Devoted Clayton Fighting To The Finish
September 2nd, 2010
In a story that is clearly not agent-driven speculation, Rick Stroud, of the St. Pete Times, writes today about how Michael Clayton has worked extraordinarily hard since last season and can’t bear to think about getting ousted from the Buccaneers.
Joe recommends you read the whole piece.
Stroud says Clayton’s $3.5 million salary for 2010 is guaranteed. And he offered an interesting quote from the Bucs’ head coach that might give Clayton real hope of making the roster.
“The (defensive backs) used to own the extra slots. But I’ve got some receivers on this team that are tough, that can tackle. I’ve got some receivers on this team that don’t mind blocking, that don’t mind mixing it up. They’re starting to show their skill level and development.”[Morris said.]
Well, now. If the head coach is getting excited about keep more roster spots for receivers who can deliver punishing, iconic blocks and don’t mind mixing it up, then perhaps he’s referencing Clayton.
Now Joe knows “money will never be in issue” in building the Bucs, so said Joel Glazer.
But, per Stroud’s calculations, it is less costly to keep Clayton and his guaranteed salary than to cut him and pay someone else. Perhaps money will factor in just this once, or twice if you count TJ Rives’ recent comments.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:24 am
I still wonder if Clayton could play a defensive back role. Maybe block on offense and bat the ball down on defense.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:47 am
He’s been given enough chances. Cut him. (They may keep him for depth and potential trade early on in the season though.)
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Trade Clayton and a 5th (or Gilmore) to the Bears for TE Greg Olsen
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
NARS if that trade went through that would be a super steal for the Bucs…. Now saying that it will never happen, I’d love for it to happen I just dont think it will
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
The Bears are probably a little gunshy with the trade steal we got for Adams (RIP.)
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Yeah and while we’re at it we can trade Sabby, a 6th round pick, and Elbert Mack to the Rams for Steven Jackson…
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Lol @ KJ – smartass.
Bears need wideouts…
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
If they want better blocking receivers why not just cut clayton and stick a TE out there to block.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Blocking TE’s! Now there’s a concept we haven’t had in a couple of years! Wish we had some, our run game would be much better.
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Once again another display of the head coach having no idea of what a WR’s job is, to catch the freaking ball!! Yes it is nice if they can block in the run game but we need guys that can run good routes and catch the ball. Maybe Clayton is going to play both sides of the ball. Can’t wait till this guy is fired.
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
We do have one , Gilmore.
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
The problem is we don’t have a blocking fullback…
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:41 pm
One blocking TE? Yippie!
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I don’t think we have a blocking anything for that matter. Last year our O-Line was supposed to be the bright spot of our team and they consistently under-performed. I like the guys individually (minus Zuttah) but as a unit for some reason they did not play well at all. Hopefully with another year under their belts, no more Jeff Jaggawhateverhislastnameis, and the addition of a veteran tough guy like Vincent they will be better this year. But I’m going to have to see it first. It also doesn’t help that our starting RB has two metal knees and our backup is from a college football program that no longer exists. Oh jeez now I just got depressed about this season. I love our drafts picks! Josh Freeman is the real deal! Talib could be in the Reevis/Asomuga/Bailey class! We have a pirate ship in our stadium! There that’s better…
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:54 pm
don’t forget that (with any luck whatsoever) they have moved on from the “ZBS” experiment.
Back to power man… in 08 – they were pretty good in that system.
I remember Faine saying they’ve gone back to PM and less of the ZBS experiment.
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Joe, I cannot believe you buy that “money will never be an issue” bit from Glazer. You keep spouting off the company line over and over and we are going to all start calling you “TJ.” 🙂
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I think JimBuc’s sarcasm detector is broken.
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Skook –ironic, you missing my sarcasm by claiming that my sarcasm detector was broken. Unless . . . maybe you were being sarcastic? 🙂
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:15 pm
JimBuc: Okay, I think I pulled a brain muscle.
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:07 pm
FWIW I really hate Clayton and his impotence as a receiver. When he isn’t being completely draped by a defender he’s dropping or fumbling the ball…that said I have a sick hope that he goes out there and gets 125 yards and 2 TD’s tonight…
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:05 am
I don’t think Michael will catch on anywhere else. He should just drop the whole Football thing.