Bucs Add Moore, Nickel Corner Depth
March 19th, 2015
According to NFL.com, Sterling Moore, the Cowboys’ part-time nickel cornerback last year, finished the season with 12 passes defensed.
In Tampa, starters Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner combined for 19.
Moore is now a Buccaneer, per NFL Network. The 25-year-old already has five years of NFL experience after going undrafted out of Southern Methodist University.
Last year was his breakout season, after he made seven starts taking over a starting job from Morris Claiborne in Dallas. He hadn’t started since 2011, his rookie year in New England.
As Joe wrote last week, Moore joins the list of Bucs free-agent signings who know the old school Tampa-2 defense run by Lovie Smith: Henry Melton (Dallas), Chris Conte (Chicago) and Bruce Carter (Dallas). There will be no more defensive learning curve excuses in 2015.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:03 pm
Well at least we can predict who next seasons FA acquisitions will be: Former Bears and former Cowboys.
We are Bears South/Cowboys East.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:04 pm
I like this signing!
March 19th, 2015 at 2:05 pm
Hopefully this means the end of leonard Johnson, good film on moore right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0_nr1UfczI
March 19th, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Why isn’t George Selvie on this team yesterday?
March 19th, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Makes sense young and knows the defense.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:07 pm
Big move see guys trust n lovie all we need now is a stout draft and we can compete with the good teams. Jameis at 1 at De late 1 early 2 trade glennon for a 3rd since we should b able to atleast get what he was drafted for now back to back lineman n the money rounds baby 3rd rounders are always the gems.guard and tackle and grab u a kick returner/slot guy n 4th the real kicker is if we can take Adrian Peterson off of the Vikings hands for a 2 or 1 in 2016 we can definitely afford the salary just negotiate him 3 years gureented 10 per
March 19th, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Its the talent curve that stands out more than the learning curve, to me anyway. Hopefully he’s going to play nickel well….I still want us to draft Senquez Golson though.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:14 pm
#championship
March 19th, 2015 at 2:15 pm
dude was a restricted free agent and the cowboys decided not to sign him but make no mistake about all these signings because everyone ex tampa two signing this year is about one thing, its probably about removing the excuses about learning curve that derrick brooks was talking about and we’ll be going after guys in the draft who can learn from guys who know what they are doing….cant imagine a rookie cornerback coming in and having to learn form verner and leonard Johnson because they are vets. learning curve excuse is gone and bucs are finally acting like they are in win now mode
March 19th, 2015 at 2:16 pm
@Bucnasty, TRADE GLENNON?!? Thats a funny right there. Knowing Lovie, we’re rolling with him and drafting DE/OL since we’ve failed to address those positions in FA….furthermore, we’re at least using MG8 as our shiny new QB is broken in.
H3ll, I dont know what we’re doing anymore! I give Up! I shouldve known this was coming after the season was over!
The sooner Lovie is gone, the faster we will start improving….simple as that!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2015 at 2:18 pm
What team will give up a 3rd round pic for Glennon? The teams that need qbs either already traded for them or will draft one. We’ll probably keep Glennon add a back up, when he should’ve been all along. If we get rid of him, we’ll have to find another backup.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:19 pm
What’s the deal with Wisniewski? Haven’t heard anything in nearly a week
March 19th, 2015 at 2:20 pm
I love our signings thus far……we are adding depth with veteran players that want to play for us…..will work hard and earn their paychecks….not high-priced prima donnas that quit or slack….down the stretch, it’s the depth that will carry you.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Poor Max…I feel your pain.
Let’s let this next season play out. I’m not totally giving up on Lovie just yet.
That might change by midseason though…
March 19th, 2015 at 2:22 pm
“will work hard and earn their paychecks….not high-priced prima donnas that quit or slack….down the stretch, it’s the depth that will carry you.”
TBBF…I could not agree more. They are signing prove your worthiness players and then will pay you. Which I kind of like.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:23 pm
You’ll see as we get closer to the draft if not on draft night we’ll trade glennon and sign a veteran like Jason Campbell or someone to mentor. Mad max do u really think if we draft a qb which is more than likely to happen imo they will let glennon help his transition while he sits behind him and or while glennon holds the clipboard ?Glennon wants to start not mentor lol he’s gone bro adios cannon
March 19th, 2015 at 2:26 pm
You know the cowpokes are getting better when the Bucs pick up their unwanted scraps. Give us your tired beaten down rejects, our specialty.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:27 pm
Glennon doesn’t play like a 3rd round quarterback anyway which is why they cant get one for him. fans that watch every single snap of every game of his career aren’t being objective, your to emotionally invested. if YOU think he’s worth a third, apparently no one else in the league does….but I do think his stock goes up after the draft
March 19th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Arizona could use glennon, saint Louis could use him, buffalo coukd always add to the mix and my personal favorite sleeper would be the bears! You don’t think they would give up a 3rd for cheap qb competition??? There tryna get over Cutler and a low risk high reward qb with experience and a cheap contract sounds like the perfect option imo for there situation
March 19th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
I like this signing. I would love if things played out as someone else suggested earlier
winston 1 , premier DE 2; glennon for a 3rd; get OT/OG in 3rd; KR/WR/BPA rest of way; sign a guy like Cambell or something to be backup
March 19th, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Depth is nice but we need STARTERS. Now if you could snag one of those Dallas O-linemen, that would bring heavy praise.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:30 pm
can we get kiffin, marinelli and bisaccia back from cowboys too lol
March 19th, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Every player in the league “wants to start”. That means nothing in terms of Glennon being traded Lol. Fact is he’s more valueable as a back up to us than a 3rd round pick. Maybe he gets traded, who knows. I dont put anything past Lovie. But smart move is to keep him for at least 1 more year and hopefully sucker a desperate team into giving up a 2nd or 3rd for him. If not let him compete with the Rook.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:32 pm
BucNasty!!! Says:
March 19th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Arizona could use glennon, saint Louis could use him, buffalo coukd always add to the mix and my personal favorite sleeper would be the bears!
_______________________________________________________________
And none of them will give up more than a 5th round pick. St. Louis is an absolute no, Arizona has Carson Palmer, Buffalo is a no, the Bears are again a 5th rounder because they’re playing Cutler. People expecting a 3rd round pick don’t really understand how negotiating works but that’s fine, dare to dream I guess.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:37 pm
I think Arizona would be absolutely perfect for glennon….bruce arians or sean payton should be trying to get glennon even Denver in case of a peyton manning injury but a 3rd round pick is an insult to a GM’s intelligence
March 19th, 2015 at 2:41 pm
bucco brice…we can get Kiffin.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Thanks 87, I know we had our rough time during the Freeman debacle, but it came from a good place….LOVE for our team! And weve been good since.
Some how, some way, this sh!t storm will find an end because theres no more room left to sh!t….Im hoping we’re there now, but Im still gun shy of “those in the power”. In the end, they pull the trigger, and here we are face in palm and shaking our heads….currently, right now, ITS STILL HAPPENING!
WILL SOMEBODY RUNNING THIS ORGANIZATION PLEASE GET A FKN CLUE?!
I swear, if they pass on drafting Winston, Im probably DONE until L&L and maybe even the Glazers are out of the picture!!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2015 at 3:01 pm
@Bucnasty, it doesnt matter to me anymore….just make decisions to help us find players who want to be here and WIN GAMES!!!!
I’d hate to lose Glennon, I think he’s a great back up and has potential at more than that with a great O line (a luxury we STILL dont have). He’s a VERY hard worker and ROLLS with the punches, and STILL looks pretty damned good as the top QB out of his draft class!!!
I swear, I think ALL of the guys running our team is just in it for the $$ and not two sh!ts is given about the end results. “So What” they say, like the ghost DE MJ this past season, and plus a few more the past 5 years. Im SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2015 at 3:11 pm
You know what, HOW ABOUT ALSO STOP LYING TO US LOVIE!!!
Its one thing to dodge, but its another to outright LIE, MR. CHRISTIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Dear Lovie,
Please draft Jameis Winston first overall. He will make this team relevant again and even more so once he starts leading us to wins. I love what you’ve done on defense as far as building continuity and you deserve credit for that. But the offense plays too and you have a once a decade chance to draft a franchise quarterback. Also he would have alot of weapons to utilize. Sure the offensive line isnt that strong but tjis draft is deep in that respect. So any offensive linemen you draft coild learn and grow with Jameis under the wing of game plan guru Dirk Koetter.
So please Lovie. You’ve done alot to bring a stable foundation to our defense. Now lets utilize that by drafting Jameis to play in our offense, which with Jameis I think will be pretty good under Koetter. Do yourself a favor by doing the obvious.
Sincerely,
LargoBuc
March 19th, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Buccfan37, I’ll take scaps yoke Hardy Nickerson, Simeon Rice and VJax off anyone’s plate all day long since they were all FA’s.
What a stupid thing to say.
BTW, this guys stats look pretty good, good enough to start.
Is Joe going to get into a funk and then a hissy fit if he beat his pal Johnathon Banks out of a CB position.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:32 pm
The offseason plan is clear. Add depth and don’t spend too much. It looks like Lovie and Licht changed their philosophy of winning now to building through the draft.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:44 pm
Does Mike Glennon plus one of our extra 5th round picks = a 3rd rounder this year? That extra 5th is getting used for something. If not that, then a move back up into bottom of 1st round.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Finally. This was necessary. I may have misread but I thought Joe reported that we signed this guy last week. Either way, we got him and it’s a good signing. It’s yet another depth move rather than bonafide starters. Still, we have bargain hunted when we have loads of cash to spend. It’s a bit disappointing. Licht can say what he wants but it seems he was big-time gun-shy this offseason after the colossal failing of last year’s FA crop.
March 19th, 2015 at 4:41 pm
A little off topic, but if Glennon is going to have a 12 year career as a quality back up in the NFL, why not do it hear? Just saying.
March 19th, 2015 at 4:46 pm
I think Lovie and Licht thought the team was just a player or two away from turning the corner, they thought there was more talent then there really was, so they tried adding pieces with big money deals believing the additions were talented enough to make a difference. What they didn’t realize the character/leadership value of the O-linemen they let go. Those guys had a strong presence in the locker room, they were battle tested under Rah and Sarge, they likely would’ve excelled under a players coach like Lovie, but they missed it. You had guys that had grown with the team that they let go, but can’t turn the clock back so now they are getting guys that are hungry and may not get a third contract and they likely come recommended by a close friend Marinelli/Kiffin. Cowboys knew they couldn’t keep them because of salary cap, so I think Lovie knows what he is getting, this time around.
March 19th, 2015 at 5:14 pm
Appreciate the signing Jason Licht & Company. Backfield got better with this pickup.
(So far: Defense)
– We hire Paul Spicer as assistant defensive line coach
– Released Michael Johnson
(Signed)
• DE Larry English
• DE Lawrence Sidbury
• (DT Henry Melton
• LB Bruce Carter
• LB Jason Williams
• RCB Mike Jenkins
• SCB Sterling Moore
• SCB Leonard Johnson
• SS Major Wright
• S Chris Conte
• S M.D. Jennings
March 19th, 2015 at 5:16 pm
(Decent Haul for $10 mil)
• (DT) Henry Melton
• (LB) Bruce Carter
• (SCB) Sterling Moore
• (S) Chris Conte
March 19th, 2015 at 6:05 pm
More Possibilities for — one-year “prove it” type deals
• DT-Letroy Guion
• DT-Red Bryant
• DT-C.J. Mosley
• DT-Ahtyba Rubin
• LB -Colin McCarthy
• CB-Antoine Cason
• CB-E.J. Biggers
March 19th, 2015 at 6:16 pm
LUVEMYBUCS
EVEN THE MENTION OF EJ BIGGERS BRINGS A QUESTION TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF FOOTBALL!!!!
That guy was the worst CB along with Myron Lewis this team has ever had please so not being him up again. I know you know the game better than that.
March 19th, 2015 at 6:48 pm
MadMax..perhaps it’s Lovie getting revenge for firing Dungy!
March 19th, 2015 at 6:50 pm
@LUV…so your with me then. These are “prove it” type of players they are picking up?
March 19th, 2015 at 7:00 pm
@THETRUTH
My brotha, I hear you. The moment I typed it–I knew there would be back lash.
But I’m a big fan of adding a combination of talented individuals to bring out the best in them all.
Above Average
Overachieving
Underachieving
There moments when-Antoine Cason & E.J. Biggers both played well in this league. We’re still very thin at the position. Plus couple a veterans to help push the middle of roster never hurts.
March 19th, 2015 at 7:07 pm
@Buc1987
Yep-Respectable moves so far. Guys wanna eat
KEEP ADDING GUYS TO THE ROSTER
*Sign Veterans to Improve the middle of Lineup
March 19th, 2015 at 8:59 pm
39 games and only 3 picks. His biggest play in his “breakout season” last year was one forced fumble.
Come on. We want steak, don’t sell up manure.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:00 pm
Why is Wis not here yet and helping us push EDS at right guard?
I know, we’re probably waiting for after-draft fodder to fall…..but with the cap room, why?
March 19th, 2015 at 9:03 pm
He’s only 5’10”, and tall WRs seem to be the growing fad in the NFL. I have a feeling he’ll be camp fodder.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:09 pm
Rrsrq Says
“I think Lovie and Licht thought the team was just a player or two away from turning the corner, they thought there was more talent then there really was…”
Here’s a thought. EDS cost us at least 2 games last year, maybe 3. I know in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t seem to matter much now…but L & L blew up that Oline.
I can understand the aging guys sent packing. It happens.
But imagine how different things would have been on the offensive line if Zuttah had remained. We had the money. We still have the money. He was a good center, a good blocker. With Mankins next to him?
Let’s be honest though…the team was closer before they cut or traded half the team. THEY created most of the holes.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:10 pm
@MadMax
Wis here and EDS to guard gets my vote as well. Fix two spots with one move, two less spots to address in the draft.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:14 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
EJ Biggers had 1-3 good plays a year, usually during the last two games of the season to make himself look good and stick to the roster.
Please don’t suggest we bring him back.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:25 pm
Love Joe’s last line: No more defensive learning curves!! Couldn’t agree more. Now we need Lovie to get the most out of these players. Still need a DE!!
March 19th, 2015 at 9:46 pm
So get rid of Glennon and bring in another McCown to start/mentor JW? No thanks but Lovie……
March 19th, 2015 at 10:44 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
He’s a young kid that been in the league for 5yrs now.
Average talent; Yes
Proof-(2013) He graded out as a top-20 coverage corner according to ProFootballFocus.
But we’re talking about someone thats gonna push the middle of the lineup.
CB Alterraun Verner || E.J Biggers || Brandon Dixon
CB Johnthan Banks || Mike Jenkins
SCB Leonard Johnson || Sterling Moore
Dude has started 31 games as a professional…
-Can provide serviceable play at corner
-Can also play safety in sub packages.
-He’s only 27
Of course this wouldn’t stop from drafting a corner with a late rounds-Or from signing a few UDFA. Just gives you experience-depth and competition. Training camp injuries are the norm. So why not sign an average corner-(From Florida) that’s played for the organization, with starter experience?
March 19th, 2015 at 10:56 pm
I wouldn’t stop there though.
I would also sign
• DT-Letroy Guion (Age 27)
• MLB-Colin McCarthy (Age 25)
• S-Louis Delmas (Age 27)
To one year -“cheap” prove it type deals– To push the middle of the lineup
March 20th, 2015 at 12:21 am
Trade Glennon for whatever you can get and hire Tebo to mentor Mariota and start until the OL Jelske, which will take awhile to achieve.