Zuttah Trade Was A Win-Later Move

March 23rd, 2014
"You think I give a fu*k that half those old timers hate my guts. I'm coming to the damn 10th anniversary party. I can't want for Joel Glazer to serve me a damn shot of Cuervo at the banquet. Seat me next to Mark Alstott, Keyshawn, Shaun King, Lynch, I'll fight all of them. Just don't ask me to pick Al Singleton out of a lineup."

“Geez, man, the last of my fingerprints are gone from this team. This Jason Licht character better know what he’s doing. I love me some Zuttah. You can’t just buy a guy like that at Publix.”

The Lovie Smith regime has shown plenty of win-now urgency in its offseason moves, but today’s trade of Jeremy Zuttah wasn’t one of them.

The Bucs’ offensive line looks a bit flmsy now, losing a very durable, versatile and still young member.

The fact Zuttah, 27, pulled a 2015 fifth-round pick from a strong organization like Baltimore should tell you that his game film looked decent. Baltimore takes on Zuttah’s $4 million salary for this season.

The last Buccaneer link to the Chucky years, Zuttah performed well as a right-guard, rookie starter in 2008. He was a stout center in 2010, when the Bucs’ running game was punishing in the second half of the season. He got the job done at center and left guard for the 2012 Bucs, which also racked up great numbers. He stayed healthy.

Offensive linemen like Zuttah don’t grow on trees. As of this typing, the Bucs are thin on their O-line. There’s no way to sugarcoat it.

Joe sees this as a pure win-later move by the regime. We haven’t seen too many of those.

106 Responses to “Zuttah Trade Was A Win-Later Move”

  1. IdahoBucsfan Says:

    Almost looks like what is important to the new leadership right now is ridding the team of any and all connection to the past above all else!

  2. lurker Says:

    then the team should get rid of lovie, too…

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Don’t know if it is “win later” until we see the moves from here…we just freed up $4 mil & have some FA & the draft in front of us.
    The fact that we didn’t have to do this leads me to believe that there is a plan in place.

  4. chargedcbh Says:

    That’s 4 million that could go to DJax!!!!!!!

  5. al121976 Says:

    I cant believe all they got was a 5th, should have been a 4 at worst.

  6. sam Says:

    i love this move, very overrated. Struggled in the run game. overpaid as well. he wasn’t gonna be a starter after the draft, so why pay a back up 4 mill?

  7. bucrightoff Says:

    A 5th is pretty weak. We gave up a guy who can absolutely start, not very good return. Especially since Baltimore is consistently good so it could be closer to a 6th round pick.

  8. Bill Says:

    It’s only a win-later trade if they don’t now address the position with a different (ie cheaper player). It won’t be a win-later trade if they bring in a young third wideout (Earl Bennett) and an interior-type like C/Gs Ryan Wendell or Wade Smith.

  9. SAMCRO Says:

    I’m now convinced this whole offseason wasn’t just about a new regime making a name for themselves as much as it was a statement to eradicate anything and everything Schiano. Zuttah was the last remaining vestige.

  10. zam Says:

    maybe they’ll sign Travelle Wharton from the Panthers… as far as I know he’s available and profootballfocus grades him as a “value”

  11. Danati74 Says:

    I like the guy. A 5th is low, but be interesting to see if they use it to trade up in the draft this year or save it. Also want to see how he plays too. The Ravens feel like they got a deal.

  12. gotbbucs Says:

    Don’t understand the point of this move right now, unless they’re looking to get into the Alex Mack market. Typically teams don’t get rid of a solid starter like that unless they have something worked out behind closed doors.

    Zuttah was a solid starter, not sure I agree right now, but like I said, something has to be in the works.

  13. snook Says:

    Huh? How is this a win later move? Zuttah is garbage. Just because he’s “versatile” doesn’t mean he’s worth $4M.

  14. pablo Says:

    Remember when the Bucs tried moving Zuttah back to guard and Larsen sucked so bad the had to move Zuttah back?

    We just went from a center who only missed 2 games in 3 years to a center who cannot go a season without an injury…and we have no backup!

  15. Mort Says:

    Zuttah is far from garbage, Snook. He is a pretty solid center.

  16. biff barker Says:

    Plan B better be a good one.

  17. Martinii Says:

    Lovie made it perfectly clear “This was a 4-12 team.” From that perspective every one of these cuts make sense. You wouldn’t want your surgeon to leave some of the cancer in. Dotson and Nicks are all that is left of our 4-12 OL. Nicks didn’t play and Dotson is the only one that earned what we paid him. Bravo Lovie.

  18. snook Says:

    After all this time you people still can’t figure it out.

    We can find another OL that’s just as crappy as Zuttah for much cheaper.

    It’s about value people. Haven’t you learned that yet?

  19. snook Says:

    @Mort:

    He’s not $4M solid. Not even close. Another garbage Dom contract.

  20. sam Says:

    no way was zuttah worth 4mill, we can find a player just as versatile in the 4/5th round for waaaaay cheaper. watch and learn.

  21. Hunter Says:

    Or a move to clear salary space for signing a big name WR who is about to be cut by the Eagles…

  22. gotbbucs Says:

    @ snook

    The point is it doesn’t make sense right now, unless somehow you know the final O-line roster and you’re just not telling us?
    Was he worth $4 million a year? Probably not. Was he playable until he was replaced? Yes.

  23. snook Says:

    You’re waaaaaay over valuing him. He’s not even worth $2M.

    If they waited any longer, he’d end up getting cut.

    They’ll easily replace him. Not worried in the least.

    It’s MARCH.

  24. Macabee Says:

    Most of us……well let me speak for myself……. shouted with glee as Lovie and Licht have gone about remaking a 4-12 football team. Now some of us are panicked about the trade of a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none player that was in that center of that triage unit from last year.

    Lovie and Licht are metaphorically in the middle of a lake and I’m in the boat. I have enough sense to know that it’s the same distance back to shore as it is to get across the lake. I’m staying in the boat.

    I’m battered and bruised from the last couple of administrations and a little rough water is not about to make me lose faith now. Go Lovie! Go Licht! Do what you have to do to get this ship on course. This is the Bucs for crying out loud! There ain’t no life jackets up in here anyway. I repeat (bull horn), Stay in the Boat!

    Boy, we’re having some fun now!!! Lol.

  25. Patrick Says:

    “This is a 4-12 team.”

    Then we should trade Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, since they were part of that “4-12 team” too.

  26. gotbbucs Says:

    @ sam

    Well, if you say so, then I guess it’ll be fine.

    If it was for a draft pick this year then fine, but it’s not, so quit pretending like you have a clue. I’m sure shortly we’ll see that they signed a G/C, but until then it’s a confounding move.

  27. snook Says:

    People got so used to Raheem and Schiano.

    Calm down folks. We actually have professionals running this team.

    It’s Jeremy Zuttah. Basically the white version of Ted Larson. Except really overpaid.

    Not a loss. And easily replaceable.

  28. McSiD Says:

    To me it seems like this move signifies Lovie is working on being a perennial winner. Which sounds good to me.

  29. snook Says:

    Patrick:

    Was Zuttah an All-Pro last year?

    Because both those guys you just mentioned were.

    Nice try though.

  30. Buc the Haters Says:

    So far, I have been ok with the tough cuts being made bcuz they have been replacing those guys with players that are younger, (probably) better, & cheaper. And if they do the same thing in this situation, I will eventually be fine with it. But right now, I have a bad feeling in my gut. Zuttah was a really solid starter as a center and (right) guard. Better than half of the starters in the league at both of those positions…. I have faith in Lovie & Licht based on their recent history, but they better fn sign someone younger, solid, & cheaper to replace Zuttah or this was a stupid move.

  31. Kevin Says:

    I don’t like it either Joe. I liked the commitment to upgrading our obvious defecencies on the o-line, but this definitely seems like the organization throwing the baby out with the bath water. Zuttah was probably never going to be an all pro, but there’s gotta be a place on our line for a reliable, smart, versatile veteran like Zuttah. Even at that price, he was worth it based on the face that we now have ZERO starting caliber guards on our roster. Sure, the position is more fungible than most, but depth isn’t something I like my team to play around with. Disappointed to say the least, so hopefully they’ve already got a replacement already lined up.

  32. snook Says:

    Has everyone lost their brain here?

    We already have Zuttah replacement. It’s EDS.

    Oh. And again, it’s MARCH.

  33. Buc the Haters Says:

    Oh, and snook is obviously NOT a very knowledgeable fan.

  34. Buc the Haters Says:

    Snooky, most knowledgeable Buc fans assumed that Zuttah was going to switch to right guard to replace Joseph, since he did such a stellar job of that a couple years ago.

  35. Eric Says:

    It’s only March.

    Gotta plow the field before the seeds are planted.

    Let’s see what they do with the money this frees up before we draw conclusions.

    I’m beginning to think Lovie did not conclude we were loaded with talent.

  36. THETRUTH Says:

    I am good with trade 4.5 he is not worth, see how many holding falls he got last year. Plus accosting to many people logic to get rid of revis cause he was on 4-12 team so that means he can’t help. Than neither could zuttah . Please spend they money !!!!

  37. Maze Says:

    Not sure what all the fuss is about over a highly paid, average player. A 5th round pick is decent compensation. A few guys named Joseph, Penn and Revis were released and were traded for nothing. Bucs received zero returns for those guys who are all better players then Zuttah. Love the way management is cleaning house and finding better value throughout the entire roster. Wish Zuttah the best in Baltimore.

  38. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Wow…Billick out at Fox. Let’s hire him as an offensive assistant.

  39. snook Says:

    Buc the Hater:

    You’re f-in clueless if you think Zuttah is that hard to replace.

    Yes he was versatile. But he’s not any good.

    Stellar job at RG? Hilarious. Go back and look at 2008 when Joseph was hurt. It is you who are out of touch. –Joe

    You’re the one who’s not knowledgeable. You’re lost.

  40. snook Says:

    @Maze:

    EXACTLY

  41. sam Says:

    OH GEEZ, What is this? Now all the sudden Zuttah is some awesome lineman who cant be replaced? give me a break. solid and versatile yes ill give him that, 4million a season solid? NO WAY IN HELL! Another ROCKSTAR mistake, he overpaid him. Me and SNOOK are the only ones who see the bigger picture on the website

    OK, pal, so what is a solid, versatile, experienced, young O-linemen worth to you? And where are you going to get one like Zuttah that has no baggage or off-field questions? Joe’s not a cheerleader for every offseason move. –Joe

  42. sam Says:

    Stellar job at RG? Hilarious. Go back and look at 2008 when Joseph was hurt. It is you who are out of touch. –Joe. That was in 2008, this is 2014 were not paying players for what they did 6 years ago joe, cmon buddy

    No. But what we’ve been talking about here is versatility. It’s not Zuttah’s fault nobody asked him to play right guard since then. Zuttah played the right side through college. That’s his natural side. There aren’t many O-linemen who can play both sides — and center — effectively. That’s a very short list. –Joe

  43. snook Says:

    Hahahahahahahah!

    2008 was SIX years ago!!!!

  44. sam Says:

    well for one, the guy we just signed Evan Dietrich-Smith wasn’t even drafted, so yes there is value out there if you know where too look. I have faith in our front office. They’ve haven’t made a move this offseason without having a backup plan, why would they start now?

  45. delson Says:

    We’re drafting oline

  46. snook Says:

    This line was horrid last year.

    And Zuttah was one of the worst.

    And he gets $4M?

    What’s the debate here.?

    Get over yourself Joe.

    Dude, you’re going on ice for a while. Attacking Joe puts you in time out. There was reasoned debate here that you are needlessly escalating. Joe would rather enjoy his dinner than babysit you now. –Joe

  47. Keith Says:

    Not sure how we got better today. Zuttah is a legitimate pro and a great guy to have as your No. 6 lineman, at the very least.

    I assure the Ravens think they made out pretty good.

  48. bucrightoff Says:

    Sam and snook are absolutely hilarious. Thanks for the laughs guys,

  49. passthebuc Says:

    Tells me that they will draft offensive lineman. I see a trade down if possible to add draft picks if one of the 2 premier tackles are gone by #7

  50. sam Says:

    100 bucks says they asked Zuttah too take a pay cut and stay, and he said no. Hes not worth 4mill people

  51. BucFan20 Says:

    I would not be surprised if they use that pick in deals in the draft positions this year.

  52. Cmurda Says:

    A 5th round pick is better than nothing but if Baltimore was able to re-negotiate his contract, I would think the Bucs could have. Clearly, there is a plan unfolding here. I am going to withdraw full judgment until said plan is carried out.

  53. snook Says:

    Again missing the point…..

    ZUTTAH IS NOT VALUE.

    Clearly he was evaluated and found to be expendable. And he was so great that people were lining up to trade for such a good value.

    We always hear about how bad our line was last year yet we have people defending the Center of that unit? Thanks for the laugh.

  54. sam Says:

    Ice up Snook! haha jk, all in good fun joe, nothing sinister. I just think they have a plan 🙂

  55. Snook Says:

    @Sam:

    Oh I know. Through all of this, I’ve had nothing but a smile on my face.

    Part of this is what happens to a fan base when it watches garbage football for 5 years. It becomes complacent. It doesn’t want change even though that’s the thing it needs most. I love the gutting this roster has gotten. It was badly needed. Yes, we have solid talent like David and GMC, etc. But the rest of it was overpaid and under talented for the most part.

    I like Zuttah. Yes, he is versatile. But he’s not worth even $1M a year. We’ve heard over and over and over from L&L about “value”. Zuttah isn’t value. So he has to go. I have a lot of confidence in this coaching staff and GM group. The plan will fall in place.

  56. Jordan Says:

    Don’t be so glum Joe. A 5th round pick is worth about the same as trading up from our #38 pick to number #35. That might be the difference between us snagging Jimmy Garoppolo or the Raiders getting him. Think about it. Cleveland may be a willing trade partner if they have already selected a QB with either of their two 1st round picks.

  57. TJ Ware Says:

    Per NFL stats Zuttah was the most penalized o lineman on the team…with 7 penalties for 60 yards…and 5 HOLDS. That’s why he was traded, and that’s not counting the penalties that were declined because of a turnover, sack, or turnover on downs.

    End of discussion

  58. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Pablo, if you are going to use someones comments, at least list it as a quote.

    snook Says
    “Huh? How is this a win later move? Zuttah is garbage.”

    Bullspit. He was only the best center we’ve had in over ten years.

  59. sam Says:

    Agree 100 percent Snook, im also glad that lovie isn’t waiting until year 3 of his 5 year deal too make changes that should’ve been made 3 years prior

  60. Snook Says:

    Bonzai:

    “He was only the best center we’ve had in over ten years.”

    If that’s true… which can be debated (Faine)… that’s pretty SAD.

  61. sam Says:

    Bullspit. He was only the best center we’ve had in over ten years. That would all be fine and dandy, but in those so called 10 years our line has not gotten it done.

  62. brandonbucfan Says:

    An O-Line is as much about working as a team than maybe any other group on a team. If we were to line up today the only holdover is Dotson. (I’ll believe Nicks when I see him). There is no one left in FA that is a potential. We only have 5 picks in the draft. Poor Doug Martin..and I wonder if Josh MC is regretting his decision yet

  63. Snook Says:

    Just looked it up….

    He’ll be the FIFTH highest paid Center in 2014. The next 10 guys behind him are better than Zuttah.

    Hilarious. Good job, Dom!

    http://www.spotrac.com/rankings/nfl/center/

    So glad Licht and Lovie are finally cleaning this place up.

  64. sam Says:

    Thanks for the stats TJ, another example of why he was overpaid. I hope Michael Koenen is next. Too much for a punter

  65. Snook Says:

    Wow. “Poor Doug Martin”?

    Are you people serious?

    Personally, I think this is actually a good sign about Nicks.

    I think we can all agree that if we get him back, we’ll be fine. Even at 80%, Nicks is a beast.

  66. Snook Says:

    “Michael Koenen is next.”

    I sure hope so.

    But if we cut him, expect the same whining like with Zuttah.

    WHERE WILL WE EVER FIND ANOTHER OVERPAID PUNTER? THE SEASON STARTS IN FIVE MONTHS!!!

  67. Kevin Says:

    In my opinion this was a bad move. I was upset when they released Revis, and admit they knew what they had planed when they signed burner verner and more guys with Revis’s contract and proved me wrong. So I’m going to assume that they see some talent in the draft that will give us what we need. Never know Desean may be on his way to Tampa next

  68. sam Says:

    He’s making exactly 2 mill more than our new center EDS!! wow. that’s an awesome job by our front office. That’s what u call value and more bang for your buck, so too speak lol

  69. sam Says:

    Its really no wonder why this team has been so bad Snook, when you look at what we paid for and what we got out of these players, it really makes the picture a lot clearer. Highest paid punter and bottom of the nfl stat wise. wow

  70. tmaxcon Says:

    man i got accused of being cranky and aggressive friday night albeit somewhat deserved to many Jameson’s that being said It’s not like Zuttah was Paul Gruber or another buc mainstay that actually WON something.

    I am not bashing people but I don’t get the loyalty to average players. I want my team to win and if it means cleaning house so be it. I want to win and I have to trust someone who has more on the line than myself (their Job) and every other JBF follower that Lovie and Licht have a plan. Let’s see what shakes out and all relax a bit. It’s Zuttah people… NAMASTE! deep breaths folks it’s a happy Sunday!

  71. Snook Says:

    No one who is against this move is claiming Zuttah was a good player. Just that he’s “versatile” or that they don’t know how he’ll be replaced.

    That about says it all.

    Throw in the fact he’s the FIFTH highest paid Center along with the fact he was the most penalized Center… this decision seemed pretty obvious.

  72. Snook Says:

    @tmaxcon:

    Wow. Right on. You nailed it. Let’s close the discussion now. I’m done. You just said it all. Thank you for some common sense.

    Good night, folks.

  73. sam Says:

    We as bucs fans deserve better. The sooner you guys realize below average “versatile” players are NOT worth top dollar, the better off well be as a team

  74. TJ Ware Says:

    Josh freeman was the best qb we had in the last 10 years…….don’t give me that best center we had crap…so what…the guy leads our lineman in penalties …versatile just means he will hold at left tackle, he will hold at right tackle, he will hold at both guard positions, and he will hold at center…now he can hold for harbaugh and flacco

  75. gotbbucs Says:

    snook and sam were obviously at the very least college offensive linemen to have so much knowledge on this subject. I will agree 100% that $4 million was too much, but I would at least like to know what your solutions are for center and guard besides the draft. EDS is a C/G so he can do either, give me the answer for the other.

  76. GlenninGrad Says:

    The only problem is that we traded him for a garbage pick when we could at least keep him so we dont have to use more picks this year to fix the line. We have like 10$ mil left at least and not many more superstar players left to grab, we could afford to keep him at least one more year, instead of handing him over to team we are going to play at home next season.

  77. TJ Ware Says:

    I’m happy we play him at home….so we can watch what GMC does to him in person

  78. GlenninGrad Says:

    @ TJ Ware lol true. Gotta make sure the McPass Rush doesnt go easy on him!

  79. GlenninGrad Says:

    But Zuttah is still an improvement over the OLine men on the Crows this season.

  80. GlenninGrad Says:

    by this season i mean last season

  81. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I know this is off topic…but saw this nugget of info and thought It was interesting…

    “According to STATS Ice, Teddy Bridgewater’s 11.9 percent “off-target” throw rate in 2013 was the best among this year’s top-rated signal callers.
    Among Bridgewater’s 427 attempts, he was charged with just seven underthrows, 12 “wide” throws, and 32 overthrows. Johnny Manziel had the worst “off target” rate at 14.9 percent. Zach Mettenbrger’s 12.2 percent came in second behind Bridgewater. Blake Bortles and Tajh Boyd tied for third at 12.6 percent.”
    Source: John Pollard Stats Mar 23 – 7:13 PM

  82. Chris Says:

    Guess Carl’s toe feels better.I hope…

  83. bucsalltheway Says:

    i say at some point in the draft we can find a way to snag ronald powell from the gators he we be a nice pick up….

  84. Eric Says:

    Win later still beats win never.

  85. GO BUCS Says:

    If this doesn’t tell you what our 1st pick will be nothing will!

  86. HolyBuc Says:

    Zuttah’s salary was $4.5M not $4m and not worth the money period. In 2012 when Joseph missed the entire season and our offense was quite good. Ask yourselves who played RG for most of the season? Then look at when the run game blew up that year.

  87. Barry Says:

    Man do I miss Chucky, greatest era of Buccaneers football EVER. Hey let Licht and Smith put their stamp on this team. They got rid of Zuttah for a reason. My hope is now they trade for Richie Incognito. Now that would be a bad ass OLine.

  88. Buc1987 Says:

    Zuttah for a 5th rounder? Wow they really are thin on the O-line now. 47 more days until the draft, I don’t see them taking a guard with that pick.

    What I’m trying to say is this is the first player that Lovie got rid of that I am not happy about. They better know what they are doing. I think they might be going a little overboard and not realizing it.

  89. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Nobody…..and I mean, NOBODY….knows what the plan is regarding Zuttah but Lovie & Light & perhaps George Warhop.

    We have 4 million and a 2015 5th round pick…..that will buy a pretty good Olineman….My thought is that they wanted the money for another acquisitiion……

    PATIENCE!!! And, that includes you….Joe!

  90. Buc1987 Says:

    Many fans have all this trust and faith in Lovie. I sure hope he works out for us fans as he dismantles the entire team. Yet Koenan is still on the team. We’ll see, because that’s all we can do.

  91. BucsQcCity Says:

    Mw19 stabbed in thigh and at the hospital. Smh

  92. Scott Sciullo Says:

    Joe,
    You must have a 5th string wife or life partner fixing your dinner
    SNook is dead on and you’re being a baby,
    The moves that are being made are genius and you fail to see the long term logic.

    If you want me to give Ira or Big dog some cooking tips to improve your demeanor I will.

    Maybe some extra fiber?

    Go Bucs!

  93. mark2001 Says:

    Makes you wonder if this increases the chance of trading down?

    Where are the guys that were touting so much about the talent on this team? How many starters will remain when this is all over…maybe half? So the guys that other teams let walk are better than half our starters were.

  94. Matt Says:

    Time to cut mike williams and get jackson…williams is royaly f’ing up right now

  95. Oil Derrick Brooks Says:

    CAVE MAN GANG!

  96. Buc1987 Says:

    How the hell did Schiano actually win 4 games with all that lack of talent?

  97. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Did Zuttah stap MW19……Mystery solved!!!

  98. Alex2013 Says:

    We choose not to retain Penn, Zuttah, Larsen and Joseph…We have no interior depth at all… This will be an interesting year, a team could create an entire new o-line with all these players basically…

  99. Buc Fan #237 Says:

    Stabbed? Geez.

  100. Eric Says:

    He’ll yes I miss Chucky.

  101. Buc A Deer Says:

    49ers draft well with linemen. Omameh is on the roster. I think Licht knew of him already. That’s why Bucs signed him. Plenty of time before camp to add young talent.

  102. Vico Says:

    Has Pro Bowl salary and not a Probowler, then, I’mfine with it. Thank you Mr. Zuttah, now we can add depth and start with a complete line overhaul and you get your money somewhere else. Both parts should be happy. Good luck.

  103. Buc1987 Says:

    Vico…add depth? The entire team nees depth. The o-line even more now. I don’t think they are going add too much depth with that 4-5 million they just saved.

  104. Bucs Fan Since '76 Says:

    I wonder if BSPN hired Rock Star to give opinions on talent? Buuuuwhaaaaahahahehe!

  105. Bob Digital Says:

    Dumb move. Got rid of a versatile starter who could play at least three positions, and made average money. This is just another move that does not make this team any better this season. Seems like change just for the sake of change. Smh

  106. BoJim Says:

    TJ Ware Said:

    “End of discussion”

    It will be end of discussion when I say.