Dominik Got Wright To Bet On Tampa Bay
April 11th, 2013
Late Tuesday, Joe updated a story to include breaking news that Eric Wright was given zero guaranteed money in his restructured contract with the Bucs.
Clearly, rockstar general manager Mark Dominik played his best hand with Wright. He told Wright he was wanted but got Wright to ditch his $7.75 million salary for this season and agree to $1.5 million or so, only if he makes September’s final roster.
Wright’s alternative was to be a good Buccaneer Man and wait to be cut, and/or wait for a better restructuring offer from the Bucs.
Now while Joe thinks Wright is overrated and unreliable, Joe won’t think that if Wright proves himself otherwise over the next 4 1/2 months, and then Wright would be worth $1.5 million plus incentives.
It’s interesting to Joe that Wright bet on Tampa Bay being his best career option knowing the cornerback market for him could improve considerably as injuries mount through offseason activities and preseason games. After all, Wright’s a confident young veteran, and the Bucs’ scouting and coaching staffs obviously think he’s a solid player. Yet Wright, a California guy with a baby on the way, opted to stay in Tampa Bay with no guarantees.
Also, Wright knows the Bucs are hunting Darrelle Revis and will be drafting cornerbacks, and he might have to compete with a true icon, Ronde Barber, for playing time.
The Bucs did quite a sales job on Wright.
April 11th, 2013 at 10:47 am
I agree that Dominick did a good job in the Wright restructure. I think if the Bucs would have cut him, he might have signed for $2-$4 million for one year.
Even for those who were adamant about cutting Wright (I was one of those), should acknowledge that this was a solid, if unspectacular move.
It doesn’t offset the signing to begin with, but Dom working with what he has available, this was a good move.
April 11th, 2013 at 10:56 am
He has to earn his money now and find his way out of the tub and be a part of the club.
He’s worth the nominal fee.
April 11th, 2013 at 11:02 am
hes getting this years salary in exchange for his performance last year. hopefully this year we can get a performance that deserves the salary from last year
April 11th, 2013 at 11:11 am
The price is Wright. Like Joe, I’m very skeptical of Wright’s skills, but at this price point he’s definitely worth giving another shot.
April 11th, 2013 at 11:26 am
Shouts out to Wright for sticking to his word, he said he wanted to be a Buc so now he is. I have his back and look forward to him doing his job. Lets Go Bucs
April 11th, 2013 at 11:43 am
This new deals seems much more reasonable to both parties. Glad they could get on the same page. Hopefully EW’s nagging injuries are behind him now and he can spend more time on the playing field.
April 11th, 2013 at 11:49 am
I have been one of the biggest Wright haters, but I can’t be happier how well Dom worked his contract to stay w/ us on the cheap. He was given waaay too much to start with.
Gonna get a player that has alot to prove….looking forward to us getting better play at a great price!! Good job Dom!!!
April 11th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
I almost feel bad for Wright. But I also honor him for being a team first guy.
April 11th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
I love the updates this site provides but joe talking in third person gets annoying.
Joe’s been doing that for nearly five years now. It won’t change. –Joe