Jimmy Graham And The Bucs
January 17th, 2017
Coming home to the NFC South?
Gotta love the rumblings out of Seattle and what they mean to Bucs fans who like to dream big this time of year.
Super-talented, athletic-freak Jimmy Graham patrols the tight end/wide receiver position for the Seahawks, and Seattle hasn’t figured out quite how to maximize his immense ability.
After a strong start to the 2016 season, Graham, 30, had just 14 catches in his final six regular-season games, and he racked up only 59 yards through two playoff games.
Yes, there’s fresh talk out of The News Tribune — and old talk — that the Seahawks will cut Graham to avoid paying him $10 million in 2017.
▪ Then there is perhaps the biggest offseason issue — Graham’s future.
The 30-year-old tight end’s current four-year, $40 million deal does not run out until after next season. But if the Seahawks decided to cut him in March, they could save the non-guaranteed $10 million for 2017 against the salary cap.
Graham also made a brief appearance at his locker Sunday, but mainly stayed in an area off limits to reporters.
You want to soil the pants of every defensive coordinator in the NFC South? Add Graham to the Bucs roster with Dirk Koetter, Mike Evans and America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.
You want #weaponsforwinston? Graham qualifies in a big way.
The Bucs have the cash to pay Graham and, of course, Seattle would look to trade Graham before cutting him. Joe would be happy to toss Seattle a late-round pick or perhaps Roberto Aguayo. Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka missed seven extra points this season and will be a free agent.
Joe can’t imagine finding a Bucs fan crying because Aguayo was dealt for Graham.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:06 pm
NO ONE IS TRADING FOR AGUAYO
January 17th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Give them a 5th round pick and Doug martin for Graham!
January 17th, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Add a couple extra bottles of Adderol and you got a deal
January 17th, 2017 at 1:34 pm
I’d do it too Joe.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:36 pm
I think 941 has the price right…I give up Martin long before Ohnono..then again who would take Martin if they’re on the hook for 7 million.
A lot of moving parts would have to come together. Could Seattle negotiate a fairer deal with Martin (he’d have to sign off) and could we get the right deal with Graham.
Interesting thought and I’d welcome him of course but he’s 30 how much tread does he have left on the tires? Just questioning not condemning.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I’m not sure about this one. I haven’t been impressed with Graham since he’s been in Seattle and NO was more than willing to offload him to Seattle so I’m not sure he’s on the decline or just didn’t fit Seattle’s system. Either way I wouldn’t overpay for him.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Why would Seattle be interested in Martin? They have Rawls and Prosise. Their problem is Oline not RB.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
I wouldn’t trade for him but a two year contract makes sense
January 17th, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Matt
Of course you are correct but way to pop our bubble! lol
January 17th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
Maybe give back Sweezy, n then throw in doug for graham. it’s apprent that we need someone who can make a difference and not these has been CFL rejects/mediocre players. Now is the time to be aggressive in FA. Pay now or pay later. Atlanta is proving being aggresive in FA will prove you a winner and not thinking bout what u shoulkdve done.
January 17th, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Joe if u can get our brass to do that I will buy 6 extra season passes!!!
January 17th, 2017 at 1:49 pm
A better option? OJ Howard is projected to go around #24 in the 1st rnd this year. At 6’6″ and 242 lbs with excellent speed he’s worth a 1st rnd pick. Accepted a Senior Bowl invitation so it’ll be interesting to see how well he does against top tier talent. Sure would be a LOT less expensive than Jimmy Graham.
January 17th, 2017 at 2:02 pm
I have been pounding the table for OJ!! But we got the $ an Jimmy G is a beast!! I never thought of this sir Joe!! That opens open the Draft to BPA!! I would love to see this happen!! JW3 loves that seem!! Look back at the Cowboys game where Myers drops a TD!!! Like I said I will ante up for more passes!! Joe knows the time is now!! Get while the getting is good!!!
January 17th, 2017 at 2:04 pm
This has to be the most dumb thing I’ve seen on Joe bucs fan I’ve ever seen… I almost want to stop coming on here.. we have Cameron berate.. we made an all pro tight end from the bottom.up.. let’s pay him he’s a very good player… why piss off a perfectly good player with a injury pro Jimmy Graham.
Seriously Joe please stop…
January 17th, 2017 at 2:08 pm
On the surface, I’d love this. However, I’d do a lot of digging to make sure because it is very weird that Sean Payton got rid of him in the prime of his career. He is a horrendous blocker and he’s on the back end of his injury-plagued career.
January 17th, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Not interested. Brate just had a breakout year as a receiving TE and is younger and cheaper. If we get Graham what are we gonna do, start 2 TEs that cant block?
January 17th, 2017 at 2:22 pm
No way…he’s not the same player, injured all the time and too old for this young up and coming team….poor suggestion
January 17th, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Ditto Miko Says……
The guy was waaaaaay overpaid and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay underperformed……we don’t need another Sweezy…..
January 17th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
NO got rid of Graham because he was demanding to be paid like a wide receiver, which he essentially was in that NO offense, but the team and the arbitrator both disagreed and he didn’t have nice things to say about Loomis (the GM), Peyton or the org in general when they refused to pay him, thats why he was traded.
January 17th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Flmike is 100% correct.
January 17th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Hard no to this injury prone baby. We have a good receiving TE already. He’s not worth the money. I would like Howard over him.
January 17th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Blake!! This might kill your O.J. theory.
January 17th, 2017 at 3:05 pm
People always talking about someone overpaid. What if your boss came to you and that silliness. We have a member on our team I could argue is overpaid but you’re probably a big fan of that guy. Go get him, he didn’t fit in that run base offense. Maybe O.J. can go N.O.
January 17th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
I’m not against it per se. The problem I have with it is that the successful franchises build from within. Shouldn’t we be looking to fill certain roles with players that WE draft? I mean, what happens then with Brate? In another 2 years we’ll be doing the same thing, just an endless cycle.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:11 pm
@flmike,
They actually agreed to a contract before he was paid. There was a rumor that he didn’t want to be hit in practice (like a QB). If you remember, he wasn’t exactly greeted with open arms by the players of the Seahawks either. Again, I’m just saying I would be really careful with this signing. If It was just about the money, I don’t believe NO would have gotten rid of him. There had to be other things going on.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Sorry, I meant before he was traded.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
That would give Bucs surperior flexibility in the draft. But he certainly will not help in blocking for the running game.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Maybe we can give them Sweezy back?
January 17th, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Big money and on the decline the last few years. Not what we need. Brate did a nice job this year and pair him with a blocking TE(which Graham is not) and we are fine at TE. Too many other needs, including a solid 1A or 2 WR and help on the lines and at RB and in the secondary are what we need.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Jimmy Graham could be exciting but he could also be finished in the league. I would rather draft Howard or Leggett in one of the first three rounds.
January 17th, 2017 at 4:53 pm
We need that U swag, bring him and Campbell
January 17th, 2017 at 5:00 pm
I have a better deal.. Don’t give up anything for Graham.
January 17th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Didn’t C. Brate just lead the league n TD rec. for TE?
January 17th, 2017 at 5:10 pm
@ R.O
U got the right idea.
January 17th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Brate went out at the end of the season with a back injury. If he’s A-ok then better take a low cost replacement to Myers or Stocker or Cook (or two of the three) that gives you another TE pass catcher. If he ISN’T or won’t necessarily be 100% by the beginning of next season, I LOVE this option. He’ll at LEAST be a massive factor playing against his old team and rivals within the division.
January 17th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Trade nothing.
Seriously…drafting is Jason Licht’s strongest skill. Why would you take away from the draft????
If Graham is indeed going to be released, then wait for it. Outbid.
But frankly, I could care less if we get him. With the Bucs luck, he’d get injured first game out.
January 17th, 2017 at 5:59 pm
And for God’s sake, don’t you think it would be smart to keep Aguayo one more year, just in case he DOES turn out like Janikowski?
Bring in competition. Make his ear the spot. Don’t just trade or cut him.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:09 pm
I’m not sure he has elite ability anymore….injury took some talent away from him. I was never a big fan of his overall attitude…
January 17th, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Hes injury prone and 30….dont get me wrong if LOVE to have him play for us and it would be huge when he plays, but if hes on the sideline someone else needs to step up. Not sure I would offer much on trade….no on aguayo hes got too much potential and drafted to high to give away just to sign a contract.
Let him hit FA….HE WILL WANT TO COME HERE!!!!!!
January 17th, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Jimmy Graham couldn’t block a pop up.
Pass.
Give me O.J. all day.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Give Seattle a 6th round pick and we add a stud who has been misused the last two seasons. Him and Brate would give Jamies an amazing security blanket. Add McCaffrey in the first round of the draft and at least two more WRs and the #weaponsforjameis cause would be fulfilled. Add a new tackle and guard and move on to the D.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Graham wouldn’t have to block in our system. His job would be to make plays not blocks. We run two TE sets a ton so that would be better than ideal.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:35 pm
6th Rd pick sounds good to me. Do it!
January 17th, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Seriously doubt that will even be a consideration this offseason. To those touting OJ though, you are giving up other options at 19 and with Brate’s emergence I don’t think TE is one of our pressing needs. Guys talk about drafting BPA, but I have heard GMs say there is usually a mix of both need and talent that coincide when filing out their draft board. I would say WR, RB, and DE would be ranked as much bigger priorities and most likely will influence draft board.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Then sign a big time receiver and not a tight end on the borderline of being washed up.
I’ve made it clear that i dont really want Alshon Jefery, but holy crap would i prefer him to a primadonna like Jimmy Graham.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
@ Touch down tony
I love Cam Brate as much as the next guy, however, he’s coming off a somewhat serious back injury, he’s not a dominant Blocker, and his top speed leaves a lot to be desired.
O.J. is a crushing blocker, i’ve watched 5-6 gametapes of his and he will straight stonewall pass rushers like a left tackle, and he is constantly the lead blocker on
January 17th, 2017 at 6:50 pm
@ Touch down tony
I love Cam Brate as much as the next guy, however, he’s coming off a somewhat serious back injury, he’s not a dominant Blocker, and his top speed leaves a lot to be desired.
O.J. is a crushing blocker, i’ve watched 5-6 gametapes of his and he will straight stonewall pass rushers like a left tackle, and he is constantly the lead blocker on touchdown runs.
In addition to his skill as a blocker, he is a 6’6 260 pounder with startling athleticism. Kid runs like a freaking Clydesdale. And his hands are MONEY.
That being said, i’m only ok with using our #1 pick on him if Licht sufficiently address Receiver and the Dline in FA. Which I fully expect.
I’d be lying if I told you he wasn’t my favorite player in the draft.
January 17th, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Ok. Thats weird. I only recall pressing send once lol.
Disregard the first one pls.
XD
January 17th, 2017 at 7:15 pm
I agree that OJ looks like a stud with the potential to be a great TE. I would have no problem with drafting him. If they adequately address WR and DE in FA, then I would be ok with OJ for sure. I think it would be a very difficult decision though if both he and Cook were still on the board.
Not sure why you are calling me Tony though.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:17 pm
This team needs a burner or two. That doesn’t mean we can’t use a TE, but what is holding this offense back is someone that can stretch the field vertically. We could add Gronk to this team, and we would still have issues because no one can take the top off the defense.
Drafting OJ in the first round would be a horrible decision in my opinion. So what if he can block, he doesn’t catch the ball except for a few games in his entire career (granted 2 were in the national championship). He disappears for games at a times, and is inconsistent with his hands. Do you think he did anything special with his 70 yard TD against Clemson? It was a busted coverage that you or I could have scored on. That doesn’t happen in the NFL. He also won’t have 12 seconds to get open like he does in college. He had 8 games this season with 2 catches or less. Let that sink in for a minute – EIGHT!!! And you want him to be our first pick?
January 17th, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Not sure if his attitude is up to par…..
January 17th, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Graham could be a beast TE and probably kick better than Aguayo at the same time.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Oh crapp bro, idk ive always glanced at your name and assumed it said touchdown tony. Lol guess i have a mild case of dyslexia.
And to tell you the truth bro, this years draft is so deep at Rb, that i would take O.J. over Dalvin in a heartbeat. I realize this puts me in the minority. But tbh i dont think it would come down to that. Dalvin will be long gone by the time we pick.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:29 pm
@Hawaiianbuc.
If you were to actually watch his game tapes, you would see why he doesnt have big time production. Bama used him sp frequently as a blocker that the opportunities were not always there for him.
But when they did send him out on routes, he always gets open, and quickly. Regardless of whether or not the qb thew him the ball.
And without even looking it up to confirm, I’d wager he had one 0f the best targets to catches percentages in Cfb.
He is going to be a monster once he gets in a scheme that will utilize his game-changing skill set to his full potential.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Also, another special thing he did in the game against clemson, was abosutely obliterating a safety in the open field, that sprung bo scarborough free for the games first touchdown.
Dont tell me you’re one of those guys that doesnt appreciate leading blockers.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:43 pm
No to a trade but Yes to pay him.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
I’d rather they spend money on WR depth and speed. Brate is great. Put a speedster or two on the team and Brate, Humphries, Evans all get better.
Speedsters and linemen and another RB for the offense.
DBs and DL for the defense… plus another LB.
January 17th, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Imagine 2TE set with Brate, Graham, Evans and Desean Jackson
January 17th, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Our luck the pats will trade a 6th round pick for him and have gronk Bennett and graham. If we tried to do a trade we would have to give up our whole future
January 17th, 2017 at 8:12 pm
@Blake_Bucsfan,
I do appreciate a blocker, but this team needs an explosive playmaker first and foremost. Do you disagree with that? I’m not spending a first round pick on a guy that “could” be good “if” he was utilized differently. I want someone who has been there, done that. Project and potential guys are for later rounds. Our first round pick needs to help immediately. OJ would be nice if we had the luxury of adding an extra piece to an already potent offense, but we just aren’t in that position.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:13 pm
“Imagine 2TE set with Brate, Graham, Evans and Desean Jackson”
———–
In Madden, that would be unstoppable. In real life, I have my doubts.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:20 pm
My gut feeling is to pass on Graham. Or maybe that is the spicy chili talking.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:23 pm
He’s is gmc at the right end position with Terrell owns personality. We’ve signed like this before and he’s got Michael Johnson Anthony Collins written all over him…. Thanks but no thanks build through the draft, he doesn’t give this offense speed, I like what we have with cam brate
January 17th, 2017 at 8:27 pm
@Hawaiian Buc. Thats why I said I’d only really want O.J. in the first if we address WR and DE sufficiently in Free agency.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p789rhDRfU4
Also watch that and tell me he’s not an explosive playmaker.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:39 pm
I’ll take Cameron Brate, thank you very much.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:43 pm
This team is filled with young guys who like each other. Graham sounds like locker room trouble. Plus, he’s getting a bit long in the tooth. Bucs don’t need him. Brate will be back 100%. He’s earned the right to be the Bucs starting TE.
January 17th, 2017 at 8:57 pm
We already had a blocking icon.
One of my favorite nicknames.
That being said, that film on O.J. is pretty awesome.
January 17th, 2017 at 9:01 pm
@Blake_Bucsfan,
Fair enough.
January 17th, 2017 at 9:24 pm
Go Bucs
January 17th, 2017 at 9:27 pm
@Eric Thats precisely what makes O.J. such and intriguing prospect. That he has a tremendous techincal skill & power as a Blocker, but at the same time he is a a natural hands catcher, with enough explosive speed to cath a 10 yard ball and run it in for a 30 yard gain/ touchdown.
Tight ends with elite level skills as a blocker and receiver are a rare find. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he could be a generational talent at the Tight end position. And we should all know by now that Jaboo LOVES his Tight ends.
January 17th, 2017 at 9:42 pm
Jimmy Graham is as soft a Charmen…
What about Brandon Marshall or Terrell Pryor??
January 17th, 2017 at 10:01 pm
Okay I say get him here’s why Jameis loves his tight ends think about it d coordinators already try to plan for cam & mike but if we add jimmy with Cory Davis omg this would be an O that would avg at least above 30 point a game we will be a defensive coordinator nightmare heck Jameis would be Freddy Kruger if we get all that on the offense
January 17th, 2017 at 10:15 pm
Miko is right! There is a reason he didn’t produce in Seattle… Graham five years ago yes… now a big no!
January 17th, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Graham is cool and all, but i really have my heart set on a TE that can block too. Graham is a just a big as hell wide receiver. He can not block for the life of him. He even wanted to be franchise tagged as a WR. That tells you where he standa on the matter. And at 30 yrs old, he isnt going to start learning how to block now.
If we traded for Graham, i dont think he is worth 10 mil a year. Tbh im happy with what brate can do, and for 10 times less the cost of graham. And no worries about a cry baby ego in the locker room. No to a trade, yes to a free agent deal worth maybe half of what his current per year salary is.
The bucs, and Jameis, are a play action team. Play action doesnt work with a guy like jommy graham, because he can’t block. defenses see him on the field and know it’s a pass. Or they know they can easily beat his block and make a nice TFL for their defense. Lose/lose. Graham belongs in a west coast offense. Where he can stay on the field and not have block very often.
Of course if we did get Graham he aoukd instantly be our 2nd best WR. So that works out well. I just want a combo TE that can run routes and run block. And i know Dirk needs that for his offense too.
January 17th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Trade our second and sixth for graham and their 3rd… Licht seems to knock out his 3rd rd picks lol
January 17th, 2017 at 10:43 pm
Joe please stop with your Jimmy G propaganda. We’re bringing back the jobs, we’re cutting taxes. We are going to Make America Brate Again!
January 17th, 2017 at 10:46 pm
This is one of the best TE drafts in A long time
Trading for a 30 year old TE that may be cut would be insane.
January 17th, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Please no. We’re fine at TE. Use money elsewhere, like at WR for example. I’d take Jeffery or DJax. Throw in Kenny Stills too! Wouldn’t be mad if we added Incognito also. We’re so close Tampa!
January 18th, 2017 at 1:24 am
No. If they want a TE like that then pick up Howard in the first in his early 20’s on a rookie contract.
January 18th, 2017 at 1:44 am
Lol Joe, I don’t know where your heads at this offseason so far -just don’t see any of that happening.
Cameron Brate was great this yr. we need a speed guy to open up the field. That’s what we’ll target
January 18th, 2017 at 5:47 am
pass lol
January 18th, 2017 at 10:47 am
Good video, i won’t deny that. The thing about highlight videos, though, is that they only show the good plays.
There are times, though, where a speed receiver (which we DESPERATELY need) would have scored, specifically on the play run at 2:14.
With all that being said, I’d be fine with selecting Howard in the 2nd round if he’s there. First round NEEDS to go to a speed receiver with hands that has shown production at the college level.
January 18th, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Forget about Brate? Use the cash on a wide receiver free agent.