Barber “Fully Intending” To Return?

January 1st, 2012

Joe heard it. And if you were brave enough keep watching the Bucs-Falcons debacle after the first half, you likely heard it, too.

Bucs icon John Lynch, analyst for the game on FOX, told his TV audience that he spent significant time last week with Ronde Barber. And Lynch said he believes Barber is “fully intending” to return for the 2012 season. However, Barber will be an unrestricted free agent in a matter of days.

Clearly, Barber showed he still can be an effective NFL cornerback this season. And it’s not like one can make a case that the Bucs have anyone ready to take his place. Myron Lewis is hardly breathing down Barber’s neck.

While the hand injury that knocked Barber out of the game today is worth scrutinizing before offering him a new contract, Joe can’t envision a scenario in which it would be a good move to let Barber go, assuming he wants to return.

9 Responses to “Barber “Fully Intending” To Return?”

  1. Brain Says:

    IMO Ronde is a 1st ballot hall of famer and can still play in this league. Even if he’s not a starter I can’t see us finding a better nickel corner.

  2. Patrick Says:

    Ronde needs to stay, but we still need to find his replacement this offseason! His replacement is not anyone on the roster.

  3. Thomas 2.2 Says:

    Agreed Joe. Ronde will improve by being released from the bad defensive coaching – even though he doesnt want to admit it bc rah rah is his bud.

  4. holymoly Says:

    Keep Ronde , fire the coaching staff and bring in some help .

  5. Hillbilly Heaven Says:

    if it was the “hall of really good”, he’d be a first ballot but a HOF player, he is not

    Great Buc for sure but wasn’t really in the best of his time

  6. aj Says:

    Ronde is still solid. His missed tackles stat is misleading as well. Dude hussles and has great anticipation. He is involved in a lot of plays that should be other guys, more missed tackles than most is just a part of that situation. If other guys stepped up, Ronde would have fewer missed tackles.

    The Bucs would have to bring in at least 3 better corners to even think about replacing Barber. That is not going to happen.

  7. Captain Stagger Says:

    but will the new coaching staff want to keep Barber?????

  8. adam from ny Says:

    yowzers…….the glazers should save more money and make ronde a player/coach…i hear ronde can handle a mop and bucket too…so they very well could have him rockin’ 3 gigs at one buc next season.

    adam from ny

  9. adam from ny Says:

    rah at times looked like he was on an island by himself on the sidelines today…as if a sniper was in the building and you don’t want to get hit by a stray bullet.

    adam from the zoo