The Passion Of Steve McLendon
October 22nd, 2020
New Bucs DT Steve McLendon.
As Bucs fans know, the Bucs traded for Jets nose tackle Steve McLendon Sunday night and Joe would not be surprised if he started Sunday night in Las Vegas — if there is a game.
(The Raiders told their starting offensive linemen to stay home for a second straight day in the wake of starting right tackle Trent Brown testing positive for The Sickness on Wednesday.)
McLendon, of course, played for Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles in New York and equally important McLendon, played for Bucs defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, who was Bowles’ defensive coordinator with the Jets.
So McLendon’s transition here should be very quick and smooth.
A 10-year NFL veteran, McLendon is known as being strong stopping the run. He’s also known as being a good locker room guy.
Below is a video from Associated Press Jets beat guy Dennis Waszak, Jr., of McLendon speaking at a press conference last year. You can see why McLendon is thought to be a good guy and teammate.
Shoot, he comes across to Joe as a guy you want as a coach.
Feel free to watch Waszak’s video below to get to know McLendon a bit better.
Steve McLendon has always had a way with words. Just a genuine guy and natural leader. This is from May 2019 with the #Jets.
Easy to see why he was so loved and respected in that locker room. The Bucs will surely benefit from his presence on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/9INwowTu2V
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) October 19, 2020
October 22nd, 2020 at 12:37 pm
I like player stories like this one. Glad we have him.
October 22nd, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Jets to the Bucs….he hit the lottery on that transition.
October 22nd, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Yes he did RayJay
October 22nd, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Love his approach to the game & to his team. Great pickup IMO. Very fortuitous for both McLendon & the Bucs that he was available when he was. Good job Jason. Now find us another experienced pass rusher & ‘It’s a Bucs’ life’ will get even better.
October 22nd, 2020 at 12:48 pm
If Suh chases money next year can McLendon replace him and pair him with Vea?
October 22nd, 2020 at 1:08 pm
As a backup; yeah why not. But that’s all he is. Have to tell you thou…is freakin’ scary the way he comes across, to me; as a McCoy clone….pls God don’t……
October 22nd, 2020 at 1:19 pm
look at Licht…lol..being a GM…LOL…
GO BUCS!!!!
October 22nd, 2020 at 1:39 pm
He’s going to start. Maybe not Sunday night but he will start.
He started for years for the Steelers. Don’t think Mike Tomlin would tolerate a pass rush-only nose tackle.
October 22nd, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Swaggynot
October 22nd, 2020 at 2:01 pm
If the guy is a starting level defensive line player, why in the world did he take an extension last year for this year of only $800k? I mean that isn’t even backup money, that’s like the backup to the backup who is inactive for 16-games money. Strange choice by him if he’s any good. If the Bucs got a steal, then congrats to Licht for figuring out how to get someone who can play for this cheap.
October 22nd, 2020 at 2:03 pm
He looks bigger then 280
October 22nd, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Bucs are not gonna let Suh go anywhere! I would rather over pay and let him stick around to teach the next generation of pass rushers for a year or two and then let him ride into the sunset.
He just wants a ring badly as he has the money and brains already.
October 22nd, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Rod he signed a 1yr 3mil contract last year for 2020.
800k is the Bucs salary
October 22nd, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Yeah hes not a backup my only concern beyond this year is hes 35 and thats about the age that D linemen retire.
October 22nd, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Smart move, the Bucs were not taking an chances. They will continue to be dominant against the run. They are not leaving anything to chance. They know the player, McLendon knows the coaches. Win win situation. GO BUCS!!!!
October 22nd, 2020 at 5:28 pm
I can see Suh and McClendon having a couple glasses of wine together
October 22nd, 2020 at 6:44 pm
Inspiring! Glad to add depth at DT and a proven vet.
October 22nd, 2020 at 9:40 pm
-He’s going to start. Maybe not Sunday night but he will start.-
Understandable, given the Vita Vea injury… he will start. But you know he’s just backup, not starting material. Not at is age. He’s welcome thou…Go Bucs!!
October 22nd, 2020 at 11:10 pm
To everyone saying his age and talking about next year you guys need to realize no one is thinking about next year anymore. Its about this year. They are all in for this year and he may help the team win now. As soon as brady retires this thing the Bucs have going the buzz and the vets wanting to play here its all over. McLendon is a great addition for the team to win now.
October 23rd, 2020 at 8:12 am
Love this stuff!!! Passionate and focused!
October 23rd, 2020 at 3:41 pm
D1 – He signed a contract last year for $3m for 2019 season then in Oct of last year he extended it a year for $800k, that’s what I read in one of the NJ papers covering the Jets.