The Dilemma Of 2011
May 9th, 2010
Tanard Jackson is one of many Bucs players expected to become free agents in 2011.
While a lot of attention of late has been paid to the Bucs draft — rightly so — there is an interesting fork in the road just over the hill and it appears there also could be clouds in the horizon.
Of course, the clouds are the looming labor stoppage of 2011, something Joe has written about many times because he feels it is the Sword of Damocles hanging over every NFL owner’s head and has been a factor in virtually every financial move the past two seasons.
Whether there is a season or not in 2011, one thing Joe knows for sure: there are tons of Bucs starters who will be free agents in 2011. What Team Glazer will do with those free agents may be determined by the players themselves, explains eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune in a TBO.com Bucs question-and-answer feature.
Q: Many of our core players will be free agents in 2011. On the offensive side of the ball we have guys like Davin Joseph, Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood on the O-line, tight ends Jerramy Stevens and John Gilmore, wide receiver Maurice Stovall and running back Cadillac Williams. On the defensive side there is Stylez G White on the D-line, linebackers Geno Hayes, Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black, cornerback Ronde Barber and safeties Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli.
How do you think the Bucs will handle signing most of these guys? Or should we even care? Because if the 2010 draft was being held as the deepest draft in 10 or 20 years, the 2011 free agent period will be the largest one ever with more than 450 players available.
Luvmybucs, Las Vegas, Nev.
A: The Glazers have said that any player who performs well over a period of time will be rewarded by the Bucs. Guys like Penn and Ruud are wondering when their day will come. You would think Tanard Jackson and Davin Joseph will be offered long-term extensions. After this season, the Bucs will have to identify their core players and build with them going forward. Penn, Ruud and Trueblood could all hit the market next March, assuming a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.
— eye-RAH! Kaufman
The Bucs have said since Chucky was canned they wanted to build through the draft, which Joe has no problem with. Keeping guys like Joseph, Jackson and Hayes will go a long way to reinforcing that mantra.
May 9th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
We picked a good year not to be in free agency. Not many to choose from and too high of a price. If there is not a stoppage there will be a gold mine next year. I just pray we were told the truth and money is not an issue. Good draft this year. A couple in next years shallow draft. The correct free agents and we may return to glory days.
May 9th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
if money truly is no issue and we really want to protect our core – why not make an aggressive effort to sign joseph, penn, tanard j, ruud – maybe black and hayes and white and trueblood?
the answer is – b/c they are cheap and will only resign a few even if it means taking a step back.
dont give me the cba excuse many clubs are locking up assets.
May 9th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Thomas, you never cease to amaze me. Joe just wrote why the Bucs have not made a move to re-sign these guys: (1) because they don’t have to yet and (2) because they are afforded the opportunity to see what everyone is really made of before signing. Goodness gracious.
By the way, many clubs are not starting over like the Bucs are. They want to see what these guys do. None of the giys you mention is a lock. Indeed, I don’t think there is anyone on the Bucs that is a lock.
May 9th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Thomas — I see where you are confused. The Bucs do not want to “protect” their core. The Bucs want to “build” a core. All of the guys from the Gruden/Allen era are essentially trying out. From the Glazers (and Dom’s) perspective, that is the good thing about the CBA issue.
May 9th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@Jimbuc: there is no confusion – joseph, penn, tanard j, ruud – have proven there value.
Noone drafted in the 2009 or 2010 classes has yet.
Having a rigid rule that Gruden regime players, regardless of what they have proven, are not “core” players regardless of what they have shown is foolish. What about Talib you bonehead? Does he have to try out? Faine?
Also, 3/5 of your o-line are fa’s in 2011, and that position hasn’t been addressed in your precious drafts – so what are your options – you and dom probably think you can lose those three in FA and draft 3 o-lineman and annoint them QUALITY NFL STARTERS and SUCCESSFUL DRAFTEES after one rookie minicamp.
Idiots?
May 9th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
JimBuc:
“I see where you are confused. The Bucs do not want to “protect” their core. The Bucs want to “build” a core. All of the guys from the Gruden/Allen era are essentially trying out. From the Glazers (and Dom’s) perspective, that is the good thing about the CBA issue.”
This is CRAP! Absolute crap. Almost all of our great players are going to be free agents next year, but they want to make sure they are for real???!!!! GIVE ME A BREAK. JUST GIVE EM A DAMN CONTRACT ALREADY AND BE DONE WITH IT. Nothing is ever certain in the NFL. Especially with the Buccaneers.
“All of the guys from the Gruden/Allen era are essentially trying out.”
Oh, so I guess everything damn thing from their reign, including all the players, are garbage right?? Just because they were in charge. For God’s sake, Gruden wasn’t the worst person ever! I highly doubt the front office will sign all of these players. Hell, i’m scared they won’t even sign half of them. Then they’ll just dig us a deeper and deeper hole. I’M SO SICK OF THIS ONE YEAR TENDER CRAP! GIVE THE FREE AGENTS A CONTRACT! They’re good players! Period. Many of the players aren’t even expensive.
It’s seems like there’s a problem with every player. Cadillac had a great comeback season, but he’s still “unreliable.” Clifton smith has done great at returning kicks for us but his concussions might be an issue. Donald Penn has blocked well for us, but he might weigh too much. Barrett Ruud is not good enough. Always some problem with everyone. The Bucs don’t want to take any risks. They’re chickens!
As a matter of fact, I get the feeling that none of our players are secure. Everyone is always a question mark. None. And that really scares me!
“The Bucs want to build a core”
Much of our core is already in place. Let’s just hope that Raheem and Dominik don’t screw it up next offseason.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Guys . . . . is Rudd worth a long-term extension? Maybe, but is he the leader that we need? Stout enough against the run? Is TJ deserving of a long-term extension. On play, yes. But, what about his drug problem? Penn’s weight problem, etc.
What I am saying is that the Bucs are REBUILDING — everyone’s job is on the line, as it should be. Certainly there are players that will likely get extensions BUT that does not mean that a team should give the extension to a player before they are required to? The CBA issue essentially gives all team, not just the Bucs, an extended look at their players.
Man . . .
May 9th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Thomas — before you start calling me a bonehead (pot calling kettle) think about what you are saying. If even Talib were up for an extension, why wouldn’t the team want an extra year before committing? Talib is great on the filed, but appears to have some off field issues. The CBA just gives the Buics an extra year to see how players like Talib and TJ mature. How can that possibly be viewed as a negative? Oh . . . that’s right you think the Bucs are “cheap” because they are not extending guys IN ADVANCE. LOL.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Patrick — I am a Gruden fan. Relax buddy.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
JimBuc my comment wasn’t intended to blast you. I was blasting the Bucs front office. And I do know that you’re a Gruden fan. I just believe the current front office thinks Gruden is bad in every kind of way. That’s what was said in my quote.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
You guys are a study in contradictions. First you complain because the Bucs don’t sign free agents. Now you complain because they may sign free agents??? You realize that 2011 works both ways, right? The Bucs will have a lot a FAs to sign from their own stable of players, but there will also be a lot of players available from other teams. Are you going to be angry is they drop one of our FAs in favor of a better player?
May 9th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Tanard is Rhaeem’s boy if Morris is still here Tanard will be here. RUdd and Penn I think the painting is on the wall I think they are solid Penn can be a little overrated and overwieght.I dont think niether one will be back unless they have pro bowl years Joesph will get a extension if he does not have the same year he had last year
May 9th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Patrick — sorry took it the other way. I think the FO has faith in some of the Gruden players and will re-sign many of them. It’s just that they do not have to now, so why do it? It will all work itself out.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Jimbuc is seeing things again.
Who said anything about being upset b/c they may sign FA’s? We want them to secure our core players and supplement.
Why sign them now in light of the CBA? b/c a new cba could be struck at any point. if you jerk these guys around like ruud they will wait to hit free agency once a deal is struck.
Also, rumor has it that the glazers are preferring a work stoppage in 2011 unless the players fold like lawnchairs b/c they stand to profit 30 million if there is no football (direct tv deal guarantees payment of 1 billion to 31 teams even w/o football).
I wont blame ruud and joseph etc for hightailing out of here if the org continues to jerk them around.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@JimBuc, the reason you want to lock up your core players early is to prevent them from testing the waters and leaving. If the Bucs wait until the end of the season, players won’t negotiate until they’ve made the rounds and to see their true worth.
For the last year or so, the Bucs have done nothing but cast doubt on many of their players. For example, all the excuses why AB wasn’t resigned, Penn is fat, Ruud can’t tackle, the OLine isn’t any good, etc, etc. IMO, they don’t want to spend the money right now. After next season, they are risking losing many of those players. If that happens, the rebuilding process will be set back (again!).
May 9th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Thomas — your entire view of the Bucs is based on statments that begin “rumor has it.” Far be it for you to allow facts to get in the way.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Louie: (1) the Bucs are still learning who their core players are and (2) its not the end of the season yet, right? In fact, the season has not even begun yet, right?
Are the Bucs taking a risk? Sure. Are the players taking a risk? Sure. Welcome to the real world.
May 9th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Louie — you realize you are only accounting for the negative, right? What about the other side of the equation. What if one of the players you are worried about flops or is injured or get suspended? Then, would the Bucs have made a good decision? How about this? What if the Bucs lose one of those players becasue they acquire a better player? There will be an incredibly large pool of free agents, right? Will you be touting the Bucs success in that instance?
Another thing to consider — do player prices go up or down when there are a lot of free agents?
May 9th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@JimBuc: “What if one of the players you are worried about flops or is injured or get suspended?”
I’m sure that’s what they’re hoping will happen so they won’t have to pay them OR will get to resign them at a discount.
Before last season, the Bucs could have resigned Penn rather inexpensively, however, they waited. Now, he’s commanding a lot higher salary.
This team has a cut-throat mentality and they are going to have trouble signing (re-signing) good players. Would you want to work the for Bucs right now? I wouldn’t!
May 9th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Louie — The Bucs are “hoping” their own players flop? That is just silly. Go back to La La land with Thomas.
May 9th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Did dominik consider the potential for injury and whether he was a “core dom guy” when he threw 10,5 million guaranteed at clayton, or 2+ million each at Nugent and Crowell, or paying Mccown’s 2.5 million roster bonus only to trade him before the season even after he beat out leftwich?
The only reason not to lock up the guys we are talking about is $$$$. FYI- your risk of injury argument is weak b/c clubs buy insurance policies to cover much of guaranteed money lost on injured players.
May 9th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@JimBuc: Right now, nothing would surprise me with this team. I don’t think winning is the #1 priority, so yes, I think the Glazerhouse’s would prefer some of the veterans would not perform well or get injured so they don’t have to spend the money on them. It seems like they are in perpetual draft mode — just draft replacements, so they don’t have to pay the big bucs when their rookie contract runs out. They talk down all their veterans in hopes they don’t have to pay them when their contract expires. JimBuc, please name one veteran on the team that they like!!!
Glazerhouse’s PLEASE prove me wrong!!!
May 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
all of you sheep make zero sense:
you comment about how mccoy,price, benn etc are our future but you havent seen them play. yet when we bring up bonafide nflers like joseph, ruud, jackson – you want to wait and see.
wait and see applies to the draftees!!
May 9th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Thomas — not interested.
Louie — this was the first year that the draft took priority in at least 8 years, so I don’t know where you come up with “prepetual draft moded.” As for veterans, they made Faine the highewst paid center in the league. They made KW the highest paid TE in the league. Pretty sure they “like” those guys.
May 9th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
@JimBuc: OK, using that logic, then Clayton is a guy they like.
I’ll give you K2 — at least they haven’t floated anything negative (that I’ve heard) about him. However, I have tol disagree with you on Faine. The Bucs have done nothing to defend ANYBODY on the O-Line this offseason. Besides, isn’t Faine is a Gruden guy? Everybody hates those “Gruden guys”.
May 9th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Louie — no one hates Gruden’s guys. Some hated Gruden/Allen’s drafting because many of the draft pciks (not all) did not produce.
Yes, thanks for pointing that out — they did like Clayton. They were wrong. But, that still contradicts what you said. How can you disagree on Faine when they made him the highest paid center?
Louie, here’s the thing. Why would you even continue to follow a team that you think is intentionally destroying itself? If that is what you think, then how can you watch? I don’t get the mentality. Would McDonalds start using dog meat? Would Pizza Hut start using carboard for pizza dough? Companies do not intentionally destroy themselves.
May 9th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
My understanding of this whole situation is that many teams are holding off on re-signing players to long term guaranteed money contracts, because they will have to pay the guaranteed money next year whether there is a season or not. Owners do not want to pay out money to players they don’t have to if the players aren’t playing. This is why many players aren’t getting extensions, but are getting tender offers. The only players getting extensions this year are players that move in trades or free agency. Most team owners are “taking advantage” of the CBA issue to not hand out guaranteed money. Once a CBA is in place, all teams with players in the last year of their contract will be trying to extend contracts.
This is another example of how the CBA standoff is hurting players. Not only were potential free agents this year RFA’s, but now they won’t get paid for NOT playing next year. Don’t get me wrong, if there is not an agreement and they don’t play, I don’t think they should get paid but that’s what the players want.
May 9th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
@JimBuc, I have no idea why the Bucs would want to self-destruct, but that’s what we’ve witnessed over the last year. I think it’s stupid. However, they are my team and I’m going to continue to follow them no matter what.
May 9th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Louie — one year, and a year that had to be transitional. One year. One year with the same owners that spent a fortune bringing the Super Bowl championship to Tampa. How could you possibly conclude — from one year — that the Bucs would want to self-destruct? So the greedy and cheap Glazers, who are only concerend about money, just decided to take their most profitable asset and trash it? Does that make sense to you?
How about this. The Glazers mortgaged the future to bring a championship to Tampa Bay. The gave up two first rounders for Key and a couple more picks for Gruden. Now we are simply reaping what was sowed. Add on horrific drafting by Gru/Allen and is it actually a surprise that the team has to be rebuilt?
If the Glazers wanted to destroy their own asset, then why even draft as we did this year? Just trade every pick down, right?
May 9th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
BamBamBuc — the voice of reason, said:
“My understanding of this whole situation is that many teams are holding off on re-signing players to long term guaranteed money contracts, because they will have to pay the guaranteed money next year whether there is a season or not. Owners do not want to pay out money to players they don’t have to if the players aren’t playing. This is why many players aren’t getting extensions, but are getting tender offers. The only players getting extensions this year are players that move in trades or free agency. Most team owners are “taking advantage” of the CBA issue to not hand out guaranteed money. Once a CBA is in place, all teams with players in the last year of their contract will be trying to extend contracts”
Exactly — the Bucs are no different.
May 9th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
If you care about the asset, you don’t hire “Rah” to run it.
May 9th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Eric — what about Dom? Was he a good choice?
May 9th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Well, that depends on whether he is performing at the orders of the Glazers, or if the actions this offseason and last were his idea. I suspect it is the former, but do not know for sure.
If the actions were his idea he most definately was the wrong choice, IMO. In other words, if this is actually his plan, he sucks.
Id go into my usual rant, but you have heard it all before……….
May 9th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
After last season, Dom didn’t exactly qualify for GM of the year awards. It’s quite possible the Bucs aren’t doing anything in free agency just to keep him from effing up.
So, yea until Dominik proves otherwise, it was not wise for the Glazerhouse’s to put Dom in charge of such a valuable asset.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
…JimBuc, old man Glazer was responsible for all the spending that got the Bucs a Superbowl. Since the 3 stooges have been running things, they’ve shut down the spending.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
You guys are hillarious. Eric — I am pretty sure that Dom and Glazers agree on “the plan.” Only people who don’t are jilted Gruden lovers . . oh . . . uh .. . strike that. 🙂
Louie, just when I thought you could not say anything more silly. First, Bucs want their players to fail. Now, no free agents because they don’t want Dom to eff it up. LOL.
Yesterday I was in Publix and Roy Cummings was standing right next to me. I asked him what he thought about the Bucs. He said that we had to be patient, but that he had known Dom for a long time and that he was simply too bright to think that he would not do well.
Ever considered anger management? grief counseling? I feel bad for you guys.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I don’t think they would ever consider letting TJax or Davin leave. If the Bucs start winning from the start and then make the playoffs (hard to believe but possible) then contracts and extensions should be forthcoming. The Bucs have not been quick on the trigger for the top free agents the last few years anyway. Is it any wonder? Just make sure a Dilemma doesn’t become a Dil-enima.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Louie — the “that was Malcolm, this is the sons” argument is what a “hater” says to try to explain away past inconsistent facts. Was it the sons or Malcolm that agreed to make K2 highest paid TE? Was it Malcolm or the sons that are going to sign McCoys big guaranteed contract?
May 9th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
The point is that the football team could be vastly better in terms of talent and coaching, WITHOUT having sacrificed its future.
For this, i blame the Glazers.
Its gonna get ugly, real ugly, when they try this lineup against real NFL teams.
May 9th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Big Mac — I think you are right. Assuming no lockout, most of the future FAs that the Bucs want to keep will get signed during season
May 9th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Eric — the Glazer and Gruden and Allen are the ones that “sacrificed the future” What surprising is you want them to repeat the mistake. Strange
May 9th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
LOL 🙂
May 9th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Actually id like them to repeat championhip seasons…….and winning records.
When did Gruden/Allen ever trade a high draft choice?
Did they destroy the future with:
Galloway (three straight 1000 yard seasons)(led league in ypc)
Bryant (1200 yard season till the dream couldn;t use him in 2009)
Caddy (intrumental in 2005 NFC south titlem still starting tailback)
Faine
Penn
Joseph
Jackson
Smith
Hayes
Hayward
Black
Ruud
Garcia
If you call winning records three out of four seasons and two NFC South Tile “ruining” the team, I beg to differ.
A hell of a lot better than what your crew has accomplished so far, which is below didley squat, and getting worse IMO.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
woops, left Talib off the list.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
they need a dome
May 9th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Eric — Gruden was barely over .500 and lost in the first round of every playoff (except the first). He also went 4-12 etc.
I think you know the point, but just don’t want to admit it. I never said Gru/Allen traded away premium picks. I said the Glazers did — 2 1sts for Key and several picks for Gruden. Gru/Allen compunded the lack of picks with more bad picks. That is why the Bucs are where they are today. Since 2002, how many Pro Bowlers? How many Pro Bowlers have the Bucs drafted in the last 10 years?
We can compare lists if you want. You start witgh all the guys that are no longer in the league that played in 08. I will add to that Gaines Adams, Dexter Jacskon. Or we can go late rounds. Zemaitis, Brackens etc. There is no denying that the Gru/Allen drafting was horrific.
That’s the thing; you are in denial.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
A few years ago when the possibility of a work stoppage was talked about in 2011, I thought there was absolutely no way it would happen. It would be a PR nightmare for the league where no one would win. As the time has crept closer and reading more about one of the major differences (18% salary reduction to offset stadium financing), I don’t see any way the NFLPA agrees to that.
2011 definitely doesn’t look like it will be a good year for fans.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@JimBuc: “Was it the sons or Malcolm that agreed to make K2 highest paid TE? Was it Malcolm or the sons that are going to sign McCoys big guaranteed contract?”
Good grief, do we REALLY have to go through this again? K2 (and Clayton and Nugent) were signed in a year when there was a salary cap floor. Notice this year, they aren’t giving out any such contracts.
How would it look if the Bucs didn’t sign their draft picks? Even all the apologists wouldn’t be able to explain that away. No, actually, you’d blame it on McCoy’s agent.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Louie — the “this year there is no salary floor” argument is another “hater” explanation. Let me ask you, are the Bucs the only team dropping below last year’s floor?
From NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d816fbd4e&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
I will save you some time. Here are the last two sentences:
“However, I doubt half the teams will reach the 2009 salary cap floor with their veteran contracts, restricted tags and draft picks. On the top end, no more than one or two teams — if any — will be over the 2009 salary cap.”
May 9th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Louie — maybe half of the teams in the NFL were owned by a father that had a stroke, but are now run by the sons? There has to be a reason why as much as half the teams are dropping below the 2009 floor — just like the Bucs.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Jimbuc
Losing in the first round of the playoffs seems totally unobtainable at this point. Especially close losses to Joe Gibbs and the eventual Super Bowl Champs.
Above .500 and NFC South Titles also.
No denial, just the record. On the field, not in your mind.
You are saying that Talib, Joseph, Jackson,Caddy werent good draft choices?
What about Hayes, Black, Hayward? The Dream raves about them.
Penn, Smith, Faine, Bryant, Galloway, Bryant, Garcia werent good aquisitions?
Why do you confine all your analysis to the draft? All pro-bowlers and productive players are not draftees.
Thats the folly of the current plan. You need everything working together to build a winner. Just look up north to NO, good example.
May 9th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Eric — you really are in denial. Surprised by that. Took you to be more reasonable. Here you go (again)
1. Gruden barely over .500 and a first round playoff loss is still and “L” no matter how we try to explain it after the fact. (An asterick is not exactly a compelling defense)
2. Some of those guys were good picks, but as you know, I could create a longer list going the other way.
3. I don’t confine my analysis to the draft and, indeed, don’t think the Bucs will limit player acquisition to the draft. But hey, what can I tell you. Despite the Bucs clear history of giving up picks, you would have had them give up 2 2nds for Marshall, or three picks for Boldin. You want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Under your plan, we take Sapp, but not Brooks. Strange that a Nole would advocate no #55.
No matter how many times to repeat it, the current plan is NOT to only draft. That may be the plan this year (wouldn’t be surprised if the pick up a few guys after June) but not going forward. In any event, have you ever looked to see how many of the starting 11 on the Super Bowl D were draft picks?
May 9th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
@Jimbuc
Actually your own GM gave up a 2nd for K-2, so I guess he gave up a Brooks last year. You made one of the good things he has done seem stupid.
As we all know, all second round draft choices end up a Hall of Famer like Brooks. Awesome! Now I understand the plan!
You sir are delusional. You can just dial up a Brooks in the second round whenever you like.
Wow, Jimbuc you are in worse shape than I thought! You need rehab!
May 9th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
@JimBuc: “…I doubt half the teams will reach the 2009 salary cap floor with their veteran contracts, restricted tags and draft picks.”
…and how many of those teams had the lowest payroll in the league since 2004?
Until the Bucs start spending money again, you can’t win this argument. I hope they start re-signing some of their veterans soon, but there is no indication that this is going to happen anytime soon.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:06 am
@ Louie
lowest payroll since 2004??? Where are you getting your information? I did some searching, and what I found was that they were actually over the cap in 2003, and at the maximum limit in 2004 and 2005. It wasn’t until ’07 that they had any “real” cap room. The cap restrictions we were under from 2003-5 forced us to let key players go during that period and left us unable to sign any serious FA’s.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:15 am
For those who are whining about our lack of FA signings the past 2 offseasons:
Although some teams have been “forced” to sign multiple FA’s due to lack of draft choices (Chicago, etc.), most teams have cut back on FA signings of late. The reason being that signing a FA would require a contract that extends beyond the 2011 season including guaranteed money. Teams are just unwilling to sign players to contracts that guarantee them money for not playing during a labor strike. If the CBA is ever agreed to, teams will be doling out money to players they don’t want to lose, as most teams will have excess money to spend.
Even Haynesworth has been reported to be on the market this off-season, as Redskins owner Daniel Snyder realized the guy is NOT worth $100M, and he doesn’t want to be tied to Haynesworth’s contract in a strike season. This is from a guy that has no qualms spending ridiculous amounts of money to buy a championship through free agency (which hasn’t happened yet, and probably never will).
The free agent market will be completely different once there is a CBA in place. Owners will not be worried about paying players during a strike, teams will feel more at ease adding a piece of the puzzle when there might be a “next season” to actually win that title.
May 10th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Eric — Now you are being silly. The Bucs gave up a second round pick for KW (who set the record for TE). Compare that to 2 first rounders for Key and how many picks for Gruden etc. You either value picks or you do not. You do not. That is what got us here.
May 10th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Louie — what does it tell us that every time I point out that one of your arguments is DEMONSTRABLY FALSE, you move on to yet another argument?