Bucs Could Be Eyeing Stephen Tulloch
February 20th, 2012
Might the Bucs be targeting Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch?
It seems the Bucs are ready to jump on the spending bandwagon when the gates open to free agency early next month. And the Bucs possibly already have a linebacker in their sights, so Twitters eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. It seems the Bucs are licking their chops over Detroit linebacker Stephen Tulloch.
@IKaufmanTrib: Lions LB Stephen Tulloch would be a major upgrade for the Bucs. Don’t be surprised if Tampa Bay targets him at the start of free agency.
In Joe’s eyes, this would be a major upgrade on so many levels. First, Tulloch wouldn’t break the bank and would would save room for Dwayne Bowe/Brandon Carr.
Second, the Bucs’ linebacker play was simply horrid last year. In the latter weeks of the season once an opposing ballcarrier rounded the corner, Joe thought he was at Tampa Bay Downs because it quickly turned into a horserace the way runners simply gouged the Bucs’ second level time and time again.
Tulloch would bring a hard-nosed style of play and a run-stuffing style the Bucs haven’t had from a middle linebacker in a long time.
Joe also loved how Tulloch was caught Tebowing Tim Tebow after a sack.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I think I would rather have Curtis Lofton from the falcons because Ive heard hes a leader on and off the field. Maybe we can sign both…
February 20th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Dwayne Bowe will not be available
February 20th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
get em both.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Wouldn’t break the bank and leave space…? I think the Bucs can afford to sign just about any 1 person without having to worry about breaking the bank. That’s actually laughable. We don’t have to worry about coming close to that.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
watch a lot of Lions game, good run stuffer awful against the pass. It would allow Foster to slide over to olb which he’s a better fit. Lions have issues with the cap so I could see him hitting the street. Luck Ruud he only received a 1 year deal…
February 20th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Tulloch would immediately upgrades our OLB spot by pushing M Foster outside as well. No interest in Bowe…. I’d go after Mike Wallace he’s a top 10 WR and the 2nd best deep threat in the NFL and he’s only 26…we get guaranteed production from our 1st round pick…who else can we take at #4 that is a Pro Bowl calibre NFL player?
February 20th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Stanford Routt to the Chiefs. Wonder if we even called to inquire how much he would cost.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/20/stanford-routt-chooses-the-chiefs/
February 20th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
And the Steelers would let Wallace walk away, why exactly?
February 20th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Brad:
Only a fool would say that’s laughable. If — as fans are pining for — the Bucs should go all Danny Synder, money saved means more cash for other players.
That is, unless, you think the Bucs are loaded at so many positions they only need one or two players.
Oh, and Josh Freeman’s contract is right around the corner. That’s going to eat up a lot of bread as well.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I expect the Bucs top priority is FA to be LB .. and MLB could be very deep this year “COULD BE”
Stephen Tulloch – Most think he wont get away from Lions … He just has to make it to FA
Curtis Lofton – May hit a snag in Atlanta as Nolan wants to make him a 2 – Down LB .. We will see … Most think he stays in Atlanta too
David Hawthorne – Gets a lot of respect and appears to be underrated .. Hits Hard
Dqwell Jackson – Stuck in Cleveland
Dan Conner – Run Stuffing MLB, Not overly dynamic but considered a Starter
Joe Mays – Underrated athletic younf MLB from Denver .. Missed some Gaps last year .. Youth or bad instincts ??
Jon Vilma – Time will tell ??
February 20th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Im glad the chiefs got routt leaves carr in a position to b spoiled here in fl.tulloch is a stud.a lb corp of tulloch,foster,watson and a newbie in the draft like brown.solid
Throw finnegan,carr and / or claiborne ina cb and go after a injury cheapened laron landry. Our d would def have some swag!!!
February 20th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Wallace would cost a first no thanks he great but naw steelers gunna give him a new deal any way
February 20th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
The bucs are hardly in danger of “going all Danny Snyder”.
Silly comparison IMO.
Why dont we “go all New Orleans” they have a fat payroll and routinely finish ahead of us. Not that it has a thing to do with the owners spending habits. Heavens no.
Its either “Danny Snyder” or nothing.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I wanna know whats gonna make all these FA’s come to Tampa? It’s not just gonna be because Thomas says so
February 20th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Nick:
Dominik will likely have to overpay for a couple. That’s why getting a decent second-line free agent like Tulloch at a decent price is smart.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Tulloch?? REALLY?? Tulloch get’s you excited? If it was Curtis Lofton I may be slightly enthused. But Tulloch?
February 20th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
News Flash the Steelers are 11 MILLION over cap, if they want to keep Wallace they need to do some work on the back end of things as in renegotiate contracts with guys.
Gonna be VERY VERY tough to keep Wallace in Pittsburgh.
February 20th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
The fans are pining for Dan Snyder?
Joe, so far today you have suggested they go after Tulluch, Carr, Grimes and Dwayne Bowe.
February 20th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Wallace is a RFA, not unrestricted. If they tender him an offer, we’d have to give up possibly our 1st round draft choice if we sign him away, and the Steelers would still have the opportunity to match the offer and keep him. We’re not giving up the #5 overall pick for Wallace, we can get other WRs in FA and keep our pick.
February 20th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Would love tulloch he’s a real middle line backer he reacts to the run before anything else what a tru mlinebacker is suppose to do not a big fan of lofton wouldn’t waist the money unless it was Jackson from d browns
February 20th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
apparently D’Qwell will not be leaving Cleveland, he will get franchised if they cant reach a deal right away. i honestly think Lofton will be staying in Atlanta, they need him more than they may be letting on. Tulloch is a solid run defender, but from all accounts he is a pretty big liability in the passing game. i would prefer someone with a better all around game.
David Hawthorne is someone who is pretty intriguing to me. i will readily admit that i don’t watch many Seahawks games, but reading up on him and looking at his #s he seems to be a pretty good playmaker….INTs, FFs, and from everything i’ve seen he really lays the wood. i know statistics can be misleading, and they dont always tell the whole story but they are still pretty impressive. he’s still very young too, only 26 (not that Tulloch is old, he’s the same age). but it could be interesting…
February 20th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
CreamsicleBananaHammock:
Let Joe be clear for the reading impaired.
The Bucs need a wide receiver and a cornerback. Top flight on both. Not two of each, one of each. (Claiborne fills the other cornerback slot via the draft).
If the Chiefs franchise Bowe (very likely) then Carr is up for grabs. Doubt the Chiefs keep both.
If not Carr, then Grimes would be a very good selection.
The Bucs need linebackers and you can get quality linebackers without busting the bank. Stephen Tulloch is a second-level (third-level?) linebacker who fills a need. The Bucs need depth. Tulloch fills this need at a reasonable price.
Linebacker will also be addressed in the draft (Lavonte David).
February 20th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I’d love if we nagged Tulloch. He has graded out as one of the top ten MLBs the past two years and he is still young. He is tops in PFFs free agent MLB rankings.
February 20th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Add in Lamichael James to rotate with Blount
February 20th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Joe-
No need to get snarky with a reader who adds dozens of clicks to your website every day
My point is, you were just as snarky last offseason to those of us suggesting the Bucs should go out and sign a few FA’s, particularly in the secondary. Now, all of a sudden you’ve forgotten all about your former favorite son, EJ Biggers (whom you described as a top 5 corner last yr), and you’re saying that there’s gaping holes in the secondary…….same thing some of us who were calling for Carlos Rogers or Asomugha were saying last yr.
Meanwhile, you’ve got several posts here today calling for us to be active in free agency, but when Brad says we have enough money to sign any FA without breaking the bank you claim he wants to go all Dan Snyder.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
As I mentioned in another post, would like the thought of trading Talib during the draft if the team is able to grab a starter and depth CB in FA, along with grabbing Claibourne at #5. May be able to get a low 1st or high/mid 2nd for him, as he is a talented CB who some teams will overlook the character issues and fork over a pick or two for him. Saw Asante Samuel almost went to Detroit for a 2nd Round pick and 2 third day picks, so you’d think the market should be out there for a talented CB like Tailb. Being that the team has so many needs, adding another early pick would allow the team to possibly grab 3 players in the top 50 or so in the draft.
Also like the thought of Hawthorne or Vilma filling the MLB spot and if Tulloch is added as well, really creates some competition and depth, especially if a LB is added during the draft. And Wallace isn’t a lock to remain in Pittsburgh with their cap issues. With Giants, Raiders, Steelers and Panthers all over the cap, moves still have to be made that will add players to the FA market as well. Definitely have to think a team with WR needs that’s picking in the lower half of the 1st RD (New England maybe), would be willing to give up a 1st for Wallace.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
If Wallace was added to that NE England offense it would be ugly.
February 20th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
lol @ “snarky”
February 20th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
If Tulloch goes to the Bucs then Vontaze Burfict goes to the lions in the 1st round. More reason to hate the Lions after Suh & Calvin Johnson were picked.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Hopefully this is true. We are already 0-1 on CB’s with Routt going to Kansas City. I want to believe we can land some good free agents, but I have doubts as to why a free agent would come here. Sorry to be Debbie Downer.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Tulloch would be an upgrade. Foster is a better player on the outside IMO. And I def hope we go after Bowe and Carr. As I’ve said before. Those guys would help out instantly and be starters on our roster! I’ve heard too many seasons now how we are going to be big spenders and end up signing garage players at best. Until I see a couple bigger name FAs sign here I don’t believe anything about the Bucs and potential FAs.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@ FlBoy84
…..NOBODY….not even Oakland …..is going to give us anything for a CB (even a possible elite one-akaTalib)…..that may or may not be in prison when training camp starts…
February 20th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
@Noleriff,
One important line that wasn’t included from my previous post was “depending on the results of the trial”. Agree that Talib holds no interest to anyone if found guilty, but if he’s not you’d have to assume there would be interest out there, even with a possible suspension from Warden Goodell in his future.
February 20th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
@941,
Can think of plenty of reasons why a FA would want to come to Tampa. No state income tax, great weather, first-class stadium and training facility, solid young core of players to build around, etc. Also think the coaching staff is really solid, with a nice blend of college and NFL experience that puts an emphasis on discipline, preparation and teaching.
February 20th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Here is an idea that I personally like since we have so many holes to fill. Trade back from pick #5 to Cincy. Get the #17th and #21st pick in the first round. Players like Janoris Jenkins, Kendall Wright, Mark Barron, Dre’ Kirkpatrick, and maybe even Courntey Upshaw at #17. Doubtful tho! But if we could get Jenkins and Barron. Thats 2 starters that both are very skilled at their positions. I personally am a huge fan of Kendall Wright!!! He is that deep threat and aggressive route runner we need!!! I love Mo Claiborne, but 2 for 1 is hard to beat when your needing so many players. Dre’ would be nasty at either one of those picks.
I’m still not sure I could say no to Morris Claiborne. He is a straight up star!! But Cincy could for sure use a RB like Trent Richardson. They don’t have many holes on either side of the ball. So to pair Dalton, Green, and Richardson makes sense for them. A lot of sense actually!
February 20th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
FUNKY, I like your thought process. 2 for 1 worked for us when we got Sapp and Brooks.
Joe what do you think about this possibility?
February 20th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Does that add up on the trade chart? If the Bungals would be dumb enough to do it I’d do it in a heartbeat.
February 20th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
^HA!
I don’t think that would ever happen but, IMO, it’s better to have one elite(as close to a for sure deal as possible) player than two really good ones.
February 20th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
I am convinced now that if possible two for one should be our main gola. The ONLY prospect deserving of us passing on that offer is for Blackmon. He is the next Megatron.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
@Freebomb
Actually does work out on the chart. #5 = 1700 & #17 + #21 = 1750. Not sure if teams still use the chart, but seems like it would work. Also, curious if the team saw any players working out at the Regional Combine that was held at One Buc last week. Would have to think they took the time to look out the window during workouts.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
2Good,burfit is dropping like a rock and getting terrible comments from many pro scouts and personel guys.Areal head case.called a “fake tough guy”. 3rd round as of now from what I’ve read.but may drop to 4th
February 20th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
This would be a good move.
Also, call up Rod Marinelli and Lovie Smith to see if they would like Quincy Black.
They traded for Gaines Adams didn’t they?
February 21st, 2012 at 1:21 am
Will:
That’s cold man! 🙂
February 21st, 2012 at 7:06 am
BRING IT JOE! hahaha
Wallace leaving Pitt is a real possibility… his age and skills make him worth giving up a 1st. The contract is easy…. big money this year… guaranteed (a Poison Pill as it were) and the Steelers will have a hard time keeping him without gutting the roster. Plus they have 2 WR’s with a similar skill set so they can move on with only a slight drop in production.
Still he is a RFA which makes it unlikely but at 26 it makes sense to give up a 1st. At 26 he has 2 contracts left in him unlike Bowe and Jackson who are hitting 30, which is a big difference and he doesn’t seem to be a headcase like many WR’s.
February 21st, 2012 at 10:29 am
We should have gotten Tulloch when he was available last year. Same with Carlos Rodgers. Hilarious how all the bloggers who said we were good at corner and linebacker last offseason are now posting articles every day about guys we need to target.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:41 pm
This time last year we were ok at CB and decent at LB. The potential for the younger guys didn’t work. I said all along we needed DB help and was basically on my knees wishing we would sign Jonathon Joseph! We needed DE help more last offseason over CB and LB. This season its CB and LB. It happens every offseason where you fill certain positions and the next offseason you get the next set of holes.
And Carlos Rodgers was a joke until this past season. I don’t know where you get your stats from, but until this season with SF, he did terrible. There was no reason to sign him last season. He just happened to work out in SF D. Which many DBs can with a front 7 like that. make a better point please!!
February 21st, 2012 at 12:48 pm
And about the 2 for 1 trade. Typically I would say no, but we need several really good players and even around pick #20. We can get great players. And Cincy really wants TR3 from what I’m hearing. If he is still there at #5 and i was Tampa. I would be calling nonstop to try and get that deal done. Just tell Cincy three words. Dalton, Green, Richardson! There will be a ton of talent still there at #17 and #21. And we still have our 2nd round pick 16 picks after #21. We could get a DB, Kendall Wright, and another DB or LB in the 2nd.
And if the ILB from Arizona State Burfit or however you spell it. If he falls to the 3rd round and even better the 4th round. We gotta get him. Just look at his body…dude is a beast. He is immature and makes bad plays sometimes. But he is still young and with real coaching could become a dominant player. Trade back into the 4th if he is still there.
With our 3rd round pick draft either LaMichael James or Ronnie Hillman. We need that break away back. And both of these guys can do it!!! I personally would like to see the Duck Combo in Tampa!!