Quiet On Cadillac Contract Front
January 6th, 2010
The Bucs’ best running back in 2009 is going to be a restricted free agent, assuming the NFL’s labor situation doesn’t change.
But in the past year the Bucs haven’t had any contract talks with Cadillac Williams, so says his close friend Earnest Graham.
Speaking Monday to J.P. Peterson on 1010 AM, Graham said Cadillac is eagerly waiting to hear from the Bucs front office.
For Team Glazer, Cadillac presents an interesting dilemma.
He’s a huge fan favorite who has been loyal to the organization. But he’s damaged goods — no matter how well he performed this season.
As a restricted free agent, Joe is pretty certain the Bucs would have to offer Cadillac 110 percent of his 2009 salary in order to obtain any right of first refusal on him or get high-draft-pick compensation if Cadillac were to sign with another club.
Per USA Today’s salary database, Cadillac’s 2009 salary was $2.1 million. So that means the Bucs would have to offer Cadillac about $2.3 million for 2010 to hold on to any of his rights.
Would the Glazers pay $2.3 million for a banged up running back considering there’s still guranteed money tied up in Derrick Ward, who earned $5 million+ in 2009? And with valuable Earnest Graham still soaking up a nice piece of change?
Of course, the Bucs could sign Cadillac to a long term contract and take him off the market.
Or Cadillac could decide he wants to stay here at all costs and take whatever deal is offered.
Joe doubts the latter would happen, especially considering Caddy has gambling debts to pay Ronnie Brown.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Joe with regard to the November post about gambling debts I bet Stylz White wishes he had made that bet with Gaines Adams right?
With regard to Williams – If I were the Glazers I wouldn’t offer him anything to see what the market value is. As a restricted FA all the Glazers have to do is match that or get more picks.
If no one displays any interest in Williams then in all likelyhood the Glazers will low-ball him a number that will likely result in “bad blood” but hey it’s a business and that’s how the Glazers roll.
What I’d like to see is more 2 back formations with Ward and Williams – but they BOTH have to work on their blocking skills more.
Considering their styles using Caddy on flare passes could work or even having Ward pound up the gut, especially with Graham as a lead blocker as well.
Unfortunately the Bucs WERE NOT COMMITTED to the run in 2009 – irrespective of what Morris declared in the preseason.
While down 17-0 against the Saints they Bucs stayed primarily with the ground game and look what happened?
January 6th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Joe here,
It’s sticky, Mr. Lucky. They still have to give Caddy a qualifying offer in order to get a pick, but then he could choose to stay here. And that goes back to whether they want to pay him $2 million. …Most interested to see if he has any value on the market. I wouldn’t bet on it.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Mr Lucky
I agree with the two back sets, though I’d prefer to see Williams and Graham, instead of Ward. Both those guys showed more explosiveness and speed than Ward, IMO. If there was a way to move Ward and bring in a change of pace back like McCluster (or use Huggins, if the team is confident enough in him), I’d be all for it. We’re set at fullback with Askew and Storer, provided they return healthy.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Running back isn’t exactly a weak position in the league right now. Most teams have a number 2 RB that is as good or better than Caddie. I love the guy, but the truth is no other team is going to have much interest. He managed to stay healthy for an entire season, which is great news considering his story, but the fact that that feat is such a surprise should answwer any questions about his value.
It’s not even like he had a good year…he just stayed healthy. I’d be surprised if he didn’t end up signing a 2 or 3 year deal with Tampa for a low price. I’d guess not much more than the veteran league minimum. The guy has made good money for the last 4 years while rehabbing, not playing. I think we are the only team that shows any interest, and that will only be because of his history here in Tampa.
January 6th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
JDouble, while he has gotten paid for rehabbing, you have to think he’d much rather been out there playing on the field (much more fun). I’m not an elite athlete like an NFL player, but having gone through rehab for a torn Achilles and multiple knee surgeries, it can be a bitch (both mentally and physically). I can’t imagine the work those guys go through to be able to get back to being able to compete with some of the best athletes in the world. That said, I’ll be curious as well to see what type of interest he’ll draw. I think it will be more than just the Bucs that kick his tires, but we’ll see.
January 6th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Yeah, like I said, I love the kid and his story is great and I hope we resign him. I just feel the reality is no one other than us is going to be interested in a 28 year old average running back with two blown knees and a great story.