Better Sign Rodgers
January 7th, 2017
Valuable.
It would be smart for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to have a safety net at running back.
And Jenna Laine of ESPN believes that safety net is Jacquizz Rodgers.
Pulled off the scrap heap in September, Rodgers proved to be the best Bucs running back, especially with the non-production from Doug Martin, who, as a result of testing positive for a banned PED substance, got the Bucs off the hook for $7 million this year.
What do the Bucs do about Doug Martin and the running back position?
… the Bucs will have to decide if they want to stick by Martin or sever ties. The fact that they now no longer owe him $7 million guaranteed for 2017 means they can have a clean break, if they choose. … Regardless of what happens with Martin, the Bucs would be wise to re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers, the most versatile back they have and their only player who rushed for 100 yards in a game this season. They likely could do so for a little bit above the veteran minimum, which is what he made in 2016. They can also draft a running back, as this 2017 class looks particularly good.
In other words, the Bucs could draft a big-time running back but who knows if the guy will or won’t be a bust? The NFL Draft is a proven crapshoot. Free agency is the home of overpaid running backs and an unknown.
At least with Rodgers, the Bucs have a proven, versatile back who can produce in winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter’s offense.
January 7th, 2017 at 8:10 am
I agree with Jenna on this one, I just hope by “big-time running back” she means a 1st round pick
January 7th, 2017 at 8:33 am
Bring Latavius Murray back to the state
January 7th, 2017 at 8:56 am
Meh,
If Rodgers accepts a “player friendly” contract…..then I’m for it
If not
The draft a back or FA
Whatever the GM does, just don’t break the bank for a back
January 7th, 2017 at 9:02 am
Why not Marlon Mack in rounds 4-6???
January 7th, 2017 at 9:50 am
Good morning St.Pete. there’s that word “versatile” floating around again. Hmm.. Ahhh let me stop there my bros get mad at me for even mentioning the name.
January 7th, 2017 at 9:55 am
Joey that doesn’t make since too many round here. They’d prefer a little WR from Washington who looked as such against bama or some kid from Western Michigan. With the 19th pick in the 2017 NFL draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select from Western.Michigan. Really??? Maybe in the 2nd round but ain’t no player from Western.Michigan going in the first yo.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:01 am
I am all for keeping Jacquizz Rodgers. The kid has earned a roster spot, though I don’t think he should start.
But I also think the Buccaneers should keep Doug Martin. At least long enough to see how he comes out of rehab and how he produces afterward. If possible, negotiate a new deal.
Saying “they now no longer owe him $7 million” is misleading.
As long as he is on the roster, he will get that money. A guarantee is a promise of a portion of his salary. If they keep him on the roster, they will still end up paying him the money as salary.
So those thinking it adds an extra $7 mil to the cap better think again.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:02 am
Why is everyone afraid to let the glazers spend money to keep guys on this team who play their asses off and want to be here?!?!
There is no shortage of cash, but we have all detailed the shortage of attitude and effort that has plagued this team for years.
Guys like Will Gholstin and Rodgers can definitely be part of a winning team here.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:06 am
@Nole
I realize you are a Seminole fan, so I get why you want another one here. However, RB is not a top priority on this team. Until they decide what to do with Martin, all they need do is give Rodgers a contract for a backup.
I also don’t feel the first pick should go on a wide receiver or offensive lineman…especially not on a right tackle. I mean, okay…if a top center happens to be available, he should be a consideration, but I would rather spend that first pick on defensive line.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:08 am
Thinking about it, I think I would go BPA for either a center or any position on defense (except ILB).
January 7th, 2017 at 10:14 am
NOSBOS
I see ya workin’ it. You know that like you I love Dalvin and so you’re egging me on to get in trouble here aren’t you? LMAO
I really like Rodgers…he’s a great second back…still not sure he can carry the load as the #1 but hell yea sign him we can always use a good RB.
See what you’ve done NOSBOS…I can imagine a backfield of Cook and Quizz and Charles Sims moving outside like the legendary Lennie Moore of the old Unitas Colts. A guy who came out as an RB and like Sims started playing both RB and out wide. As time went on he started receiving more than RB. I think Sims is ready made for this position.
According to the NFL Combine the WR’s and DB’s have the fastest average times over the past five years at 4.55 followed by RB’s at 4.59. Sims ran a 4.46 which while not blazing is faster than the average DB trying to chase him down and faster than the average WR we’d trot out there.
Dalvin Cook has recorded 40’s from a 4.32…match that number up against the average DB’s 4.55!!! Dalvin’s slowest was 4.54 scouting reports credit him with a 4.43…still en fuego!
Add one WR with enough speed to threaten the back of the D and a returner with enough speed to take it to the house and we’ve solved our speed problem.
We can do this guys!
January 7th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Pete Mitchell Says
“Why is everyone afraid to let the glazers spend money to keep guys on this team who play their asses off and want to be here?!?!
Guys like Will Gholstin and Rodgers can definitely be part of a winning team here.”
To me, you spend the money on players who are worth the investment spent. Rodgers? He won’t command a big price, so that is an easy one.
As to Gholston? He’s going to want solid money and he is not nearly worth it. The guys maxes out at 2-3 sacks per year and his tackles have been low too. He’s one of those players who has a good game near the end of a year and so the fans remember him more strongly, but in truth he isn’t even average at his position. He should be nothing more than depth.
And make no mistake…only the Buccaneers would be willing to overpay for him. A huge mistake.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:18 am
BTW Quizz is on record with a 4.52…still faster than the average DB or RB not world class like Cook.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:29 am
@Nole Since when does where a guy plays in college dictate when he should get drafted? Corey Davis is a baller and deserves a 1st Rd pick right now (unless he lays an egg at the combine), but I dont think WR or RB should be the 1st Rd pick for the bucs. To me DL is the biggest need right now. An edge rusher to replace Ayers next season or a DT to line up next to McCoy (or for all of the GMC haters out there maybe is replacement?….) Dalvin Cook is great and I wouldnt be upset at all if they take him at #19, but there are a lot of other teams in front of the bucs that also need a stud RB and the Bucs have too many holes to be trading away picks for 1 guy.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:37 am
Nole on Sat that’s terrible logic. Corey Davis is a stud.
The best WR to ever play went to Mississippi Valley State…
January 7th, 2017 at 10:51 am
Birdman I grew up thinking he was the best until the stickem allegations surfaced. JR never refuted the claim. CC vehemently denied ever doing so a day later. I’m just saying some think a guy that played RB in a power conference can be a bust then why can’t the same be said for a guy that played at Western.Michigan??? Hardest thing for young wideoits entering the league is being jammed by pro DBs. Is there any film of him doing so in school???
January 7th, 2017 at 10:54 am
Joey Im trying figure why everyone is implying trading up will be necessary 1,2 I wish people would make up they’re minds. One minute its “you don’t RBs high in the draft” the next its we would have to trade up for well I wont say his name. Either way I’m confused.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:57 am
You say there are other teams that need a RB. Would we not fit into thst grouping as well??? I don’t understand you folks, this homerism. From where I sit RB is high propriety for this organization in less you feel Rodgers can carry the load for 16 games.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:59 am
2.9 was our average a carry this season people 2.9 yards. Show me a superbowl winner with a average that low. I’ll sit here and wait.
January 7th, 2017 at 11:17 am
When teams are only afraid of one of our receivers, it makes it hard to run the ball because they can stack the box. Last year we had two receiving threats for most of the season and our run game was among the best in the league. I’m all for BPA in the draft, hopefully we can get a good #2 WR in free agency but we should probably draft one as well. Long time Noles fan, Dalvin is amazing, but I think he’ll go top ten after the combine and probably he’ll be the first back taken because of his speed.
January 7th, 2017 at 11:28 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnqO2WvKoTM
When you’re college highlight tape is THIS.
I get the same feeling watching CD’s highlight reel that I did watching OBJ’s College tape 3 years ago.
He looks sick man.
January 7th, 2017 at 11:49 am
Martin won’t be available till week four. Time to move on. He got a fat deal, and screwed over his team mates, and organization with his actions. Good luck to his future, it won’t be as a Buc. There’s younger, faster, better backs through the fourth round, who needs a drug dependent muscle hamster?
January 7th, 2017 at 11:53 am
The problem is nole the same thing can be said for show me a team that won with no number two receiver or show me a team that won with a small, hurt, weak center or show me a team that won without the ability to stop the run or rush the qb or show me a team that has no speed receiver. See what I’m saying?
January 7th, 2017 at 11:57 am
I think the best comp for Corey Davis is TO. He looks just like on the field to me.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
I understand he is controversial, but thoughts on taking a 6th or 7th rd flyer on Mixon if he is available? Obviously a lot of homework could be done on him to better find out about his currently questionable character.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Jacquizz Rodgers will be back, because Dirk Koetter want him back.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
In general, it has been pointed out for a long time by many in NFL circles that there are five positions that every team looks to fill before any other positions. First and foremost is quarterback – it is a quarterback driven league. The remaining four positions all revolve around the QB. The order of the remaining four varies based on each team. Those four positions are blindside offensive tackle whose job it is to protect the QB, rush defensive end whose job it is to get to the QB, wide receiver whose job it is to catch the ball from the QB and cornerback whose job it is to cover the wide receiver that catches the ball from the QB. Running back is not in the top five for just about every team in the NFL. The Bucs have addressed all five of these position since Jason Licht has been the GM and they have done so in the first two rounds of the past three drafts. Given the importance that the NFL puts on these five positions I would not count on the Bucs drafting a running back in the first round. As I see it… The Bucs are especially weak at one of those five positions i.e. wide receiver – they need at least one more very good wide receiver. So, I believe they will get a wide receiver if one is worth it and available at number 19. I also believe that if this is what they end up doing it is the much smarter pick then getting even a very good running back like Dalvin Cook. I am an FSU fan and went to school there – I love Dalvin Cook too. But… When I look at the fact that it is a passing league/quarterback driven league I realize that wide receiver is the better route to go. There are many other running back options available that can do the job just fine. You need to make sure you have as many as possible very good wide receiver’s though. So…Wide receiver it will be for the Bucs in the 1st round not RB.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Pretty much Spot on Pat. Well Said.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Kick Martin to the curb if you want to..The guys probably gonna come back next year and tear up the league in rushing yardage..whereve he is! Just to show all of you what a good RB he truly is.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Pat there is free agency. I would say there is a very good chance that a WR is picked up in free agency. That will allow them to go after BPA. There are only two recievers in this draft with a first round pick IMO and they may be gone. John Ross is too small IMO. Dalvin Cook probably gone so most likely it won’t be a flashy pick but hopefully a day 1 starter regardless of the position.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Solomon Thomas is better, O.J Howard is better, Jabrill Peppers is better.
There’s no telling how the draft will play out, but Chances are there will be better prospects available than Cook, At positions of greater importance as well.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Pat
All excellent points! But there is more than one way to skin a cat. Do we really believe Seattle would have won without Marshawn Lynch to go into beast mode?
The greatest who on turf was not just Warner Bruce and the guy…Marshall Faulk was a HUGE ingredient.
Then there is the Dallas example. Are we still making fun of Jerry for taking an RB with his first pick?
We ran the ball well the year before last and we sucked last year. Why? OL letdown or inferior RB?
I think we have major issue at RB. Not saying we MUST draft Dalvin…I don’t think we MUST draft any position…just that if he’s there or close we have to at least consider him.
Meanwhile the best WR is not coming in the draft. If you get past his head Terrelle Pryor is the man! 4.39 speed in a 6-4 225 lb body! 1000+ yards his first year after switching from QB. I love former QB’s at WR…Pryor has the potential to be a much faster, bigger Heinz Ward.
I know…gotta make sure his head checks out and Licht/Koetter could manage him….but if we get past that issue why would we not try to get this guy?
I’d give Glennon and some other players in a heartbeat.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Oops…sorry I was stuck in last year…Glennon is no longer ours to give.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
I would not draft a RB unless it’s in the later rounds and I’ve addressed all of the other glaring needs. Sign Quizz, and then see what drops on the wire. At the end of the day, There will still be a few good RB names without a home to choose from, just be patient. As for Martin, I’m tired of seeing him continue to run straight up the offensive lineman’s backside, when there is a clear hole to the right or to the left.I don’t think he has good field vision. Plus I don’t care how good a perceived back is, he ain’t going nowhere if there isn’t a hole to run through.
Your OLine isn’t finished yet Koetter!
January 7th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Um, let’s not overlook LolBuc’s comment about Marlon Mack in rounds 4 through 6. I’m not sure where Mack is projected but as a USF alum and fan, I’m all for it. Sure, I’m being a homer and I’m man enough to admit it but this guy can play and he would be right there in the range of project draft picks where it wouldn’t be the worst thing if it didn’t pan out.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
@Nole yes the Bucs would fit in the “Teams that need a feature RB” Category, but so do the Jags, Jets, Panthers, Browns (@12), Eagles, Colts, and Ravens. All of those teams pick ahead of Tampa Bay so if Cook is 1 of the top 2 RB prospects what are the odds that 6 of those 7 teams (assuming Fournette is drafted) pass on Cook? That is why people keep saying they will have to, most likely, trade up to draft him. To pass some of these teams. Now if Cook does get passed up and is there at #19 overall, draft him. It is highly unlikely atm that he will be there though
January 7th, 2017 at 12:46 pm
ndog bro we all saw Seattle win a superbowl with two not so fast WRs.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Okay Joey I can respect that but these people round here talking that”you don’t take a RB in the first” sound silly to me.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Same people that would be okay taking little John Ross(I’m sorry he looked like a boy amongst men against bama) or this kid with great highlight reel from Western.Michigan.
January 7th, 2017 at 12:57 pm
ndog is someone jacking your tag bro. I see capital “Ndog” on another article. That’s copyright infringement yo.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Let me tell y’all something Mike Williams will be the first WR to come off the board this draft. Don’t think so lets bet jerseys, any takers???
January 7th, 2017 at 1:08 pm
The only person I ever see talk about John Ross is Chris.
And I love how you are conveniently leaving out the part about Seattle being carried to 2 superbowls by a ferocious defense, and simultaneously Discounting how Good Russel Wilson and that offense as a whole was as at that time.
And Marshawn Lynch is a completely different breed of Running Back. Comparing Cook to him is just silly.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
@NosBos, I’ve seen multiple Defense heaving Mock draft that Had Williams Dropping as low as 15/16. And to tell you the truth, I see Williams as a player worth trading up for. Especially if its only a few spots.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Defense Heavy*
January 7th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Blake in not discounting that D at all. I’m stating what the topic was about WRs bro.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
St. Pete the difference is Dallas already had the best o-line in football, and 2 legitimate deep-threat WRs, plus a HOF Tight end in Jason Witten. So a team in that scenario is perfectly set up to take a RB in the 1st round. They were also drafting much higher than normal b/c of Romo’s injury and the bad season the year before.
We’re just not in that position. IF, and this is a big if, but if we can get at least 1 solid WR w/ speed and upgrade our O-line in free agency, then it could make sense to maybe look at Cook in the 1st round. He is absolutely a baller and a playmaker, this team simply has bigger needs.
Zeke Elliot wouldn’t be accomplishing anything close to what he did this year w/ our current o-line and WR corps.
I would love Cook, but that being said I would also love me some Corey Davis and/or Solomon Thomas even more.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
The thing is we are all about to watch Mike face bama again. I trust he will look bigger than John Ross did against that same defense did a well ago.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
See when people talk like that unbelievable I’m wit the argument. Why is everyone discounting free agency???
January 7th, 2017 at 1:47 pm
Not trying to ruffle feathers,this is not hate for anyone. But between Davis and Solo Thomas. I’m taking the DT.
January 7th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Steppin’ out of the box for just a moment…..how about Marshawn Lynch who’s considering coming out of retirement?
January 7th, 2017 at 2:01 pm
LOL Nole, it is a comment section after all. People love to argue.
But that’s really the biggest issue right now- what do we do in free agency? The players that we do or don’t sign will significantly influence what we do in the draft, especially at the “skill” positions.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:26 pm
unbelievable I love this ishh. Y’all my social media brothers. I can’t get enough. If you met me at a party you would be like he’s quiet. People often intrigued with me because of that quietness. But get on a topic I enjoy and witness the sudden change.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Cal I knew he wasn’t done. Man if he ends up a Raider league watch out.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
@Nole Solomon Thomas is a motherfreaking monster of a player. I would have 0 qualms about drafting him depending on how heavily we target offensive playmakers in FA.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
This is my only social media outlet. No Facebook no IG,twitter or snapchat. Just JoeBucsMutha—–.com.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:34 pm
Took a while but I’m wit you there Blake😉.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:35 pm
GOAT stop hiding that’s who pointed me towards Solo Thomas.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
And for the record Corey Davis looks like AB 2.0 if the Bucs draft that kids he probably wouldn’t have a bigger fan on here than NOSBOS.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
I just stumbled on to his tape last night, and I was thoroughly impressed. Looks like Gerald Mccoy if he played like he was pissed off.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:39 pm
A yo Cal thanks for chiming inn. I love to see just how far JBF extends around the country. That’s cool bro.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Great analogy Blake.
January 7th, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Blake great video, I want to see what happened at 0:42 happen with the BUCS!
Take it to the house! YES!
January 7th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
I’m dead serious…
this type of thinking is EXACTLY why the Bucs have been bottom feeders for a decade plus. A journey man comes in and produces stats when handed the ball and we immediately annoint him “the guy” even though he is less talented than what most other teams have.
Did anyone watch week 17 games… there were sooo many unheard of guys like Burkhead in cincy and the kid in Jacksonville putting up killer stats. should they be annointed “the guy”as well?
No.
The bucs need to find the next L. Bell or David Johnson – an elite guy who can run and catch as good as anyone in the NFL. Anyone, if given the ball enough, will produce stats at RB. Find a guy better than what the other team has. Rodgers is a great depth RB – a terrific backup…
For the Bucs to be great they have to find a guy head and shoulders better to be the starter. There are a lot of guys who will be available in the 3rd round this year who can be better than Rodgers and the current version of Martin.
If the Bucs go into next season with Rodgers as “the guy”… well, oh boy.
January 7th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
@Tony in LA
There will be a plethora of opportunities to address the running back position in the draft. Its a pretty stacked year. D’onta Foreman and Joe Mixon are both poised to be solid year 1 starters to be had outside of the first round talents of Fournette and Cook.
That being said Quizz played well everytime he was asked to. He is the consummate professional. And it never hearts to Have a good Back-up Rb, especially when you’re trying to get over the hump and you have 70+ mil in cap space.
January 7th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
*hurts* lol
January 7th, 2017 at 3:52 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai … “As to Gholston? He’s going to want solid money and he is not nearly worth it. The guys maxes out at 2-3 sacks per year and his tackles have been low too. He’s one of those players who has a good game near the end of a year and so the fans remember him more strongly, but in truth he isn’t even average at his position. He should be nothing more than depth.”
Bonzai, I can’t believe you totally disrespected Will Gholston and nobody called you on it. “His tackles have been low?” Sorry, but you need to check his stats again … he’s the leading tackler on the DLine … by far … for these past 4 years. Posted this a couple days ago (late in the thread) but still applies:
@DefenseRules … Not every player will be a superstar after their first 4 years. Will has improved steadily since being drafted in 2013. He’s averaged right at 14 games each season, which for a DE taking a LOT of snaps is a good sign. His sacks have increased each year (up to 3.5 this year), and he’s made the most tackles BY FAR of any Bucs DLineman over those 4 years (126 tackles and 63 assists) … yes, way more than GMC (who has the 2nd most).
Fans get enamored with sacks, but being a great DLineman is much more than that. Will Gholston is the type of DE that you build your team around, not a backup or rotational player. And the best part is … He’s just now coming into his own. PAY THE MAN, and be thankful if he re-signs with the Bucs.
January 7th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Reneg with martin. Re sign rodgers. Draft a RB in the second half of the draft. That would solidify the RB position for the next few years.
January 7th, 2017 at 4:21 pm
don’t care how much they pay him ! Just sign him it’s not my money
January 7th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
RB in round 2. Sign Quizz. Renegotiate Martin (or cut if he’s not back to 100%).
January 7th, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Check St.Pete post about players drafted after the top ten On the other thread. Eyebrow raising for all the draft the a RB in the later rounds folks.
January 7th, 2017 at 6:07 pm
We need a workhorse back. In a 7 round mock (on another unmentionable website), they’ve got us taking Oklahoma RB Samaje Perine in round 2. Looks strong. I don’t think we’re gonna sell the farm to take Dalvin Cook in round 1, nor should we. We gotta have the WR for Jameis in round 1. The passing game has been exposed far too often without a #2 wideout.
January 7th, 2017 at 6:13 pm
So what’s the first round pick in that mock Salish. I’m curious.
January 7th, 2017 at 6:15 pm
And while you’re at it tells us all what that mock says about our up coming free agency period. I’m curious to know as to what it says as well.
January 7th, 2017 at 8:25 pm
I wouldnt take a back in the 1st rd. Considering that we need jelp in other areas. Keep in mind there are two very good backs coming out of Oklahoma that are as good as Dalvin at probable 2nd round pick.Perine and Mixon.
January 7th, 2017 at 10:37 pm
Nole Antonio Brown went to Western Michigan to. Just sayin
January 8th, 2017 at 9:27 am
I’m curious as to why we can assume that Rodgers will settle for ” a little bit above the veteran minimum” when he’s been the Buc’s best running back. Joe?
January 8th, 2017 at 10:58 am
1st round RB will not happen