Next Up (Out?)
February 21st, 2018
Should he be sleeping with one eye open?
Boy, yesterday was like the Night of the Long Knives.
Arguably the biggest albatross for the Bucs on each side of the ball was turned loose by Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht.
First, it was Doug Martin. Though this was expected, Joe still held a tiny belief that Martin would return. Yeah, really. Bucs coach Dirk Koetter was so loyal to the guy that Joe, in a small way, expected to see Martin in training camp in late July.
This is not to say Licht didn’t make the right move. If anything, it was a year too late. It was just the way the team coddled Martin made Joe think that the Muscle Hamster was just about untouchable. If there are any Martin truthers still out there, let this be the final piece of information why Martin was (and is?) done as an NFL running back. This comes from Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders.
Doug Martin: only player since 1940 to have multiple seasons with sub-3.0 rushing YPC (min. 120 carries)
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) February 20, 2018
As for former Bucs tackle, offsides-jumping, belly shirt-wearing, practice-hating, kicker-heckling, tree-grinding , non-contact-football-loving, chicken-wings-grilling, playing-time-squawking, TV-cooking-star, half-sack Swaggy Baker, the albatross of the defense, Joe was wondering if he might get a pass if new defensive line coach Brentson Buckner claimed he could turn him around.
Judging by yesterday’s actions and knowing how Buckner feels about quitters and cowards, Joe’s going to guess Buckner refused to sign a contract as long as Swaggy was on the roster, telling Koetter and Licht, in so many words, get that palm tree-banging SOB out of my defensive line room!
Now Joe wonder, who will next have his access card to One Buc Palace deactivated?
February 21st, 2018 at 12:37 am
Let it be JL and/or Dork! We can still find a GM and coach.
February 21st, 2018 at 12:42 am
I have no issues with Gholston coming back but he better be taking a massive pay cut, there’s absolutely no reason a guy who is 6’6 and 270 of seemingly pure muscle (who is being paid as much as he is) can’t be trusted to average more than 1 sack person. If he rejects a pay cut offer show him the door and wish him well.
February 21st, 2018 at 12:42 am
Both had to go no doubt. I wish Doug well. As for Baker, EFF him and the horse you rode in on, I hope he loses every cent the Bucs paid you to bad investments.
February 21st, 2018 at 1:26 am
That stat on Doug is on him AND on our worse than people think offensive line. It’s time to go all in and fix it. No more band-aids. No more anointing guys as starters. bring in numbers. Let them compete. Let the starters be born from battle.
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
February 21st, 2018 at 1:36 am
@joe
Can we franshise tag Brent Grimes?
I think a one year, rich contract would make him happy.
February 21st, 2018 at 1:39 am
Franchise Grimes? Lol go to bed you’re drunk
February 21st, 2018 at 1:54 am
hahaha
February 21st, 2018 at 1:54 am
I love Brent. I dont want him to go!
February 21st, 2018 at 2:09 am
Yes.
February 21st, 2018 at 3:53 am
Franchising Grimes isn’t the worst idea ever as he’s our most valuable free agent and no one else is worth franchising … but I’d try and get two quality CBs in free agency
February 21st, 2018 at 4:19 am
The bigger issue here IMO Joe is that the Bucs are lacking senior leadership, and that falls on GM Licht. Jenna Laine wrote an excellent article yesterday about that very thing ( http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/269466/releasing-chris-baker-shows-accountability-but-another-miss-for-bucs-brass ) about the Bucs releasing Swaggy Baker. Her bottom line: “In a locker room filled with younger players in leadership roles, one that has prided itself on being a “family,” the Bucs have to do a better job of vetting veteran players from both a scheme standpoint and a personality standpoint. Otherwise, they’ll just continue to spin their wheels in free agency.” Write on Jenna!
February 21st, 2018 at 4:42 am
@ Scott Kacsmar: check your files …our O-line play since 1976 was at its worst the last few seasons! But for some reason we seem to be afraid to admit it!!! CONTINUE TO BUILD A WALL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY!!
February 21st, 2018 at 4:58 am
Gholston souls not be next to get the cut!……Sweezy would be my next cut! CONTINUE TO BUILD A WALL IN BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY!
February 21st, 2018 at 5:22 am
Judging by yesterday’s actions and knowing how Buckner feels about quitters and cowards,
Joe, if that statement is accurate then the leader of the losing culture cancer93 the same guy who has captained more self admitted FLAT performances than any other captain in team history should be next out the door. Funny how you always give free passes to the cryin clown.
February 21st, 2018 at 5:28 am
Tmaxipad
You are such an idiot. How can you be so dumb?
It’s mindboggling.
February 21st, 2018 at 6:44 am
Miko would due backflips for a franchise tag. That would be 15 a year. I am a huge grimes fan but even that is to much for guy his age that played hurt most of last
Year.
February 21st, 2018 at 6:47 am
I know koetter has final say on who is on roster.
But licht gave the muscle drug user his extension. Bad decision. After aguayo and baker and other bad free agency blunders, you don’t think licht was asking koetter to give doug just more more chance to turn it around to make him look not so terrible.
February 21st, 2018 at 6:48 am
Buckner would demand that McCoy stays. Give it up man.
February 21st, 2018 at 6:50 am
POSITION TENDER AMOUNT
• Quarterback: $21,268,000
• Running back: $12,120,000
• Wide receiver: $15,682,000
• Tight end: $9,780,000
• Offensive line: $14,271,000
• Defensive end: $16,934,000
• Defensive tackle: $13,387,000
• Linebacker: $14,550,000
• Cornerback: $14,212,000 ←
• Safety: $10,896,000
• Kicker/punter: $4,835,000
Note: FTV is expected to go Up.
Franchise Tagging a 35yr old corner – goes right up their with trading back into the 2nd round for a kicker. When better options are on the table.
Mediocrity At Its Finest
February 21st, 2018 at 7:00 am
FTV are expected to go Up.
Franchise Tag numbers are expected to rise at least $500,000 and no more than $2 million per position
February 21st, 2018 at 7:22 am
Since the Bucs seem to be hoping for Spences return. I think it would be wise to
let Buckner evaluate Gholston before he is cut. His play did slip last year,but I have to wonder if he was playing through injuries or having Baker in the lineup
affected how teams were able to block him. His last three games were more like
the Gholston of old, and one of them Baker barely played. As long as you have a DE end pass rushing specialist like Spence you better have somebody to stop the run.
Just because we have a lot of cap space doesn’t mean Jason Licht will go out and spend it all.
Good link Defense Rules,Jenna makes some valid points on the building the team.
February 21st, 2018 at 7:25 am
At Corner we should be asking what it would take to get Marcus Peters who is now supposedly on the trading block and super cheap this year and then has a team option for 2019 that is under market value.
I wouldn’t be surprised is Sweezy gets the boot once we sign the two guys I now want for our Oline – Norwell and Sitton.
Also the team dynamics need to change at least between the coaches and players and preferably between the coaches/captains and the rest of the team. I look after my employees and make sure they are taken care of but they know that I am their boss and not their friend. Part of the reason why the Patriots are so successful is because Belichick treats his team that way and they love him for it.
February 21st, 2018 at 7:26 am
Why not Robert Ayers?
Robert Ayers – Has Missed 4 Games Per Yr. – In 4 Consecutive Years
• 2017 – Injured Weeks (11,12,15,16)
• 2016 – Injured Weeks (3,4,5,6)
• 2015 – Injured Weeks (3,4,5,6) ← NYGiants
• 2014 – Injured Weeks (13,14,15,16) ← NYGiants
(2016) Signed a 3 year $19.5 million contract w/ Tampa Bay
(2016 – 2017) 2 Yr. Payout = $14,000,000
*Minus – 12 Games Missed @437,500 per Game = 5,250,000
Note: Ayers turns 33* when the season starts. And has averaged 4 sacks per year with the Bucs.
February 21st, 2018 at 7:27 am
Where’s the value/upside In this deal?
February 21st, 2018 at 7:29 am
(2016 – 2017) 2 Yr. Payout = $14,000,000
*Minus – 8 Games Missed @437,500 per Game = 3,500,000
February 21st, 2018 at 8:00 am
Sweeptheleg
I am not the idiot with a man crush on a proven quitter and a career loser that would be you sir… I feel sorry for those with such low standards.
Not one player or coach has survived cancer93 no reason to believe buckner will be first survivor.
February 21st, 2018 at 8:08 am
Agree on Ayers LUV, When he was signed his ex agent said he would only last
12 games a year on Duemig’s show. and it proved to be true.
He missed 4 games at the end of 2014 and 2017 season. This is critical in my book. Also odd that 2015 and 2016 he missed the same 3 rd ,4th, 5 th , and
6 th game.
A reason I can see to keep him is he will be cheap compared to his last two years until we have somebody better.
February 21st, 2018 at 8:11 am
Gholston would benefit from a scheme change. Hes a 3-4 DE and everyone knows it (except Mike Smith).
February 21st, 2018 at 8:16 am
Tmaxacon
Go away you troll. My brother died of cancer years back and to see you use that word 25 times a day (especially on articles that are not even on McCoy) is just annoying. The article could be about captain fear and you start talking about McCoy.
Go troll another team. No way you are a bucs fan. The same dhiarrhea spews from your mouth and it’s just pathetic. Can’t believe the Joe’s let you post here. And I can’t believe you have a few people posting the same negative messages.
February 21st, 2018 at 8:19 am
And replace him with what. He’s gotten his big payday so at this point he’s basically a cheap roster salary. No d end free agents and not many pass rushers in the draft. He’ll stay, it was a bad idea to draft Spence because he’s so small, he would have gholston on the bench this year if he was bigger
February 21st, 2018 at 8:23 am
Bird
You know damn well the context its used in so kiss my arse sensitive snowflake… I’m a cancer survivor. You are as soft as the career loser you worship.
The only thing that is pathetic is bucanner football on field results and the fact the low standard fans are content with it.
February 21st, 2018 at 8:27 am
Way to go TMaxipad – start the day off in an argument with a guys who’s brother died of cancer and not even apologize. Banner day for you.
February 21st, 2018 at 8:49 am
SCBucsFan
Taking words out context and twisting them does not deserve apology or sympathy.
PC is for losers
February 21st, 2018 at 8:56 am
All GMC needs are Pro Bowls. More personal achievements.
Perennial Captain of horrible defenses. Coincidence? Not at all.
February 21st, 2018 at 9:14 am
tmax
Class act. Don’t believe one word you just said. Didn’t believe you sold your businesses and living happily retired in Colorado either.
Dhiarrhea boy. You are 30ish. Live in mommies basement and don’t pay rent
never played a sport. Never been laid.
Keep trolling their tough guy. I wouldn’t kiss your arse. Wouldn’t mind whooping your arse though.
Keep up the negative comments bruh. Hope you don’t change your tune when the bucs turn this around.
February 21st, 2018 at 9:28 am
tell gholston to put on 10-15 pounds and move him to DT after restructuring his contract….it he refuses how him the door…..
sweezy should be shown the door…..
ayers im still on the fence….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 21st, 2018 at 9:34 am
Getting rid of Gholston would be a mistake. I doubt that’s even a legitimate consideration.
February 21st, 2018 at 9:36 am
Get over it. Gmc is garbage and SHOULD be next in line. He is the common denominator for defense failures. Oh it’s true. It’s damn true. Gmc is chasing the ghost of Ellis Wyms he not even in mind of a standard playoff run.
February 21st, 2018 at 9:53 am
Ain’t nobody in moderation yet!…CONTINUE TO BUILD A WALL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY!!
February 21st, 2018 at 9:54 am
I don’t think Sweezy will be gone. Licht and Koetter like broke back Sweezy just like they like the back side bullsh!ter Donovan Smith.
February 21st, 2018 at 10:10 am
I know GMC sounds soft in his interviews, but I’ve heard he’s different on the field. And the man has been double covered his entire career because the Bucs have never gotten him anyone to work with. If we were to get Vea or Chubb or another rookie d lineman that shows dominance and GMC shows no change, than put some wings on a septic tank and let him take a long flight.
February 21st, 2018 at 10:15 am
Yet another article – troll-jacked.
What’s it going to take to get Max Dread-Doom voted off the island here Joe?
That torch needed snuffing more than a year ago…
This idiot just revels in spewing negative nonsense and taking over comments of unrelated articles claiming GMC is a cancer and the Bucs are the worst team in sports and whatnot…
I say put it to a vote. Thumbs up or thumbs down for ol maxi-pad being allowed to continue posting on JBF.
The maxi-ban movement needs to get some grass roots support working so as to help avert the longest and most miserable off-season in Bucs history.
February 21st, 2018 at 10:23 am
@Joe
Wasn’t there talk about Jaq Smith for us earlier in the year by fans? What happened to that? I don’t remember what people were saying he was doing no. I certainly haven’t heard anything from the Bucs but is he still even in the NFL? Can’t remember.
February 21st, 2018 at 10:24 am
*doing though
February 21st, 2018 at 10:34 am
As far as Gholston goes – Licht needs to sit him down and explain the pay vs performance conundrum that Will has put them both in…
$7M last year and $6.5M this year is a pretty hard pill to swallow considering last year’s performance
Find out if he’s willing to re-negotiate a new, more reasonable deal – perhaps $2.5-3M with some nice performance based escalators for sacks, forced fumbles, tackle #s etc on the top…
If not – then Gholston should be considered as just another free agent who didn’t play up to his contract value and be cut before March 18th when his $6.5M for this year becomes fully guaranteed.
Its harder because Will is “homegrown” – but you can’t overpay for non-production – leave yourself an out for just that circumstance – and then not use it…
February 21st, 2018 at 10:48 am
Gholston has always been the run stopper not really the sack man. He averages 2.5 sacks a year except for this year and plenty of people liked him before. Maybe he just had an off year. Does anyone remember that year we had the least sacks and the worst defense in the league? That was a hoot. Oh wait… Maybe Buckner can come in and turn him and hopefully the rest of the defensive line around.
February 21st, 2018 at 11:43 am
Bob
You are correct about Ayers availability. He has played 12 games for the past four years in a row. Why would we expect more than 3/4’s of a season from him….at best in 18 with that kind of record?
As for Doug…I simply do not get the fact that he still has so much love here. He’s a nice guy…I get that. I do not wish him bad.
I’m not saying our OL was world beaters but can we stop with the Doug’s problem was our OL. Why wasn’t it Barber’s problem then? Did he run behind a different Buc line that Doug. Well at the end the OL was filled with backup but over the past two years Barber ran behind essentially the same line as Martin
Behind the SAME OL…Martin averaged 2.9 yds per carry the past two years.
Barber averaged 4 yards per carry. Why?
February 21st, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Just for its and giggles, anybody want to compare the numbers of Doug Martin vs. LaGarrette Blount AFTER Blount left Tampa?
LeGarrette left in 2013 and like Doug has had exactly ONE 1000 yard rushing season.
Martin 52 games
831 carries 3179 yards 3.5 ypc 15 TDs
Blount 76 games
915 carries 3949 yards 4.3 ypc 38 TDs
Effing laughable!
February 21st, 2018 at 3:52 pm
GMC is the only player producing on the d-line, and has been for years. Like him or not, he IS the most productive player we have on defense.
Gholston signing was a head-scratcher to begin with. He was/is a one-trick pony who should’ve accidentally run into an offensive player behind the LOS by now!
Any additions to GMC is “starting from scratch” IMO. Take him away and you have ZERO, nothing…..beasting, nah, run-stuffer, nah, Spawn, nah.
February 21st, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Trollmax you are the only one in the galaxy who would say McCoy is a quitter. You can’t help making stuff up. Conversely you are the only person in the galaxy who mentions mccoy with every post. Classic moron. Funny. Sad. Keep em coming moron. Go Bucs!
February 21st, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Trollmax, I forgot to add that you have zero knowledge of football at any level, no understanding of leadership, and that you’re in no way a Bucs Fan (don’t care how long you purport to have been one…). More likely you are running a social media scam, the misinformation and hate you spew from behind a keyboard. Funny. Go Bucs!
February 21st, 2018 at 8:30 pm
We need to keep Gholston and Ayers. Two of the games Ayers missed last year were because of the concussion protocol. They are both mean players who bring their all every game. It is not just about sacks. Both are very good vs the run and Ayers puts pressure on the QB as good as any. The Bucs would be insane to cut either one of them. If Spence can stay healthy then all we need is another DE either in FA or the draft. They have to re-sign Grimes and add another shutdown CB in FA.