Will The Bucs Court Matt Hasselbeck?

March 18th, 2013

It’s widely known that the Bucs courted turnover machine Matt Cassel to push/compete/mentor/cater to Josh Freeman. So Joe can’t see any reason why the New Schiano Order wouldn’t want to purse Matt Hasselbeck, who is a better quarterback and has proven to be a willing and capable backup.

Hasselbeck was released by the Titans today because they didn’t want to pay him $5 million and change for 2013. He turns 38 in September and was 2-3 as a starter last season, completing 62.4 percent of his passes, including seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

The guy’s won playoff games and made a few Pro Bowls. The Bucs could do a lot worse, and Joe suspects Hasselbeck knows a hell of a lot more about playing QB than the Bucs’ new quarterbacks coach.

50 Responses to “Will The Bucs Court Matt Hasselbeck?”

  1. Buccfaninhawkeyecountry Says:

    I approve this message.

  2. Terraj Says:

    Hes soooo washed up. I could deff see the bucs getting him, though. Bring him in and pretend like its real competition for Freeman. How do you make an average quarterback look good? Bring in a bad quarterback SMH

  3. Daniel Shreve Says:

    Sounds good…so it probably will not happen 🙂

  4. Froggy-G Says:

    Hasselslack is washed up the buccs need to court some cornerbacks

  5. tampabaybucfan Says:

    Back-up QB is one position that we can’t afford to gamble on. It is worth paying some $$ as insurance. A two-year deal would shore up the position during Freeman negotiations, putting the Bucs in charge.
    At any moment, Josh could be injured and we would need top notch help.

  6. Capt. Tim Says:

    Can he also play CB? If so, sign him. We don’t have anyone on our team that can.

  7. Sneedy16 Says:

    @Terraj

    Washed up? He does more with less talent around him. Can you name me a star on The Titans offense not name Chris Johnson? His Oline sucked ( one of the reason why both Titan’s QBs were banged up). He would bring real competition. He is accurate and more consistent, but do not have the arm strength that he used to.

    He can move the ball on short passes, I just don’t think he can get it down the field. I would like to see them sign him.

  8. Buc Fan #238 Says:

    Joe… can you get Steve White to write an article for you about the Bucs odd free agency moves (non-moves) and then have him try to explain the what-if scenarios of rookie CBs, Revis and rookie CBs et al.

    Also, between the DE, DT and CB needs, which are most important in Schiano’s defensives scheme?

  9. Tampa2 Says:

    I like Hasselbeck a lot. Consummate pro. Would like the potential move a ton better if he was 28, and not 38 though..But still, would be the perfect backup

  10. Ruggyup Says:

    Uh Joe, “The Bucs could do a lot worse” does not sound to me like a good reason to buy an NFL QB. If we can do better, we should. Ryan Fitzpatrick comes to mind.

  11. RastaMon Says:

    38

  12. BUC4LIFE24 Says:

    I wouldn’t mind seeing him as a mentor or capable emergency QB. I also wouldn’t mind seeing any REAL competition behind Freeman. Kolb or Fitzpatrick would be a HUGE upgrade over Dan O. Not sure what our FO’s mindset is at this point at several positions w/ glaring holes!!!

  13. jLM Says:

    No to Grandpa

  14. 4everBucsFan Says:

    ….tick ….tick ….tick … last season after week 2 against the GMen everyone collectively said we need better CBs. It’s going on the second week of free agency and everyone still collectively agrees we need CBs. After the 2nd game of preseason we will all collectively agree that someone screwed up, especially if we don’t land Revis now at all cost. I wouldn’t be surprised if those NYs take the Bucs 2013 & 2014 1st rounders. Why? cause they can now.

  15. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Why don’t we bring back Joe Ferguson (Bucs 1988-1989) while we are at it. I am just not sure Hasselbeck would be a good stop gap next year while we look for our next franchise QB. I would like Fitzpatrick alot more in that capacity.

  16. DaMayan Says:

    Hasselbeck is also a good and funny interview and personality. Somethings the Bucs could really use.

  17. Terraj Says:

    @ sneedy

    Your description of Hasselbeck is the opposite of what freeman is. Hes accurate, consistant and throws the short ball well but cant throw it deep. Meanwhile, freeman lacks accuracy and is not consistent at all. Pretty much just throws the deep ball. If only we could put them together the Bucs would have a real quarterback!

    He’s 37, I just doubt the Bucs bring in a guy that age. Hasselbeck plays if Freeman stinks it up this season and everyone decides hes not our guy going forward. Then what? plan your future around a 37 year old? There’s no future there. Schiano and Dom want this team young.

  18. k1ngAdroc Says:

    Sign him…For Freeman’s development he needs someone he respects to work through preparations and the gametime situations. The Bucs need someone who can step in and win games if Freeman can’t. this is a nobrainer

  19. 4everBucsFan Says:

    Just keep Orlovsky… We need CORNERBACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  20. MTM Says:

    Hasselbeck would be a decent back up if he has anything left in the tank. Hasselbeck has a much better short passing game than Freeman but so does most of QB’s in the league. I would like to see the Bucs draft a QB in the later rounds.

  21. Mr Lucky Says:

    Just repeat after me, “RYAN FITZPATRICK”

  22. Mr Lucky Says:

    Joe,

    The Bucs courting Matt Hasselback? I really expect more from Joe1 and Joe2. I mean while you’re at it why not speculate on the Bucs bringing in Jeff Garcia while you’re at it?

  23. Saskbuco Says:

    Another CB gone???

    @walterfootball: “@PFCentral Hearing Browns & Grimes all but done.” No. 4 free agent CB available – http://t.co/yjSLfIdvmP

  24. killian Says:

    It’s getting disheartening only hearing speculation from the ‘Bucs Media’ about what the Bucs are doing in FA. Does the front office not give reporters any clue as to the players they may be targeting? I think everyone would agree that the Bucs may (and should) look at Hasselbeck. Why haven’t we heard reporting on players we are actually looking at? Have we contacted Dumervil or will we? Have we contacted others that might be of interest? I keep coming to this site and profootballtalk and the only thing I read about the Bucs is the Revis Stalemate. Please…some insider info…on anything…any player! I want it…I need it…I’m gonna go drink 5-36 beers…

  25. PRBucFan Says:

    I legitimately would be comfortable with our QB situation if we were to pick him up.
    I would not be afraid or think the season was lost if something happen to #5 with a more than capable QB in MH on our team.

  26. CC Says:

    This team could use Hasselbeck. But there are far greater needs.

  27. Joe Says:

    @Killian – Have a Killian’s Red for Joe.

  28. Joe Says:

    @Mr. Lucky – Please, the Bucs went after Matt Cassel, who appears washed up. It’s reasonable to wonder whether the Bucs will purse Hasselbeck, given that they already went after a veteran backup with a lot of starts under his belt.

  29. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    Hasslebeck is too old, and lacks arm strength to use Jackson and Williams effectively. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the one we want, and perhaps if we offer him enough Killians and Corned Beef, he will come to Tampa.

  30. karl Says:

    He’ll want to much mony for a backup QB in Tampa Bay.That’s why he was let go by thye Titans.But I would take Matt over any other available QB that’s still on the market.

  31. tmaxcon Says:

    One of the best aspects of Hasselbeck (Not including his hot sister in-law) is he has a good head on his shoulder. In addition, he is that he is a GREAT Guy… I know somewhat redundant. Normally I would not think that matters but he might be able to reach Josh on a peer level better than the coaches. Josh’s head needs more work than his physical skill set. IMHO

  32. Dan Says:

    Favre was washed up too at 41 when he took the Vikings to the NFL Championship game, give me a break, sign him or Fitzpatrick or someone

  33. Mr Lucky Says:

    Repeat after me:

    Ryan, not Matt

    We want Fitz!!!!!!

  34. lurker Says:

    and there goes hasselbeck

    via rotoworld

    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Colts are close to a two-year deal with free agent Matt Hasselbeck.
    Related: Colts
    Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

  35. lurker Says:

    and here is the rest via rotoworld:

    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Colts are close to a two-year deal with free agent Matt Hasselbeck.

    The Titans released Hasselbeck just five hours ago, but the Colts moved fast on the soon-to-be 38-year-old. Hasselbeck will replace Drew Stanton as the backup to Andrew Luck, and the grizzled veteran will be a nice sounding board for the second-year quarterback. With OC Pep Hamilton installing a more dink-and-dunk offense, Hasselbeck will be capable of stepping in should Luck miss time with an injury. Related: Colts

    Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

  36. Vic66 Says:

    Bring him in!

  37. Dan Says:

    no free agent wants to come to Tampa, and play in a half empty stadium in 100 degree heat

  38. lurker Says:

    @dan
    goldson did….pow!

    there goes that crappy theory!

  39. lurker Says:

    and in pertinent news…
    both Fitzpatrick and hasselbeck are off the market

    via rotoworld:

    Titans agreed to terms with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Bills, on a two-year contract.
    The Titans trade out 37-year-old Matt Hasselbeck for the 30-year-old Fitzpatrick. The talent gap between the two is minimal, and Fitzpatrick isn’t a threat to Jake Locker’s job as the starter. FitzMagic will take most of the first-team reps at quarterback this spring with Locker missing time as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Fitzpatrick started all 16 games for the Bills in 2012, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 3,400 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also lost six fumbles. Related: Bills
    Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter Mar 18 – 9:42

    (also)

    Matt Hasselbeck – QB – Colts Colts agreed to terms with QB Matt Hasselbeck, formerly of the Titans, on a two-year contract.
    The Titans released Hasselbeck just five hours ago, but the Colts moved fast on the soon-to-be 38-year-old. Hasselbeck will replace Drew Stanton as the backup to Andrew Luck, and the grizzled veteran will be a nice sounding board for the second-year quarterback. With OC Pep Hamilton installing a more dink-and-dunk West Coast offense, Hasselbeck will be capable of stepping in should Luck miss time with an injury. Related: Titans
    Source: National Football Post

  40. Dan Says:

    Lurker, suck a dick pow

  41. Dan Says:

    Lurker, suck a dick pow

  42. tmaxcon Says:

    Fitz is Harvard guy; he might not be able to talk down to freeman’s level of understanding therefore, I don’t he can help freeman progress. we must face the facts unfortunately for the next 5 to 7 years we have freeman for better or worse.

  43. lurker Says:

    awwwwwwww danny boy…you got your wittle feelings hurt?

    you feel better now using big-boy words? i will leave it at that so I don’t make you cry or get kicked.

  44. Capt. Tim Says:

    And the parade of useful free agents continues to march past the Bucs, who don’t seem to see them- probably due to where they have stuck their heads!!!

    Their new Bs is , they only want to sign “Elite” players.

    Then I Guess Sabastian Vollmer will signing here tomorrow!! He is rated the best right tackle in football!! That’s elite! And Rt is an area they want to upgrade!

    Voila! Guess they must be hounding his doorstep!!

    Riiiight.

  45. Capt. Tim Says:

    Lurker- dang! He double “dicked” you! You musta hurt his feelings!!!lol

  46. lurker Says:

    capt. tim,

    getting a good rt would be great indeed. it would be on the cheap too from what I’ve read.

    and…ouch

  47. lurker Says:

    ps now I know how his mom feels

  48. lurker Says:

    (i tried to leave it alone, but capt. tim made me do it 😉 )

  49. Walter Says:

    Fitz wouldn’t come here, much like Cassel, he knows he wouldn’t beat Freeman. Neither would Hasselbeck.

  50. THUGLIFE G BABY Says:

    Signed with indy