Where Are You, Ronde?
March 11th, 2013
Joe’s definitely somewhat surprised by the silence from the Ronde Barber camp.
The free agency bell rings at 4 p.m. tomorrow. It’s almost unfair to the New Schiano Order if Barber doesn’t tell the team his 2013 intentions before that time.
Where are you, Ronde? And why do you need more time?
After the Bucs beat up the Falcons in Atlanta to close 2012, Barber had nine weeks to consider whether or not he wanted to return to the Bucs for his 17th season. His annual sit-down with rockstar general manager Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano was Thursday, and the Bucs told the world they wanted Barber back, but Barber asked for more time.
Joe wonders what the hold up really is?
Did the Bucs lowball Barber? In 2011, he earned $4 million. In 2012, he earned $3 million. Are the Bucs trying to kick his salary down again?
Was Barber not guaranteed a starting job, like he was last year at free safety? If so, Barber has such a competitor’s mentality, and has said in the past he thrives on the doubt of others, Joe would be shocked if a win-your-job role would deter Barber.
Is Ronde feeling out broadcasting offers before deciding on his playing future? Tiki Barber implied last week that Ronde was considering other job opportunities.
Joe has to believe an answer on Barber is coming tomorrow. Joe knows Barber loves his team, and it’s in the Bucs’ best interest to know where Barber stands ASAP.
March 11th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
I’m thinking don’t inhale here. Surely at this point Schiano either knows he’s coming back or is full steam ahead to replace him.
March 11th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Sounds like Joe’s getting a lil’ antsy. If this column did not deplore him , I don’t know what will….. 🙂
March 11th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
What does it matter? Everyone is playing poker until FA starts. If I were Ronde, I’d let the smoke clear, and see how things unfold. I would want to see if the team signs some CBs, and makes some in-roads towards putting together a contender THIS YEAR. Otherwise, there’s no point in returning for what amounts to peanuts compared to a career’s worth of pay.
Whatever the offer was/is it doesn’t matter. The ball is in Ronde’s court, and he can dribble around until training camp if he so chooses. Lest we forget, the dude broke his forearm, is 37 (for only another month) and is in the unique position of being the only member from the glory years still wearing pewter and red, for an organization who disgraced the previous heros of that era.
Ronde, take your time and do what’s best for you whenever you’re good and ready. You’ve earned the right.
March 11th, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Whether Barber comes back or not they have to move on. He’s in his upper 30’s, it’s not like he’s going to play forever. The Bucs know that and so does Ronde.
On a side note, last year I had a hunch that they would use free agency to buy an offense and continue to draft defense. That pretty much happened. This year I think the opposite is going to happen. I think you’ll see them bring in tons of competition in the defensive backfield with one of the guys being the “big” name FA and at the very least two 2nd or 3rd tier veterans at safety and corner.
I would not rule out a trade tomorrow or Wednesday for an offensive player be it WR or TE. Dennis Pita tendered with a 2nd round pick I think, like some others have said, is a possibility. Dominik has made that trade before for a TE.
I would not rule out Cordarrelle Paterson as a 1st round target for us either. This draft is deep at DB’s and O-line and they can wait until the 3rd-5th rounds to get good value there. WR depth is a huge concern to me when you are having to count on guys like Tiquan Underwood to be big contributors.
March 11th, 2013 at 9:53 pm
@ Big Picture Guy, I agree. He may be waiting to see what unfolds, see who they bring in and then judge what his playing time will be. After everything he has done here and what he has meant to this organization, I don’t want to see him standing on the sidelines with his cap on watching his replacement play with the first team defense.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
What if Ronde and the DB coach who was “let go” were in cohoots and were the one’s undermining Schiano and the defensive game plan???
March 11th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Unless we blatantly over pay, I don’t see us making a big splash in FA. Unless we are willing to outbid, forget our chances of landing any of the top ranked talent available. These FA have way to many choices this year and Tampa’s not at the top of any of their list first. Makes me appreciate more how Dominick’s position is handicapped. Think how hard it must be to convince a budding new star and his agent that coming to Tampa is better than sliced bread, or compared to playing for NE or Dallas. Pretty hard sell. Open your wallet and let them feel the money. I don’t know if this is pessimism or realism but we’ll find out after tomorrow where we stand.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Ronde is going to RETIRE. They told him he may not start.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
“What does it matter?”
It’s the difference from having Dashon Goldson, or waiting and having to settle for Ahmad Black.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
Bucs to Dashon’s agent, “Um, we’d like to sign Dashon, but we gotta wait and see if Ronde wants to play or not, because he was a good player for us back in the day” That’s not how to run an NFL team.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Love Barber… but he WAS part of the last ranked pass defense as a free safety no less.
March 11th, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Tweet for Adam Schefter
Four teams – SF, PHIL, DET, TB – in play on Dashon Goldson – but DET, TB considered favorites. TB also in on CBs Sean Smith, B. Grimes, DRC.
I am loving the pursuit of Goldson
March 11th, 2013 at 10:24 pm
C-ya Ronde, thanks for the memories …
March 11th, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Dashon Goldson wants 8 million a year. We could have 2 Ronde’s for that.
March 11th, 2013 at 11:47 pm
@4ever
Ya and 2 Ronde”s Equal 80 years of life combined!lol
March 12th, 2013 at 2:00 am
Barber staying or leaving shouldn’t determine what we do with Goldson. If we get him we have a legit threat on our defense for many years, Barber isn’t a very good player anymore. I would love for him to stay regardless.
March 12th, 2013 at 2:05 am
Barber needs to be Slot CB. Play 60% of plays…and 70% vs Saints & Falcons heavy passing game
March 12th, 2013 at 2:25 am
@Buc fan 238 , how can you say you love Ronde and acuse him of sabotage Shiano ? @ Rapheal , we know you don’t like Ronde. No one said anything about Freeman. @ Paul, you showed your ignorance by not knowing that Ronde was the best player we had in the backfield last season.
Do the Bucs owe Ronde a graceful exit from the game? Most fans would say yes! Spit(****) on him and watch a severe backlash in team support and ticket sales (just my opion).
March 12th, 2013 at 3:08 am
take the $4,000,000.00 you spend on Ronde and sign FS Glover Quin for $6
March 12th, 2013 at 9:57 am
Even if the Bucs sign Goldson, they could start every game in “nickel” and keep Barber’s starting streak intact… He’s gotta be aware that the team needs to prepare for the future, and that means less playing time for Ronde.
If the team is offering 2 mil for a full season of punishment on his body, and ESPN offers 1 mil for what amounts to “part time” work…. It seems like a no- brainier to me.
Thanks for the memories Ronde…. It’s been a pleasure to watch you over the years.