Lovie’s Ready To Spend Again
February 20th, 2015
In the popular Road Runner cartoons, Wile E. Coyote often takes a freefalling anvil to the head or dynamite explodes in his lap.
After getting flattened beyond recognition, he manages to return in seconds, healthy and ready to hunt.
Those scenes remind Joe of Lovie Smith. The Bucs head coach was clobbered last year repeatedly, but there he was, telling fans in mid-December that the Bucs are “on the verge.” Lovie’s optimism could not be punctured.
Lovie and general manager Jason Licht were the big spenders of free agency in 2014. It punched them in the gut and kicked them in the groin. But they’re ready to come out swinging again.
Per ESPN, the Bucs will have about $30 million in salary cap room to play with. And that could balloon quickly if/when Dashon Goldson is cut.
Pat Yasinskas of ESPN chatted with Lovie, who said he’s ready to spend again: “It’s not like we’re out of the free agency business Hopefully, we can make some better decisions. Just because something didn’t turn out, we’re not going to stop playing football. We’re going to get back up on it and start doing things better. We’re going to do a better job in free agency and everything else this year.”
Go get’em, Lovie! Please find an offensive lineman that can block the guy in front of him regularly.
The free agency dinner bell rings in 18 short days.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
I am not sure what scares me more the thought of lovie making draft picks or signing free agents. damn scary on both counts. hopefully his wings have been clipped.
bucs have to come away with 5 starters between draft and Free agency. Winston being one that means they need to make 4 other solid choices.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:01 pm
No more Bengals free agents…we should be good.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:01 pm
The Bucs will not draft Jameis…..
February 20th, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Lovie has never once had anything but bad offensive lines. It’s pretty much his MO. It’d be nice if they stayed away from FA but sadly I expect another offseason championship (at least we can win those?) that doesn’t translate come September. A new approach would be nice, but Lovie has to win so he’ll throw more money at situations and hope it works out.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:04 pm
The Bucs will draft Jameis….
February 20th, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Please – No more free agents!
February 20th, 2015 at 6:05 pm
lupati,bulaga and greg hardy please
February 20th, 2015 at 6:06 pm
Got rope?
February 20th, 2015 at 6:08 pm
I’d rather us get some mid-level FAs instead of the high-priced big names. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to overpay regardless of who we get bc of how inept we looked at times last year. If Lovie is smart he will have Koetter right next to he and Licht as they are trying to Woo FAs. Koetter has more credibility than any of our coaches currently and should be able to give any prospective FAs some hope of success in Tampa.
I did like how Winston sounded a bit less ignorant today. His public speaking skills need to get drastically better so he’s not a PR liability.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:11 pm
I’m convinced that 99.5% of you Jameis haters are really just racist aholes.
You can’t seriously argue his skills, as he’s the consensus #1 pick and obvious best player in this draft.
Soon real, non-racist Buc fans wil have a middle finger for your face.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:12 pm
Love missed on two FA’s last year which was a better record than the bufoon before him. Sadly, they were big monied ones and the money probably made them fat and underachievers.
You can new tell how money will change players. See Albert Haynesworth.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Pretty sad when the Jameis fans have to stoop to calling those not in favor of drafting him over Mariota racists and haters…
Bucs will not draft Jameis because of his chartacter issues….poor throwing motion…vison and nerve issues in throwing arm….eating disorder…
February 20th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Onebillionserved there probably is a lot of racism tied into,the hate of Winston but Mariota is hardly Dave Casper.
There is a lot of closet racism going on in this post which is the main reason people hate Lovie.
I’m not a particular lover of either QB and think both will struggle in the pros.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:22 pm
PR liability? Who the hell cares? Just win damn football games. None of you are owners of this team and these are professional athletes. If he’s bad in front of the cameras I guess that means fewer endorsements. Again, who cares?
February 20th, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Leonard Williams is #1 on pretty much every draft board at this point, and his stock is only going up between now and April. So saying Jameis is by far the best prospect is laughably incorrect. By draft night Williams will be so far ahead of everyone else people will wonder why we;re passing on him to take a QB who, if not for the desperation teams have for QBs, wouldn’t even go in the top 10.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
if you are calling him Jamarcus Winston then you are probably a racist. If I have to explain then you are a stupid racist (I know that’s redundant).
February 20th, 2015 at 6:26 pm
I think our FAs last year just underachieved like the rest of our team. We expected them to stick out bc we just handed them a wad of cash. Well, except McDonald, none of them.were high-motor passionate players so they just jumped into line with all the other players. McDonald will take a more vocal leadership role along with whoever we bring in to play Mike. MJ will play much much better with a fire up under his you know what.
We have our dog on offense in ME13. He will not allow us to keep losing; team him with Winston and a settled in Mankins and our offense will improve drastically as the other players raise their level of play in fear of getting yelled at by the dogs.
The biggest dog in this draft is Leonard Williams. Whatever team he goes to he adds 3 wins next season.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:28 pm
I’d have no problem with Leonard…Mariota or Jameis
however I believe the wisest long term strategy would be to trade down in the first round ,twice if possible before selecting players
February 20th, 2015 at 6:28 pm
Good Options
(Quarterback)
• T.J. Yates, Atlanta Falcons (←Played in Koetter’s System)
(Running Back)
• Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta Falcons (←Played in Koetter’s System)
(Receiver)
• Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders (Speedy Slot Receiver)
(Offensive Line)
• Jah Reid, Baltimore Ravens (Camp Body)
(Defensive Tackle)
• Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
• Henry Melton, Dallas Cowboys
• Stephen Paea, Chicago Bears
• Karl Klug, Tennessee Titans (High Motor backup Tackle)
(Defensive End)
• Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers (on Commissioner’s Exempt List)
• George Johnson, Detroit Lions
• Derrick Morgan, Tennessee Titans
(Linebacker)
• Bruce Carter, Dallas Cowboys
• Akeem Ayers, New England Patriots
• Colin McCarthy, Tennessee Titans
• Ramon Humber, New Orleans
(Slot Corner)
• Shareece Wright, San Diego Chargers
(Boundary Corner)
• Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers
Safety
• Da’Norris Searcy, Buffalo Bills
February 20th, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Who cares about PR?! Lol Are you serious? ! The owners do. And hell I do bc I dont want my fav team to be an embarrassment. Winning cures a lot though, no doubt.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:39 pm
Can’t wait for free agency and draft. Free agency -they are saying it may be at it’s best ever. Buyers market. free agency- get right guard &right tackle (boling,carpenter, Franklin, barksdale ,free, Parnell jahri Evans etc (lupati to much)and Eddie royal as slot receiver.
Draft qb with 1, middle linebacker 2 round, another Olineman round 3, Nickel corner and return guy and
Being in another DE to take snaps from Michael Johnson, the apparition
February 20th, 2015 at 6:56 pm
tmaxcon Says
“I am not sure what scares me more the thought of lovie making draft picks or signing free agents. damn scary on both counts. hopefully his wings have been clipped.
bucs have to come away with 5 starters between draft and Free agency. Winston being one that means they need to make 4 other solid choices.”
I was given a “B” for the last draft recently. So far as free agency, I think they did so-so. Verner is a good signing. Mankin did not produce, but I have a feeling he will this year. Michael Johnson was the worse move, but he also played injured and it sometimes take a year for a player to find his way with a new team…so I’m “hoping” he’ll produce this year.
Still, I could see Mankin getting cut if they need the cap room. And I’m curious why our punter is still on the team, and Goldson. Those two would put us over $40m in cap room.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:57 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
Most of those will either reach new deals or be franchised before free agency hits. Most of the really good ones I mean.
February 20th, 2015 at 6:59 pm
@tmaxcon
btw…expect no more than 2-4 quality starters. That’s usually how it works out.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:00 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
You never know this time of year.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Get our quarterback, at least 2 offensive linemen (3 if we can get a better center), a defensive end and two safeties.
So really, we have those 7 holes to plug.
No way it will be done successfully. The odds are too stacked against it.
So our best bet is get QB, 2 OL, DE and 1 safety and hope most of them do well. Get the rest next year.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:02 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
That’s true. But guys like Suh? Not that we could afford him, but I really doubt he will hit the market.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:10 pm
Sign JPP or greg hardy. Mike iupati & bulaga, ralondo mcclain. Draft jamies, cameron irving
February 20th, 2015 at 7:11 pm
From My last year Free Agent pics
(Defensive line Rotation)
• (LDE)-Justin Tuck Adrian Clayborne, William Gholston
• (DT)- Gerald McCoy, William Gholston (DRAFT PICK)
• (NT)-Tony McDaniels, Akeem Spence
• (RDE)- Julius Peppers, Robert Ayers
Grade: D
February 20th, 2015 at 7:16 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Yeah, the reason I didn’t list any Offensive lineman really. Is because IMO its time to rebuild the line through the draft. And there’s a bunch of very good interior lineman available. Next year LT
February 20th, 2015 at 7:17 pm
Um, Mayock just said both of Tampa’s DEs are free agents this year.
Not@!
February 20th, 2015 at 7:17 pm
On the verge of what. I love his comments. I wonder if he grew up with the LA “valley girls” of the 80s. How can anyone comment on Lovie. Or at least keep a straight face. I realize going into the draft he is going to lie about his plans but its the areas where the truth would swerve him better that he lies. Why would you want a man like this as the face of your franchise.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:21 pm
LUVMY-
How dare you leave Rolando McClain off your list of LBs… he’s one of the few true MLBs out there plus he is learned in the T-2 system? Given his past he should come fairly cheap and he shold be willing to come here for the weather and chance to play the only system he has excelled in.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Smh,
At the time, I went on month long rant about signing Brandon Flowers. Would’ve made a nice addition.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:27 pm
On a side note, look at George Johnson for the Lions. Kid had it in him all along, just as I suspected. Still not blockbusters, but excellent for depth at 6 sacks.
We should have kept him. Lions are slapping him with a 2nd round tender now.
February 20th, 2015 at 7:29 pm
@Brandon
(B)-I would but I don’t like, this whole arsonist sh*t
-Investigators deem fire that destroyed Rolando McClain’s
-Rolando McClain loses $1.5 million home to fire
-Fire that gutted Rolando McClain’s house suspicious
Yeah, gonna leave that one alone brotha
February 20th, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Lovie the gm is going to get lovie the coach sacked
February 20th, 2015 at 7:34 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Yeah, I proud of George. Damn Schiano for running the kid away…lol
February 20th, 2015 at 7:34 pm
*I’m proud of George
February 20th, 2015 at 8:16 pm
SIX of the last EIGHT articles here are ALL about Jameis Winston.
JEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH JOE . Are you bi sexual or what. This is becoming PATHETIC.
I was never even close to a ‘Winston Hater” before this last month or so but your INCESSANT coverage of him along with his ‘supporters’ acting worse than Tebowites has pushed me to not want to hear his name Ever again.
February 20th, 2015 at 8:57 pm
Bucs please draft Jamesis Winston. We need his command at center.
February 20th, 2015 at 9:04 pm
Winston is not a devil worshiper come on dude you are going too far now
February 20th, 2015 at 9:09 pm
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE tell me what type of mindset you have to have to Instagram a pic of yourself while you are taking a dump????????
Really?….Look Im too old to be into the Twitter and Instagram stuff but Someone please help me out here and tell me that this is something that you guys do on a regular basis so that I can continue to somewhat stand behind him if we draft him
“The Heisman Trophy winner Instagram’d a selfie from his toilet Thursday night — in which he writes, “So constipated lol dang but I got greatness behind me even when I take one # realninjaish.”
The “greatness” that Jameis is referring to is the picture of Michael Jordan hanging behind his crapper.
Here’s hoping Jameis can put together another late rally.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/01/10/jameis-winston-constipated-toilet-selfie-michael-jordan/#ixzz3SKxnKUBV
February 20th, 2015 at 9:13 pm
All these artificial GMs on this site is hilarious – never had any affiliations with the NFL but has all of the answers in every thread.
Quite funny you’re the SME on managing rosters and teams.
If the shoe fit wear it, you know who you are…
February 20th, 2015 at 9:54 pm
“has pushed me to not want to hear his name Ever again.”
*waving bye
don’t let the door hitya where the made-up lord splitya.
February 20th, 2015 at 9:56 pm
Get McClain! Maybe he can build a fire under DE Michael Johnson!
February 20th, 2015 at 10:21 pm
@Architek
No reason to speak with a forked tongue brotha.
There’s not really much to talk about; except free agency & the draft. We know it’s all in good fun.
February 20th, 2015 at 11:06 pm
I’m back from dinner….sure am glad all the talk about Winston & Mariota is over….as far as FA…..don’t need superstars…..just good players….plain & simple good…..players that earn their paychecks…..
Good Night……
February 20th, 2015 at 11:11 pm
JPP please! He lived here and played at Raymond James in college…We need a pass rusher bad!
February 20th, 2015 at 11:44 pm
Lovie Please don’t give away more players that the Bucs fans later have to watch at Superbowl press conferences, they always have such big smiles on their faces.
February 20th, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Greg Hardy. Get him fast.
February 21st, 2015 at 1:45 am
lurker Says:
February 20th, 2015 at 9:54 pm
“has pushed me to not want to hear his name Ever again.”
*waving bye
don’t let the door hitya where the made-up lord splitya.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sir it is guys like you with a seriously misguided sense of Hero Worship that turn perfectly non biased LONG time fans against Possibly innocent Kids trying to get into the league. I am merely posting Complete Truth about JOE and his constant Winston Coverage while largely forgeting about the rest of the team.
THIS hurts you so bad because I said I am getting sick of the Winston rabble so you lash out on me. WOW………….I bet you hated the Teboites that you resemble too.
February 21st, 2015 at 2:01 am
ramblin’ on, aren’t you. there are other sites. if you do not like the way this one is run, find another.
here’s a tip though…pay attention to the draft. if winston does not become a buccaneer, you will see nary an article about him. if he does though, there might be a few posted.
bye, again.
February 21st, 2015 at 2:24 am
We shall see what happens but i do have much more confidence this year. Our OC is much better and not gonna drop ill (hopefully). And L&L have had much more time and the 1st pick to try to put things together
February 21st, 2015 at 8:26 am
How about instead of signing the ‘bigger names,’ the Bucs land some solid, middle of the road guys to help with depth. Heck, even get three or four starters out of the whole deal.
30+ million should buy a lot, as long as it’s not tied up in just two or three players.
February 21st, 2015 at 8:32 am
You sleeping in this morning Joe? Need my perverted shot of coffee
February 21st, 2015 at 9:52 am
Amen. Maybe now that there is some healthy skepticism flowing after the colossal failures of the inaugural foray into FA there will be some wiser talent eval and decision-making. I’m sorry but the bust factor of McSht, Johnson and Collins was seen from the jump by those few of us not hypnotized by the idea of do-no-wrong Lovie Smith.
Here’s to redemption in 2015. Can’t wait to see if lessons were truly learned.
February 21st, 2015 at 10:40 am
Dog Winston but beg for Greg hardy the one actually convicted lol you guys are really pathetic lol when has any coach here in Tampa. Yea Eric wright, dashon goldson were such a big hit right? Revis is a superstar and still didn’t make an impact on the field. How about Trent Richardson and giving up a first round pick for a guy that didn’t even make it to the field? Free agents on injured reserve, Carl nicks worked out we wouldn’t have this issue. You people are so pathetic and you live in a bubble, get a clue and learn what’s going on in the nfl not just in Tampa
February 21st, 2015 at 11:17 am
pancake block Says:
February 20th, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Don’t get your hopes up. Seriously.
And Hardy is a violent criminal. Guilty of beating the crap out of a woman and threatening to kill her. That’s no college mischief. He’s a turd.
February 21st, 2015 at 2:05 pm
Bulaga, Iupati, Houston or Hughes or both. I would be happy with that.
February 21st, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Franklin or Iupati. Either one would be nice. Greg Hardy. Torey Smith.