Forcing The Franchise Tag
August 2nd, 2013
Bravo to NFL Network for this very intelligent video breakdown of the state of Josh Freeman in the Bucs’ organization.
Joe has yet to see better from the media.
Brian Baldinger talks about his personal interaction with Freeman and the sense of urgency within the New Schiano Order, among other topics, and Jamie Dukes explains that another 4,000-yard season from Freeman won’t matter much without consistency.
Dukes is of the mind that Freeman could simply have a solid season and force the Bucs’ hand into the franchise tag, which would be worth a $20 million, one-year payday in 2014.
Joe wonders where Team Glazer stands on Freeman. The Bucs have made it clear through the years that ownership is part of major decision-making. Clearly, any future move regarding Freeman would meet that threshold.
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:20 am
Franchise him. That would be the smartest move to make. If he does well that is.
That will give the Bucs another year to have him prove he is consistent.
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:23 am
I thiink if Freeman is having a good or great year midway through the season a lucrative extention will be worked out.
Of course Shaun King thinks we should have already signed him. I disagree…..you can’t do that unless Josh proves himself.
“Shaun King, one of two Buc Quarterbacks that lost a NFC Championship Game when his defense gave up 11 or fewer points.”
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:27 am
If the Bucs are 6-2 or 7-1 after 8 games and Freeman has torn it up, then you talk mid-season extension, if not just wait until March.
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:40 am
JFro seems like a career guy. I question his ability to get over the hump, not really his commitment. So if he breaks through give him a long term deal.
August 2nd, 2013 at 9:58 am
How Glennon progresses is a major part of the equation too. Franchising Freeman next year makes the most sense to me. He’ll light it up early then falter later in the season as usual IMO. Signing him halfway through makes zero sense because a consistent season is what will decide his future.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
Shaun King is an idiot. He’s always letting his aligator mouth overload his tadpole ass.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:04 am
With the way QBs, both mediocre and legit, are getting cash thrown at them this offseason, may be very wise to wait on a long term contract til the market cools down.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 am
We don’t have $20M. Correct me if I’m wrong but are we not over the cap. For next year.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:30 am
@76buc76
From what I understand, we would have to rework a bunch of contracts if we want Freeman back. As of now, we simply don’t have the space to tag or extend him.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:41 am
A $20 million contract for Freeman would only add ~$10 million to the cap.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:44 am
I saw that segment on NFL Network yesterday too. Lots of praise coming from both of them on Freeman.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:54 am
@Biff Barker
Glennon isn’t part of the equation at all. Whether or not Freeman gets a contract depends entirely on his play throughout the season, not on how much a 3rd round QB in the weakest QB draft in years progresses. It’s all about 5, not 8.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:14 am
^^^^^^ keep toein that line
IF Glennon steps in for a time for whatever reason and he shines……he’ll damn sure be in the equation.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:22 am
robert if Freeman falters MY Bucs will draft a QB in the 1st round of next years draft.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:23 am
On second thought… paying Freeman a team friendly contract, with only 2 years of guarantees might be better… that way you don’t freak his fragile ego out with a tag.
Then if he doesn’t do well, just relase his bloated contract.
Make him sign a team friendly, low to no guarentee contract… otherwise, it’s the tag.
Question. Which side of the coin will JBF play if that comes down to the starring contest between Tampa and Free? That is Team Friendly deal with little bonus or franchise tag.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:29 am
I’m still calling he’ll be signed on or before the bye week sans injury.
Glennon has nothing to do with it. It’s all on Freeman.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:42 am
@Robert
Well, I’m not gonna hold my breath waiting for that to happen. You can if you want.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Walter and anyone else
YES! Glennon does have a part in this equation. If you think otherwise you are in denial. They didnt draft him to be a back up for his career. A 3rd round pick is a valueable pick regardless of what you think.
Glennon may not be the future but you are sadly mistaken if you think he has nothing to do with this. Your Man crush is blinding you from reality.
If Free lights it up all year long then there is little doubt he stays. But I think if he just plays his typical self (good early against bad teams with a late season melt down and no playoffs) How Glennon performs will have every bit to do with this situation.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:09 pm
All comes down to #5. He’ll get the entire year to start, unless he gets hurt or fails epically through the first half of the season and we’re out of the playoff race.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:10 pm
It does make sense to sign Freeman mid year if he is doing well
We have cap space this year and can re-structure some contracts to accomodate Freeman….To expect him to go through an entire season without a bad game is totally unreasonable.
I think Josh wants to be a Buc & will cooperate with the process.
The only wild-card is if Josh is having a so-so year and Glennon develops well. That could be used to hammer-out a better deal with Freeman or to let him go at year’s end and go forward with Glennon next year.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:24 pm
All this banter about Glennon and none of us STILL have yet to see him throw 1 pass in a pre-season game. How can someone say he fits into the equation without watching him play yet? We don’t even know IF he will develop into a decent QB yet.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Who said go the entire year without a bad game? That would be a miracle if Josh somehow did that. A late season melt down does not mean 1 bad game if thats what your trying to imply.
But consistency would be nice. Consistency earns the money. Beating good teams earns the money, making the playoffs earns the money.
Let’s see josh earn the money!
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:30 pm
One thing I noticed on NFL Network. When asked the question should Freeman feel threatened by Glennon. They all chuckled over it. I didn’t watch the clip Joe posted about it, so I don’t know if the chuckles are in the video or not.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Buc1987
Your speaking of right now. I’m speaking of at the end of the season.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I will leave the Bucs to make the decision here. As always, I’m left with simply my opinion. And I think that at the end of the 4 game bye, if he is playing well, they should offer a middle of the road contract extension like 4 years at 15 or 16mil with a 2 year guarantee and see if he is confident enough to say no!
My rationale: Freeman is not going to just plain suck. We are likely to see more of the same ole Freeman. If he plays lights out, they have saved a ton of money. If he plays as advertised, then they are paying for the time to recruit and develop his replacement without completely going in the tank and risk turning over a new administration. How much difference is there between a 20mil franchise tag and a 2 year 15mil guarantee? You’re basically paying 10mil to have a smooth transition to another potential Franchise QB!
If he refuses, that’s probably a good thing because he has the confidence to attack the season and believes he will win. My strategy is to hedge my bets because if you don’t do anything, there are 3 alternatives, one is very costly long-term if he wins big; one is equally costly short-term if they franchise him and the other is just plain scary – and that’s starting all over with an unproven green QB that may not be the answer. Keep in mind that we haven’t had the answer in 37 years!
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
I am not putting any stock in Glennon until I see him perform well at this level, however I can say, on some level, he is a part of the equation….
Past example would be Drew Bledsoe (QB of Patriots)…. No one thought he would be replaced by a 6th round pick (Tom Brady) which many fans despised the way it happened and some are still bitter because of it…. Glennon is younger, cheaper and all he really has to do is get the GM and HC to believe he can get the job done as well or better than JF and the business decision would be Glennon over JF because it would save them money by putting off a huge QB contract at least a few more years.
Now, of course, Glennon would have to have everything go right for him for this to happen which is a small chance, but a chance none the less!
August 2nd, 2013 at 1:13 pm
@Couch Fan
He really isn’t part of the equation Couch. It’s all on Freeman.
If he plays well, Glennon never sees the field. Period.
August 2nd, 2013 at 1:38 pm
and if Glennon turns out to be not all that great, what part of the equation does he fit in then?
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:00 pm
My post assumed that Glennon progressed well einough to replace a potentially inconsistent/very expensive Josh Freeman.
Obvviously, if Glennon doesn’t impress enough to rise to that then he isn’t part of he equation.
However, if Glennon is good enough that Freeman and his agent even think that the Bucs may go with him….Freeman’s price comes down. That’s just business.
When you are negotiating & the other party has a viable alternative to your services….that changes the equation. Of course it works the other way…it could work in Freeman’s favor if Glennon doesn’t progress.
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:15 pm
If he plays well, Glennon never sees the field. Period.
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which hasent happend in 3 out of 4 years. Not a good indicator of the future.
Glennon will factor into the equation. Period. Keep on dreaming though jock rider.
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Obvviously, if Glennon doesn’t impress enough to rise to that then he isn’t part of he equation.
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Actually you contradict yourself….. If Glennon performs poorly, that would mean the Bucs most likely would want to keep Freeman no matter what…. thee fore Glennon performing poorly would have just as much of a part in the equation as if he played lights out lessening the need for us to have Freeman back…
Either way you look at it Glennon has a major part in this equation. You are mistaken yourself if you think “its all on Freeman” Unless Freeman just comes out and lights it up…. But just a typical Freeman year, which is what I’m going on instead of using my hopes and dreams like walter, puts Glennon in a prime position to set himself up for the future.
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Glennon is part of the equation..albeit a very small part….either way…if he plays well or poorly. They didn’t draft Glennon to be no part of the equation.
That would make absolutely no sense. You don’t use a third round draft pick for purely backup purposes. Their had to be some thoughts that Freeman might not work out.
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:43 pm
That would make absolutely no sense. You don’t use a third round draft pick for purely backup purposes. Their had to be some thoughts that Freeman might not work out.
I hear ya on that point especially when we had other needs than QB.
Greg Schiano on Glennon :
“He fits the things we’re trying to do – run the football, play-action pass, throw the ball down the field like we did this past season. You always want to be able to do that. God forbid something were to happen to Josh, you want to be able to continue with your offensive philosophy if you can. You can’t always do that.”
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:43 pm
If freeman has a good year I’d franchise him. He’s never been consistent in his career that worries me in handing him a Matt stafford type contract. His poor play in big games is another concern.
I’d make him prove it again in 2014 then give him a deal.
Glennon definately factors in. If josh has a 2012 type season where he struggles or is up and down , glennon could be called upon. To go as far as saying glennon is a weak option as a measly 3rd round pick is a terrible aspect and view point. Glennon is accurate strong arm , very smart , and anticipates well. He’s a bit raw for the nfl that is why he wasn’t a first roud pick. I think sitting a year learning the system will do wonders for this kid so if josh isn’t retained he’ll have a year of learning under his belt
August 2nd, 2013 at 2:50 pm
If we have thoughts of “Franchising Freeman”….sounds like a bad teen movie….
Anyway…I guess we can use this year’s available cap space next year (unclear on all the space rules)…..if hot we need to restrucure come contracts during the year to make space available.
Franchising is not a bad option if you are in-between on whether or not to extend his contract….& it gives Glennon another year in development.
August 2nd, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Well…..we settled that….the only thing we need to do now is hear again from Shaun King….
“Shaun King, one of two Buc Quarterbacks that lost a NFC Championship Game when his defense gave up 11 or fewer points.”
Buc 1987…..loves that counter to Joe….
August 2nd, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Glennon is not SERIOUSLY part of the pan yet.
A lot would have to happen for that.
Don’t forget that Josh broke records now. That says something.
How many records has Glennon broke, in the NFL, in Tampa?
August 2nd, 2013 at 5:31 pm
@Couch Fan
Lol I’m not riding any jock dickwad, I said if Freeman plays well, Glennon doesn’t see the field. Not MY fault that you don’t think Freeman can play well.
August 2nd, 2013 at 6:05 pm
jock rider and dickwad…wow play nice Bucs fans lol Tommorow is Sapp’s big day. Then we get football on Sunday albeit Fins and Boys. 6 more days til MY Bucs first pre-season game. What’s to be hostile about?
August 2nd, 2013 at 7:14 pm
@Walter
What I think has no bearing as I am not a fortune teller. Neither are you, though you resemble more of a door knocker as you swing from Freemans testies.
August 2nd, 2013 at 7:41 pm
@Couch Fan
Lol never said I was a fortune teller, I don’t get what your problem is. You don’t like the fact that I hope Freeman plays well this year??? Haha seriously, I say that if Freeman plays well, Glennon won’t see the field, next think ya know, I’ve got some asshole calling me a jock rider? Fu©k you and your pessimism Couch Fan.