New Bucs DE Loves His $3,000 Signing Bonus

May 9th, 2018

Photo via The Free Press

General manager Jason Licht said he doesn’t want players with the “five-star virus.”

And it’s been a focus all offseason.

Licht has run with it, starting with trading for Jason Pierre-Paul. Sure, JPP was a five-star talent and superstar, but he showed incredible depth, drive and character when he battled back from literally blowing up his hand a few years ago to play again at a high level.

Licht moved on to rework his lunch pail defensive line with guys like Beau Allen, Mitch Unrein and Vinny Curry, who grinded past his fear of roosters and humble football beginnings to win a Super Bowl ring.

More dog-like mentalities added in center Ryan Jensen and third-round pick guard/tackle Alex Cappa out of the Division II ranks.

There are more examples, and one of the latest is defensive end Evan Perrizzo, the pride of Division II Minnesota State. Perrizo told The Free Press of Mankota, Minnesota, that Tampa Bay threw the biggest money at him — three grand — and he signed an undrafted free agent contract.

In the craziness after the draft, Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Buffalo offered priority free-agent contracts, while several other teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, invited him to a tryout camp for rookies and free agents. After analyzing each team’s situation, Perrizo chose Tampa Bay, which offered a traditional 4-3 defense and a $3,000 bonus, which was a little more than Cleveland or Buffalo.

He had hoped to work something out with the Vikings, but they drafted two defensive ends last weekend.

“I didn’t have any indication that Tampa was interested in me,” Perrizo said. “The only time I talked with Tampa was when their scout came through (Mankato in October). Before the draft, it seemed that Cleveland had shown the most interest in me.”

Perrizo is the third former Minnesota State player currently with an NFL team, joining Adam Thielen (Vikings) and Chris Reed (Jaguars).

Joe loves the long shot stories.

Perrizo, 6-5, 275 pounds, will try to impress at this weekend’s rookie minicamp more than undrafted DE Demone Harris, the pride of the University of Buffalo who was a walk-on after starting just eight high school games.

You can see some Perrizo highlights here.

16 Responses to “New Bucs DE Loves His $3,000 Signing Bonus”

  1. MadMax Says:

    Moves good for his size, good instincts, handsy. We’ll see how he develops against nfl caliber players.

  2. Jason Mclaurin Says:

    I think he will a ps spot at most this season. We are able 1a and 1b deep on the defensive side of the trenches

  3. Casual Observer Says:

    “Joe loves the long shot stories.” So do I.

  4. Defense Rules Says:

    I agree Jason … more than likely practice squad at best. With GMC, Allen, Vea & Unrein at DT, plus JPP, Curry, Spence & Gholston that’s 8 DLinemen already. Even if we kept 10 on the DLine, he’d still have to beat out Will Clarke, Patrick O’Connor, Channing Ward & Devonte Lambert … 4 players with experience. But ya never know. Stranger things have happened.

  5. passthebuc Says:

    I would like the walk on’s to be so good you would need to cut McCoy. And, I have nothing against McCoy.

  6. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Rather have these stories than the demeaning “UPS Driver” references…..these are the types of guys you root for….hoping they achieve their dreams…..

    A long shot for sure….but still at least has a shot.

  7. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I hope he become a top DE for us. The opportunity is there, he just has to make the most of it.

  8. Trench War Says:

    Maybe he can give Noah Spence a run for his money.

  9. Trench War Says:

    I went and watched his highlights and the one thing I noticed was his get off. He does what I call a gorilla shuffle or shake and bake with his feet and shoulders that doesn’t give the offensive lineman a chance to square off on him. He gives the illusion he could go either way. Will it work against the pro’s remains to be seen but it really seems like an impressive style.

  10. Lord Corn Says:

    Pretty much just bull rushing / power rushing little kids out there lol. Flashed a spin move but didn’t see any speed/bend rushes. Seems athletic tho

  11. BucHead5588 Says:

    I like all the DEs we signed as udfa I really think Antonio Simmons an demonstration Harris as Perrizzo all have solid chance to make the ps I like the WR from Syracuse as well GoBUCS

  12. Dusthty Rhothdes Says:

    Licht might want to start targetting the 5* targets because his other philosophy is proving a losing one

  13. Mike Johnson Says:

    Most of us really do pull for the longshot guys. But we all know its an uphill battle for them. Hope this kid makes the team.

  14. QBKilla Says:

    He’s not very twitchy but I’m pulling for him. We need some youth at the position.

  15. Greecosuave Says:

    Let’s hope we found a gem. Play hard man.

  16. Easy Says:

    This guy will be lucky to make the practice squad.