Barbecue Help On The Fire?
March 18th, 2015
A man who understands the barbecue pain of Buccaneers left guard Logan Mankins is his former teammate, Patriots free agent right guard Dan Connolly.
Connolly, who took over spatula duties for the Super Bowl champs, has caught the interest of the Buccaneers.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport claims the Bucs, Seahawks, Bears and Dolphins are all interested in Connolly’s services. The nine-year veteran has played both guard positions and center — hey, a non-virgin center — and was a Patriots captain last year.
Connolly and Mankins are close friends. Joe talked to Connolly about his relationship with Mankins at Super Bowl Media Day (right after Connolly finished with the more attractive reporter in the photo above.)
Is that enough to lure Connolly to Tampa? Joe can’t go there. Connolly, 32, likely wants solid cash ($3 million per season?) and a starting job. Would the Bucs guarantee him that?
The second wave of free agency has begun, especially with the Cowboys signing manbeast pass rusher Greg Hardy today. Connolly would be in that second tier.
Joe would prefer to see a guy with more promise getting snaps at guard this season. The Bucs wouldn’t be developing much with Mankins and Connolly starting at guard. But the Bucs need quality, versatile O-line bodies in the house. Joe’s confident Connolly is a lot better than Oneil Cousins or Jamon Meredith.
March 18th, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Has Mankins tweeted out anything yet?
March 18th, 2015 at 6:06 pm
Bucs have only showed interest in signing backups thus far… To our backup quality players
March 18th, 2015 at 6:08 pm
Are you kidding me???
Bring him in! Get the band back together…. If the barbecue master has someone to shotgun bud lights and grill with…we might get a little something going with the OL. Guys, please invite EDS…i know hes “that guy”, but you’ll grow to love him!
March 18th, 2015 at 6:18 pm
Give the guy $3mil a year with one year garunteed and name him the the starting right guard… Then draft a guard to develop in the 2nd or 3rd round… They can compete for the starting job throughout the year… Conolly is old and won’t be a long term answer but signing him will limit our downside…
March 18th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Whatever. I could kick my Father in the nuts for cursing me with being a Bucks fan. I feel like there is nothing to be positive about with this team right now. OK. I am really put off and buzzed, so going to think about more pleasant thoughts… Like Rachel Watson at the beach. Take care fellow Bucs agonizers.
March 18th, 2015 at 6:21 pm
3 million wtf sign him we have plenty of cap space left what else do we have I would feel a lot more comfortable with a veteran offensive line in front of Jameis Winston
March 18th, 2015 at 6:25 pm
Kick returner!! Finally!
March 18th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
This is the kind of signing you make in order to develop the younger/other guys. Is Connolly a “pro” or is this a money grab? That’s the only question i would be asking.
March 18th, 2015 at 6:35 pm
I think our signings so far make sense regarding the smoothest transition towards what the Bucs plan to do (defensively with the Tampa 2). Our OLine needs cohesiveness and the Connolly/Mankins relationship helps make that transition smoother. This interest makes sense to me and I agree towards an ability to groom younger players we draft in later rounds.
March 18th, 2015 at 6:44 pm
Really not impressed with any free agents this year good job bucs on passin the future busts and bums
March 18th, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Give the BBQ stuff a rest Joe. It’s not very funny. Show Mankins some respect.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Who is the blonde doing the interview????
March 18th, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Keep Cousins and Gilket then select a 7th round guard and we are set. No need to spend anymore $… Let’s get Kyle Moore for defensive end and Barret Rudd to play mike linebacker
March 18th, 2015 at 7:15 pm
When you are coming off 2-14 and have won 6 games in 2 years, why bring in older stop-gap guys. Get young guys and grow your team.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:24 pm
@Dewey Selmon,
That’s me. I was show casing my puppies to try and lure Connolly to Tampa
Bay so that Mankins would have a grilling buddy.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:36 pm
I’ve spent the past two months reading how we MUST draft a franchise QB because they come along so rarely. OK I can accept that to a point.
Next to QB franchise DL and LT’s are the hardest to find.
So let’s sign this guy! We’re going to be lucky if we get a franchise lineman in this year’s draft. It’ll require some luck and perhaps trading from that high 2nd back into the 1st.
Sign this guy, draft Fameis, draft the best OL available..hope that Smith, Gholston and Fatukin can continue to grow and develop.
And then since we have the first shot at the waiver wire until Sept start picking up any players with pass rushing potential.
We’re not THAT far away guys!
March 18th, 2015 at 7:38 pm
Agree with Underdog. Maybe they can do both….have the seasoned pros groom their replacements.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:39 pm
@Bill
This is the kind of signing you make in order to develop the younger/other guys. Is Connolly a “pro” or is this a money grab? That’s the only question i would be asking.
Amen! Mankins was traded to us because of money. He wouldn’t take a cut.
But I don’t think anybody believes Mankins took his salary and phoned it in.
You can bet that L&L have checked in with Mankins about this guy’s character.
But agree Bill that is the question that should be asked.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:42 pm
I am so f’n tired that the bucs are getting a bunch of second tiered players. All that means is we will be a second rate team. Oh wait we all ready are. If we win 4 games this year I would be impressed.
March 18th, 2015 at 7:53 pm
We just need serviceable players at this point, and all across the roster.
And we’re swimming in money to spend.
SPEND SOME OF IT!!!
March 18th, 2015 at 8:12 pm
@StPete,
“But I don’t think anybody believes Mankins took his salary and phoned it in.”
Agreed, I think he did the best he could. The timing of his trade was terrible. If Connolly can be a quality example while filling a need, then pay the guy. I have no problem with that, who could?
March 18th, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Mankins is going to tell his buddy to stay away, if he tells him anything.
March 18th, 2015 at 8:44 pm
Use the $3M saved by cutting Collins and sign him. Its a win/win. Then we only have one of the tackle spots and DE to be concerned with as far as at least having qualified starting players. Long term answer? – of course not – but if we can get a year or two of decent play from Mankins and Connolly while developing young talented OLinemen – then its worth a shot. Just bring in some qualified players to serve as stopgap starters – draft another developmental guard and bring in a couple guys from late preseason cuts and 1 or 2 of them will develop with these guys as mentors. It could work. Connolly is certainly better than what we saw from Omameh last year.
March 18th, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Hey Joe why no article on how Licht took a shot at Winston?? ” What Mariota can bring to this town to this organization is a guy with high character that will represent this organization with class” WOW that’s a huge shot at at Winston lol http://www.buccaneers.com/videos/videos/Behind-the-Scenes-of-Mariotas-Visit/b772f280-da8a-48bf-81d2-7b09dcabb0be
March 18th, 2015 at 8:52 pm
Signing him immediately gives the line something, that would normal take a year or more. – experience playing together! Which is critical to O-line success.
It would improve the line tremendously.
Then draft a LT and G in rounds 2&3.
Lt- like that Allie kid as a work in progress.
Then, with the 2 guys last we drafted last year- the line would at least not be totally pathetic.
We have to wait til next year to draft a DE.
Way to miss out on Hardy, boys!
It’s your career, I’d be a lil more agressive
March 18th, 2015 at 8:56 pm
*Rumors Mill
Plenty of sources out their suggesting –San Diego is looking to move up in the first-round to select Marcus Mariota. Using Phillip Rivers as a bargaining chip along with additional draft compensation (future premium picks).
March 18th, 2015 at 8:58 pm
You cut the quote off Sam I wonder why? Could it have been because he went on to say that Marcus possibly maybe down the road if he transitions well could become a decent QB in the NFL.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:03 pm
Philip Rivers won’t sign a new contract before his current one expires-The stadium situation has become an issue with Rivers, who may not want to move his wife and seven (yes, seven) children to Los Angeles, if the team relocates. (Orlando right around the corner)
And there’s still a chance he’s not on the team in 2015. Via Acee, G.M. Tom Telesco declined to rule out a trade of Rivers.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:16 pm
Rivers is 33. I’m not sure how much value he holds on his own. Moving from 17 to 1 or 2 would be really tough. If MM falls to WSH or NYJ at 5 and 6, it might be possible.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:16 pm
With his hatred of Winston I assume SuperSam works in the Publix seafood department or at Burger King.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:27 pm
@Bill
Of course they would have to cough a lot more than Phillip Rivers.
But just looking at Phillip as an acquisition
Phillip Rivers & Vincent Jackson (7 yrs together in San Diego)
• Receptions:272
• Yards: 4754
• Yards Per Reception:17.5
• Touchdowns: 37
+
Seemless lateral move Phillip Rivers has played in the same Offensive Scheme (Air Coryell) for his entire career (*5 time pro bowler).
*Same system that Dirk Koetter will be employing in Tampa Bay.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:28 pm
*Of course they would have to cough-up, a lot more than Phillip Rivers.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:41 pm
After picking Winston. Who else should we go after guys? Im for going back into the 1st and getting Stephone Anthony
March 18th, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Remember Dana Bible coached Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon and Phillip Rivers. IMO-Rivers would be the perfect mentor for Mike Glennon.
March 18th, 2015 at 9:53 pm
No, sam, thats the only positive spin he could conjure for mariota.. 🙂 who knows, maybe the eagles(chip) are dumb enough to trade up for a player thats plummeting? If you want to see the real difference listen to daniel jeremiahs podcast on nfl.com specifically the former baseball teammate(autograph scandal debunked) former trainer (compares his leadership to montana & lewis whom he both worked with) and last but not least stanford hc david shaw..all will give you an idea what the bucs have heard the last month or so
March 18th, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Arealbucsfan-Anthony looks incredible! We don’t need a MLB more than a lineman but he may be too good to pass up. Packers might want him more than the Bucs do
March 18th, 2015 at 10:08 pm
seamless?..i think jameis & philip have very similar attributes..jameis is essentially better philip mcnair hybrid. Not steves mobility but infectious toughness and leadership mixed with Philips accuracy, anticipation, and touch. Was always big fan of phil and coming from columbus im still upset at the double qb sneak on the goal line, 3 ot loss to buckeyes in silent horseshoe, who, maybe won the title that season? Was that ’03?? Wow! Doesnt seem that long ago..but, Philip was dissecting tress, as id predicted and no one believed, and ta mcclendon was running wild. and they call 2 straight qb sneaks from the 4 yd line, after something like 10-15 straight completions from rivers..lmao!!
March 18th, 2015 at 10:08 pm
lol why even care at this point?
Not worth putting my hopes into any of these possible pick ups anymore.
March 18th, 2015 at 10:12 pm
I think g tra jackson from fsu is most underrated lineman in draft..no way jake fisher is better than him in pro style offense.. philly would be nice for jake and they need linemen…tra carried that interior line and was a mauler with awful rt bobby hart at his right his entire career and terrible center play to his left half this season..him in 2nd round, anywhere, is a steal..hes as good as cam, versatility considered, imho.
March 18th, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Hey gotta talk about something different brotha-lol
March 18th, 2015 at 10:15 pm
“Seemless lateral move Phillip Rivers has played in the same Offensive Scheme (Air Coryell) for his entire career (*5 time pro bowler).
*Same system that Dirk Koetter will be employing in Tampa Bay”
Would like to know how you know this. I would love to see the Bucs be successful inSeemless lateral move Phillip Rivers has played in the same Offensive Scheme (Air Coryell) for his entire career (*5 time pro bowler).
*Same system that Dirk Koetter will be employing in Tampa Bay ”
How I’d love to see the Bucs be successful running the ( Air Coryell offense ) Where are the Jim Heart’s when you need them…
March 18th, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Dang fat fingers and small keyboard on my phone..
March 18th, 2015 at 10:18 pm
@tval
Been saying that for almost a year now(Tre’ Jackson)-The kid is a beast.
Don’t sleep on John Miller (Louisville)
March 18th, 2015 at 10:19 pm
But 7 kids?? Lord, have mercy!! :)..thats how much i notice their personal stuff though..hadnt the slightest hed had a football team..no wonder hes struggled and seemed irritable at times recently.. the man hasnt slept in 5 years.
March 18th, 2015 at 10:27 pm
Yeah, i remember them running dyer all over that fsu d..21-0 and ran outta gas..:) i only know most acc and big ten guys, specifically qbs dbs, but those guys were even standouts up front. I personally think tra is more valuable than marcus..i remember rodney hudson, who was spectacular guard and moved to center now one of leagues best..tra’s that good from what i can remember..maybe rodney was hindered from ejs erratic play and patent spin move? :)..but i remember him not giving up a sack(rodney) or something crazy like that? Those durable mauler types are priceless.
March 18th, 2015 at 10:34 pm
@RustyRhinos
Apologize correction 8 out of 10 yrs– Rivers played in the Air Coryell System.
(Head Coach Norv Turner 6yrs ) ← Air Coryell Disciple
• (2004-2006) Offensive Coordinator: Cam Cameron
• (2006-2011) Offensive Coordinator: Clarence Shelmon
• (2012) Offensive Coordinator: Hal Hunter
Coaching Change (Mike McCoy)
(2013)
• Offensive Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins
• Offensive Coordinator: Ken Whisenhunt
(2014)
• Offensive Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins
• Offensive Coordinator: Frank Reich
March 18th, 2015 at 10:40 pm
We need all the help we can get, a natural fit with The pit master and someone to be a back up center, jeez bring Beckles out of retirement – he’s better than what we have now…
it’s insane that Lovie is doing the exact same sh@t here that he did in Chicago….no OLine at all- Dotson is NOT a LT, we have NO RG, no depth, a center that is um…average at best, a couple of rookies that played almost nil – complete garbage with maybe 2 starters considered solid, maybe
What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over with the same results – while maintaining the expectation of a different result!!!
Sucks to be a Bucs Fan, again…..thanks Glazers, it falls squarely on you
March 18th, 2015 at 10:47 pm
I like the idea of signing another solid veteran guard from a team like the Patiots. Surround Winston with players that know how to win Super Bowls in this league. Even if it’s just for depth.
March 18th, 2015 at 10:57 pm
Concerning (Dirk Koetter Air Coryell)
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/5/16/876973/the-air-coryell-offense
March 18th, 2015 at 11:14 pm
I lived in Raleigh at the time when Rivers was hucking the ball for NC State.
Not a good time or place to be if you’re a Noles fan and mosy of your apparel is either Bucs or FSU related.
Rivers made me put my FSU gear away while I lived there. It was frustrating.
March 18th, 2015 at 11:21 pm
JBuc…I’m with you. Protect Winston at all costs. Give him a clean pocket. Then get ready for the fireworks.
March 19th, 2015 at 12:07 am
You know…as I try to find positive possibilities, there is something they could be attempting.
Knowing draft picks take a few years to develop, it seems they are getting veteran guys on short term contracts. Could this be a stopgap until draft picks develop enough to become starters?
Honestly, I’m struggling as a Bucs fan lately, along with a bunch of others.
March 19th, 2015 at 12:10 am
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo thinks it might be racist to ignore Brian de la Puente….C/G….he’s younger, better & cheaper…..Pablo just doesn’t understand the Bucs and not wanting any of Pablo’s hombres……Bucs could bring in Jeff Garcia out of retirement and Anthony Munoz….but no….no brown on the Bucs”
March 19th, 2015 at 12:35 am
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
“Knowing draft picks take a few years to develop, it seems they are getting veteran guys on short term contracts. Could this be a stopgap until draft picks develop enough to become starters?”
I had a thought earlier today that was kind of similar to what your saying. Except I think it’s partially until the picks can be starters. I also think it’s because of all that money wasted last season. I think they are going after prove your worthy and then we’ll pay you more type of players.
March 19th, 2015 at 12:49 am
Joe, you gotta get control of these ads I’m directed to, and only on your site. It’s sending me to the Kim kardashian game on the App Store… Of all games to sponsor buddy..
March 19th, 2015 at 12:54 am
Kim Kardashian has a game? LOL
March 19th, 2015 at 1:20 am
If he’s been Tom Brady’s center he’s good enough for Jameis
March 19th, 2015 at 3:30 am
Guys…free agency blows! It is the annual player sell out season. A year ago we crushed free agency….only to find out all those players stunk. MJ ran back to his old team with tears in his eyes. Good teams can use free agency, bad teams use their 1st round picks on franchise altering players. The kind of players that attract and “motivate” free agents.
Build through the draft! Build through the draft! Build through the draft!
and
Build through the draft!
March 20th, 2015 at 2:47 pm
The blonde is hot. Excited, right nipple is trying to get out.