The bucs aren’t in cap trouble and he is worth every penny
February 16th, 2015 at 7:48 am
If someone needs to take a pay cut it’s MJ and the Hawk. If Winston is the pick you’ll need strong veteran presence in this locker room
February 16th, 2015 at 7:48 am
Dominik overpaid a free agent? What a surprise!
February 16th, 2015 at 7:50 am
We need more good players not less. Keep V-Jax.
February 16th, 2015 at 8:07 am
This is a morning of “Agreement!!!” Joe is absolutely right…do not trade Vincent Jackson. The BUCS have to build a winner and they have to build around quality talent and leadership and Jackson is both. “The Kevin” is right as well. Why should Jackson take a pay cut….the BUCS are not in a cap problem. Winning begins with leadership and “Phil” is right as well…We need more good players not less.
GO BUCS!!!
February 16th, 2015 at 8:10 am
Vincent Jackson is worth every penny when he has a real QB to throw the ball to him. Getting rid of him is the best way to make your rookie QB (Jameis Winston) struggle.
February 16th, 2015 at 8:14 am
Not as silly as the talk of drafting Jameis @ #1
February 16th, 2015 at 8:23 am
The only silly thing is acting like it wont happen. Also keep VJ.
February 16th, 2015 at 8:27 am
Because trading away a 1000 yard receiver makes us a better team…
February 16th, 2015 at 8:35 am
They will keep him. On and off the field, class act. Him and lavonte hands down my favorite players. But if they could get him to maybe redo or add third year and lower cap impact-win win cause his cap hit is little high in 12 range
February 16th, 2015 at 8:43 am
Who are we going to replace him with? A rookie? Pay the man!
February 16th, 2015 at 8:45 am
This Jason La Canfora is from Baltimore and is probably just whining that the Raven’s could get V-JAx
February 16th, 2015 at 8:46 am
canfora your a idiot! and bucs brass I too! I they trade him. he is not only a NFL top ten WR but great person for the community. just a decent human being.
February 16th, 2015 at 8:46 am
Dominik got a steal looking back for VJax. If you think about it. Last year look at how many free agents we overpaid- McCown, Collins, EDS, Johnson, Verner, Mankins, not to mention the over drafted guys.
February 16th, 2015 at 8:46 am
The Bucs have up to this point been like a starving man…cutting off his own flesh to fed himself…and this applies to their recent trend of “trading up” in the draft
February 16th, 2015 at 8:52 am
sorry about the spelling people laptop is slow! kept on freezing up!
February 16th, 2015 at 8:52 am
Funny how he is “overpaid” now.. When Dom signed him to this contract VJax was worth every penny. We don’t need to trade him because Evans still needs him to grow as a player. All you couch GMs crack me up. We have the $$ to pay him so why not?
February 16th, 2015 at 8:55 am
It always depends on what you do with the trade/cut…..on the surface…..all things point to keeping Vjax….but….you just don’t know until you see the replacement.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:00 am
Trading V-Jack would be idiotic, his presence on the field makes Evans an even more valuable weapon and if the Bucs are going with a new rookie qb during the ’15 season then its pretty ****ing obvious that the offense is going to need targets and even though V-Jack had a case of the stone-hands on occasion this past season which was frustrating to watch; he will be nearly impossible to replace…..
February 16th, 2015 at 9:01 am
Tampabaybucfan is right, If you trade VJ who will be 33 next season and is becoming a possession receiver for a high 3rd rounder and select a very good Guard. Then that is a great trade!
February 16th, 2015 at 9:07 am
While I understand the need for cap room, and those saying we have plenty of cap space are ignorant of the facts, trading Vincent Jackson away is not the solution.
Neither is trading Doug Martin, as he doesn’t actually make very much.
Dashon Goldson? I’m all for cutting him, but a trade would be much, much better because he would be off the books and we would be up a pick, even if it is a 2016 pick (never hurts to start building them up now).
There are others that can be cut, that actually deserve to be cut, that would clear plenty of cap room.
The problem with losing Vincent Jackson is his replacement. It is rare to find a WR of such quality that does not have an attitude. And attitude is exactly what a rookie WR does not need.
“Want to know one reason why Mike Evans had such a good year last season? It took teams half a season to wake up and move double teams from Jackson to Evans. Because of Jackson, teams often left Evans in single coverage.” – Joe
I would venture to say that this new season will see vast improvements to Jackson’s game since teams will be forced to cover both…assuming we have the right quarterback.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:11 am
“The Buc Realist Says
If you trade VJ who will be 33 next season and is becoming a possession receiver for a high 3rd rounder and select a very good Guard. Then that is a great trade!”
I disagree. First, you don’t improve a team by eliminating its better players when thee are so many actual needs.
Second, Jackson has done a masterful job mentoring Evans. If we do not want Evans to be a one year wonder like we have always seemed to have, keeping Jackson here at least another year is very important.
Thirdly, becoming a “possession” WR is not a bad thing. We won a Super Bowl with one.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:11 am
Yards after catch mean nothing if the ball isn’t caught.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:19 am
Buc realist. You are thinking they would actually make the correct pick with that third rounder. I don’t know what evidence gives you that conclusion. Also, trading VJax for a third would get you kicked out of court.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:25 am
I think a number of players may be asked to renegotiate their deals. Logan Mankins cost 7.5 Million and nothing guaranteed, if cut. MJ costs 9 Mil with 7 mil of dead money.
Even before more cuts or renegotiations, the team has 30 Million available right now. So, they could afford to bite the bullet and just let dead wood go, absorb the cap hit, and move on.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:28 am
We all agree that Jackson should stay. Love will ship him to New England for a fifth rd pick.
Keep vjax. We need him
February 16th, 2015 at 9:38 am
@buccaneerBonzai
I think the Patriots would strongly disagree about trading away an overpriced aging player for draft picks.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:41 am
Per: The Great Jimmy Johnson
Johnson remembered
In the five years that I was with the Cowboys, we made 51 trades, more than the rest of the league put together.
Jimmy Johnson said:
The premium draft picks obtained in the trades helped Jones and Johnson execute an extreme home makeover which contributed to the building of a dynasty.
To Johnson, this was a no-brainer.
They parlayed the ammo into future Hall of Fame halfback Emmitt Smith, All-Pro safety Darren Woodson, star cornerback Kevin Smith and standout defensive tackle Russell Maryland.
After a 1-15 season in ’89, the Cowboys would quickly push their way into playoff contention and, beginning in 1992, capture three Lombardi Trophies in four seasons
February 16th, 2015 at 9:49 am
We are what your record says we are 2-14. That’s the truth my friends, we can make excuses for this team all day long, but we are 2-14.
Where do we go from here? Where do we wanna be in 3yrs– that’s the big question.
February 16th, 2015 at 9:49 am
@LuvMyBucs
great post, So great to see someone who “gets it”! The Bucs finished dead last ! They are so far away from even thinking of playoffs. By the time they do, VJ will long be retired unless they start collecting talent!
February 16th, 2015 at 9:56 am
Jackson’s presence also bring s calming effect to this team.
February 16th, 2015 at 10:00 am
VJax doesn’t need to take a pay cut. He actually produced last year. Why not start talking to all these FAs we signed last year that aren’t worth a rookie contract. Make them take a cut.
Here is Anthony Collins contract: 3/13/2014: Signed a five-year, $30 million contract. The deal contains $15 million guaranteed, including a $9 million signing bonus. 2014: $6 million, 2015: $6 million, 2016: $6 million, 2017: $6 million, 2018: $6 million, 2019: Free agent
Here is EDS’ contract: 3/14/2014: Signed a four-year, $14.25 million contract. The deal contains $7.25 million guaranteed. 2014: $2.5 million, 2015: $3.75 million, 2016: $2.5 million, 2017: $3.5 million, 2018: Free Agent
Cut Collins contract down to EDS’ size.
Dotson is barely making $2M a year so he is ok for now.
Gholston is making about $600k this year, ok.
Johnson can take a paycut or we can cut him. Bucs save $7M against the cap if we cut him.
Cut Koenen and save money.
There are other places to cut money than going after one player.
February 16th, 2015 at 10:14 am
Pay the man dont be stupid Lovie…
February 16th, 2015 at 10:27 am
The Buc Realist Says
@buccaneerBonzai
“I think the Patriots would strongly disagree about trading away an overpriced aging player for draft picks.”
See now, that’s where you show your inability to read.
I said “…you don’t improve a team by eliminating its better players when there are so many actual needs.”
Pay attention. You don’t fill needs by creating more of them. The Patriots have a solid nucleus. They only have a coupe needs each year, so they can afford to cut good players loose.
February 16th, 2015 at 10:30 am
@LUVMYBUCS
Great quote, but lets be real. Jimmy Johnson’s way no longer works in the NFL. That’s why he failed his second go around.
February 16th, 2015 at 10:31 am
Skyline Crew Says:
“Johnson can take a paycut or we can cut him. Bucs save $7M against the cap if we cut him.”
Not true. He makes $9m this year, and $7m would count AGAINST the cap if cut.
February 16th, 2015 at 10:48 am
What the Bucs need to is find someone to replace V-JAX so when the time comes that guy can step right in an contribute. Couple of late round guys to consider.
Deontay Greenberry WR 6’3 200 lbs (HOUSTON)
Darren Waller WR 6’7 240 lbs (Georgia Tech)
February 16th, 2015 at 10:48 am
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
February 16th, 2015 at 10:31 am
Skyline Crew Says:
“Johnson can take a paycut or we can cut him. Bucs save $7M against the cap if we cut him.”
Not true. He makes $9m this year, and $7m would count AGAINST the cap if cut.
***************
Profootballtalk suggests the Bucs could release RE Michael Johnson.
Johnson signed a five-year, $43.75 million deal just last offseason, but the Bucs take the pay-as-you-go approach with contracts and could decide to part ways after a weak 2014 season. Johnson recorded just four sacks and finished 45th among 56 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush productivity. The Bucs can save $7 million against the cap by cutting him. Jan 19 – 8:24 PM
February 16th, 2015 at 10:59 am
at overthecap.com
they have VJ numbers
2015 base $9,777,777 bonus $2,432,000
Salary against the Cap $12,209,777 dead money if cut $4,864,000
cap savings $7,345,777
February 16th, 2015 at 11:03 am
I don’t care VJax’s age, the question is did his perduction fall off not counting all the bad passes, NO!
He is the leader of the receivers and he will insure that they do the right thing. If we have a very good QB last year they might have each gotten 2000 yards.
What he does for the Vets shows his character and we want him to pass that along to all of the receivers and the rest of the team.
And of course if you did trade him and received a third round choice, who is going to be there that is 6’5″ with his smarts?
Get you head out and think of the QBs, first probably Glennon and then either Mariota or Winston, of course, since we have our heads in an other plane, we could get both, draft Mariota 1st and Winston drops to the second round due to his character and we draft him then, so we have both, don’t know what we do with them but Koetter will figure it out. This is as dumb as trading him.
February 16th, 2015 at 11:04 am
Recap:
JJimmy Johnson-Lead the Miami Hurricanes to a National Championship in 1987 and a stellar 52-9 overall. The same Johnson took a 1-15 team in 1989 and turned it into a multiple Super Bowl winner by the time he left the Cowboys in 1993.
Ok, after leaving Dallas in 1993, Johnson came out of retirement three years later to lead the Dolphins. Johnson had a 36-28 record in Miami and led the Dolphins to the playoffs in three of his four seasons.
Jimmy knows football, when he speaks I listen. When he takes advantage of multiple premium draft picks, to build a perennial champion–we all should take heed of it–His good friend Bill Belichick has.
Bill who has self-admittedly spent plenty of time with Jimmy Johnson to learn about drafting and contract negotiations.
February 16th, 2015 at 11:08 am
@ob says
if you did trade him and received a third round choice, who is going to be there that is 6’5″ with his smarts?
He might not be 6’5″. but he will be on the team and not retired 2 years from now.
February 16th, 2015 at 11:12 am
There are several quality WRs set to hit free agency. The trade market for Jackson will probably be limited, especially considering his age and contract number. He’s worth more to the Bucs than anyone else. If he’s traded or cut, they need to sign another solid player to take his place. You never know what you’ll end up with. At least the Bucs know Jackson is a good player. A replacement might not pan out.
February 16th, 2015 at 11:12 am
@ LUVMYBUCS
Trading Vincent Jackson for a 4th round pick isn’t going to be franchise altering like the Herschel Walker trade.
I fully understand your point but it isnt the same type of deal. Our most valuable asset right now is our #1 pick, problem is there isn’t a can’t miss prospect on the board so even that isn’t worth all that much this year. Truth be told, we would have been better off with the 2nd pick this year beings that there are only two top QB prospects in this draft. Teams will wait and see what QB we take and then there will be a bidding war for the 2nd pick.
February 16th, 2015 at 11:54 am
Jacksons route running leaves alot to be desired and he drops catchable passes a little too often. But his veteran pressence is more valuable than these fantasy nerds will ever know. Plus after him and Evans our receivers are mediocre. Now bringing in a guy like Tory Smith you could either trade Jackson for draft picks or keep him and have one of the best trio’s in the NFL. Either way we need more depth and skill at receiver. Another year of Louis Murphy and Robert Herron just wont do.
February 16th, 2015 at 1:21 pm
I belive Randall Cobb is the best free agent WR target to go after; he plays slot and can return! Great compliment to our twin towers. Packers can’t afford to keep Cobb this year due to committment to Jordy Nelson. Beluga is their right tackle as well, who they probably can’t afford; let’s go after him and put/keep our low-cost Dotson on Left tackle side. Safety Devin Mcourty with Patriots is another piece we departely need, who probably cannot be afforded by the Patriots due to their committment to Revis; let’s go get em and cut Goldson $$$ immediatley!!
February 16th, 2015 at 1:38 pm
I hear Percy harvin might get cut by the jets along with Chris Johnson. Would you take a risk on harvin? We need a returner and a slot. What say you?
February 16th, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Vincent Jackson is the only good move that bunch of idiots has made in 10 years! Of course you keep him!
February 16th, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Keep Jackson because the as soon as you trade him, you’re big goal is going to TRY – emphasis on TRY – to find someone who does EXACTLY what he does…. so trading him is pointless.