Bucs Eyeing Peyton Hillis?

March 13th, 2012

Those listening to Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski on WQYK-AM 1010 — and why wouldn’t you if you are a Bucs fan? — likely have heard how “The Commish” is hearing the Bucs have Cleveland fullback Peyton Hillis in their cross-hairs.

If Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik is of the mind to ink Hillis, this would be a curious choice.

Mind you the Bucs have LeGarrette Blount. The Browns’ stud, who seems perpetually perturbed about something when he’s not pondering life in the CIA, might not be an easy fit.

First, it’s likely Hillis will want if not demand the rock and the most playing time. If anyone on the Bucs roster deserves the rock it’s Blount (Joe is still flabbergasted that clueless former Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson gave Blount the ball a grand total of five times in last year’s season opener — FIVE!).

Now Joe’s not saying Hillis is not talented. He is, clearly. But how would he mesh with the Bucs? It’s pretty clear if Justin’s information is accurate, and he has solid sources from the inside, then the Bucs will plan on going with a running back by committee, something like what the Giants utilize.

So if Hillis does come to the Bucs, the Bucs will certainly have to address a speed back in the draft to balance the bruising type of running Blount and Hillis specialize in.

Signing Hillis would also pretty much mean that the Bucs won’t make the irresponsible mistake of drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

139 Responses to “Bucs Eyeing Peyton Hillis?”

  1. jvato24 Says:

    Hillis makes no sense to me. He is truly just like Blount but just less athletic. Not sure how his blocking is … He has Diva-like problems.

    Tolbert is such a better choice … Does everything well the Blount doesnt and is a different style power back. No injury problems. I dont get it.

  2. gotbbucs Says:

    If he sits on the market for two weeks then he might be worth looking at.

  3. Buddhaboy Says:

    I would much rather them go after a Tolbert. He is powerful, good on short yardage, can block the blitz, and he has spunk, ever seen his crazy touchdown dances. another #40 is cool, but i like tolbert

  4. D Says:

    Well, he’s a white running back so most of the fanbase would probably tag him the next A-train (like Grimm is somehow the next Lynch…)

  5. J 2.0 Says:

    Well Hillis isn’t a fullback he is a tailback. He is equally athletic as Blount and one huge difference between him and Blount is in 2010 Hillis had 61 catches for 477 yards. Hillis is a stud. But not as part of a committee. If we get Hillis we would have to get rid of Blount and draft a small speedy guy.

  6. Phenom4498 Says:

    The speculation is BRUTAL!!!! Why dont we just list every FA is coming to Tampa

  7. Meh Says:

    Tolbert instead please.

  8. bucbelevr Says:

    @Phenom..

    Hilarious!

    And Hillis is a quack, so much more to choose from.

  9. J 2.0 Says:

    @ meh

    It is bordeline ignorant to think Tolbert is better than Hillis. The numbers don’t lie.

  10. Big Marlon B Says:

    yes, Hillis is very talented. yes, he has very good hands out of the backfield. but another power back with fumbling issues? added to the fact that he seems like another Aaron Sears type ticking time bomb. no thanks.

  11. jvato24 Says:

    Hopefully this is to drop the price on Tolbert and act like we like someone else.. . Hey worked in High School didnt it ??

  12. jvato24 Says:

    J 2.0

    You cant base everything off of numbers bro .. Tolbert is extremely effective in the redzone .. Pass blocks well and is a complete beast in short yardage.

  13. J 2.0 Says:

    We don’t need either Tolbert or Hillis. Blount is just fine.

  14. Patrick Says:

    He better not be injury prone. We don’t want another McCoy on the team.

    Plus, I don’t think he’s the type of back we’re looking for.

    But I wouldn’t complain if we signed him. Big talent.

  15. bucbelevr Says:

    Cowboys are comin for a CB! Either Carr or Finnegan. Dominik, betterrrr be on his game. Cowboys just cut CB Newman.

  16. thomas 2.2 Says:

    Hillis is a much better player than Blount, not even close.

  17. Mr. Patrick Says:

    Hillis was a very good fullback in college. But also was a good 3rd down back with a good number of receptions. If Bucs could use him in that dual role, then they could move Lorig back to TE where he belongs because Bucs are very thin in that area and Lorig played TE in high school and his first 2 years at Stanford before being moved to DE.

  18. BKNYfootballhead Says:

    We should be happy to have either Peyton Hillis or Mike Tolbert to spell Blount; one in the same RB. Both have excellent hands to catch Freeman’s 15-20 dump passes a game and both are excellent in the red zone, which Blount is not.

  19. Jarret Says:

    No

  20. jvato24 Says:

    J 2.0

    We don’t need either Tolbert or Hillis. Blount is just fine.

    Ok and if Blount gets hurt our Lead runner will be ?????

    Oh wait someone like LeMichael James right ?? LUMP-KIn .. Madu ??

  21. Jonny 3.3 Says:

    Hillis or Tolbert would be superb addition to the roster. Its always nice having a dependable blocker/catcher and a short yardage converter.

  22. bucfanjeff Says:

    No Hillis. He isn’t going to remind anyone of Alstott if that’s what he’s thinking…

  23. Snook Says:

    Might as well… afterall, the Broncos drafted him with the same pick Gru/Allen traded away for Jake Plummer.

  24. bucbelevr Says:

    Hillis………….on his best day, isn’t one-tenth, of Alstott.

    Next topic.

  25. J 2.0 Says:

    Had anyone heard of Isaac Redman before last year? If any teams lead rusher goes down they’re in trouble. You don’t throw big money at back ups.

  26. J 2.0 Says:

    WHich is why I say if they sign Hillis then Blount is gone because Hillis is going to get big $$$ and Blount doesn’t. Who do you think would start?

    Also, Hillis is a very talented back. They guy isn’t a stranger to the mult TD game. Personally I’d keep Blount though and spend the $$$ elsewhere.

  27. Have A Nice Day Says:

    @J 2.0
    “If any teams lead rusher goes down they’re in trouble. You don’t throw big money at back ups.”

    This statement makes too much sense for most it seems.

  28. Kujolw Says:

    I’d rather have M.Bush then him. Please dont waste are time we might as well keep Lumpkin.

  29. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Blount is already on the books for one year for peanuts. He isn’t going anywhere till next off season the earliest. It isn’t as if the Bucs couldn’t afford a backer the likes of Hillis. But it doesn’t make sense if Blount is anywhere in your future plans. If we sign someone like Hillis or Tolbert for a premium, then Blount blows up…. Someone will have to go.

  30. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    You are going to eat your words on Richardson Joe. Although I doubt we draft him, let’s count All Pro years against Claiborne, who you clearly think is Darelle Revis and Deion Sanders rolled into one. Watch how much bigger of an impact he has on his team than what a CB has. At least you aren’t calling him a “bust in waiting” as you have previously used on a former draft pick.

  31. NJBucsFan Says:

    I really do not understand the fascination with Tolbert. He’s not the answer. How about coaching up Blount and drafting a speed back….pass on Tolbert….please.

  32. Have A Nice Day Says:

    @NJBucsFan I agree. Dude has done nothing to warrant the attention he receives in this forum.

  33. JonBuc Says:

    May as well add a big name kicker as well….

  34. jb Says:

    PLEASE NO!!!!!!!!!!!!

  35. Thomas 2.2. Says:

    Rumor has it that Blount is beyond coaching up.

    Sign Tolbert or Hillis.

  36. ClayBURN94 Says:

    Tolbert is a good blocker and short yardage runner, something we dont have.

  37. NJBucsFan Says:

    He gets the attention because of all the fantasy points he put up one year. I don’t think we can assume rumors from the previous coaching regime and players not being coachable as legit. There was little coaching going on and that’s evident by the fact the coaches are not here. The entire staff was removed.

  38. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    While I agree with you Thomas that Blount may not be very coachable and we must sign someone else, what exactly makes you think Hillis is? This is the guy who sat out a game last year for basically having a cold. He is the biggest diva back in the NFL, hands down. His own teammates pulled him to the side because he is heartless.

  39. Have A Nice Day Says:

    NJBucsFan “I don’t think we can assume rumors from the previous coaching regime and players not being coachable as legit. There was little coaching going on and that’s evident by the fact the coaches are not here. The entire staff was removed.”

    Everyone on here needs to read this again and take notes.

  40. Meh Says:

    Tolbert is a smart player. He is a better fit as a third down back and he’ll likely come cheaper.

  41. eric Says:

    i cant see Blount as holding up mentally. Too many warning signs. I just dont buy that Raheem and Olson could have just been braindead and not used a player that could have saved their jobs. Has to be something they saw in practice as to why they stayed away from Blount. Remember Jeff Fisher also didnt like what he saw in Blount.

    Dominik must know that also.

    So, its not dumb to have an alternative. Id prefer drafting Richardson, but I couldnt really blame Dominik for getting Hollis.

  42. gotbbucs Says:

    Interesting to me that Faine hasn’t been cut yet.

  43. bucbelevr Says:

    Yeah @gotbbucs…

    Why hasn’t Faine been cut yet?!?!..

  44. Matthew Says:

    Wait on what basis and history is there that Blount is “uncoachable”. He’s literally not had an offseason with the Bucs in two years. He joined the team mid-season as a rookie (no training camps, no OTAs, no installing the offense). He then proceeded to get “locked out” during all of last years OTAs & again had no training camp. Also, let’s not discount the “COACHES” he had trying to coach him. Seriously, where is this Blount can’t improve nonsense coming from. It’s garbage.

  45. ALSTOTTSMART! Says:

    Kevin Kolb might be released in the next few days. Could be a good back-up candidate, in a group of mediocre candidates.

  46. bucbelevr Says:

    MORE GOOD PUB on PFT about Bucs and getting VJax….just now!!! We’ll see…

  47. Have A Nice Day Says:

    @Matthew Straight out of peoples’ bungholes.

  48. bucbelevr Says:

    Dolphins just traded Brandon Marshall to Bears?!?!?!….VJax ours?!?!?!?

  49. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Chicago just traded for Brandon Marshall. Looks like V-Jax isn’t going to be a Bear.

  50. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Dolphins traded for Brandon Marshall.

    For 2 3rd round picks.

    Looks like they are getting Payton…he didn’t want to throw to Marshall.

    btw, PFT is saying we’re favs for Jackson.

  51. Have A Nice Day Says:

    “he didn’t want to throw to Marshall”

    Adam Schefter just said, “Manning likes Marshall. He wanted to throw to Marshall”.

  52. OAR Says:

    Snook
    I dont think we ever ended up having to give a pick to Denver, cause Plummer quit football(retired). I think he even ended up owing the Bucs 3+ million dollars.

  53. Oahubuc Says:

    I smell a Psy-op, probably masterminded by Agent Hillis himself. I want Tolbert. And Nicks.

  54. gotbbucs Says:

    I have a bad feeling that the Bucs are going to be the team that alot of these free agents will use as leverage against other teams to try and raise their price. I just don’t like all the reports of the Bucs being the favorite for (insert name here). It sounds like alot of agents are throwing our name around.

  55. OAR Says:

    Strange? I thought Cutler and Marshall had issues in Denver? Oh well.

  56. @eric Says:

    He better not even think about asking for the number 40.not that the Bucs would ever let anyone have that number again….he couldnt carry the A-trains jock……

  57. Buc You 2.2 Says:

    Hey Thomass… Brandon Marshall, your BOY, was given away for two 3rd round picks in different years.

  58. 941Buc Says:

    Are you kidding me? Shout I would gave up our 2nd round pick for Marshall! Damn!

  59. ClayBURN94 Says:

    Finnegan visiting Lambs friday. WTF

  60. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    LOL…he is forcing the bucs for a contract offer before Friday Clay…;)

  61. ClayBURN94 Says:

    I hope so…

  62. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Carr is in Dallas

  63. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Garcon talking to Deadskins

  64. Buc Neckid Says:

    Smokescreen

  65. J 2.0 Says:

    Garcon speaking with Redskins. Deal already cut for VJax in Tampa?

  66. Riga Says:

    Bucs have an agreement in principle with Curtis Lofton!

  67. bucbelevr Says:

    Carr’s gone. Jerry will, nail it down. Especially since cutting Newman. Dominik is so small, such a little Glazer b….ch. Make a difference, forge a new path, stand….for something, instead of asking for permission.

  68. Riga Says:

    Now it’s official. Curits Lofton is the newest Buc!

  69. Pete Dutcher Says:

    I meant Dolphins traded away Marshall. And Peyton considers him a locker room problem…too much attitude.

    How can the redskins sign anyone when they have no space????

  70. J 2.0 Says:

    where ar ethe lofton reports coming from?

  71. NJBucsFan Says:

    Where is this info coming from?

  72. gotbbucs Says:

    Pete
    Redskins still have like $18 million in cap space

  73. bucbelevr Says:

    Riga…..????………..

  74. Riga Says:

    Saw a report on Twitter from someone that it was agreed on in principle with Lofton. The “Commish” just confirmed it and says it’s official.

  75. J 2.0 Says:

    I see nothing anywhere about Lofton to the Bucs. Hope its true….

  76. bucbelevr Says:

    twitter???????????????????????………

  77. J 2.0 Says:

    Well I hope Commish’s good friend JoeBucsFan will have some confirmation.

  78. The Falklands are British Says:

    Are these Lofton claims based on anything? or a wind-up?

  79. SensibleBuc Says:

    Stephen Holder says V Jax deal is almost done too lmao

  80. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Holder reporting deal with VJAX is CLOSE…;)

  81. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ bucbelevr

    Twitter is the best place for breaking news man! Get with the times!

  82. Riga Says:

    Man I hope Holder is right. Just hope we aren’t giving him 17 mill per year like he reportedly wants

  83. The Falklands are British Says:

    @SensibleBuc

    You are not wrong my friend. Twitter is quicker than any news agency out there!

  84. Bobby Says:

    Garcon to Skins

  85. bucbelevr Says:

    @SensibleBuc

    Twitter is chatter, uncorroborated, noise…Maybe u and Riga can hold hands.

  86. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Lofton and Jackson……….OOOOOOOO……….. I need a sandwich.

  87. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Joe…come on man…at least report these rumors. I mean…I’d rather spend time here than PFT.

  88. adam ant Says:

    Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Buccaneers no longer are viewed as a landing place for Finnegan.

  89. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Pierre Garcon is saying its the Skins. Of course, soon as the league takes their cap money, they’ll have to cancel the offer.

  90. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Schefter is reporting the BUcs in contract talks with VJax. Hope we land him.

  91. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ bucbelevr

    Hey brother you can believe what you want to believe but I knew that Pierre Garcon signed with the Redskins like 20 mins ago — because he posted it on his Twitter lol.

    Agents, sports writers, etc. all use it to break news. If you’ve got half a brain you can distinguish what’s good or not based on the track record of people reporting it e.g. Schefter versus Jason “I’ve Never Been Right In My Life” La Canfora.

  92. gotbbucs Says:

    pete
    I just told you that the Skins still have at least $15 million in cap space. They were able to split their penalty between this year and next.

  93. The Falklands are British Says:

    @adam ant

    I thought Jackson and Finnegan are real close? If Jackson comes, i was hoping Finnegan would join him for sure!

  94. Pete Dutcher Says:

    If they land Nicks too…I will have a joygasm.

  95. Have A Nice Day Says:

    aCanfora says Bucs are pushing hard for Nickd.

  96. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Sorry gotbucs…I missed it.

    Finnegan is only visiting the Rams…they are not in negotiations yet.

  97. bucbelevr Says:

    C’mon, VJax, Lofton, and Nicks?!?!……that would be a haul! Could take the rest of the week off. If, it happens.

  98. Patrick Says:

    If we get V-Jack, bust out the Dos Equis!

    lol

  99. bucbelevr Says:

    Bill Polian on NFL Live just made a good comment, and he should know, that his Free Agency period is the best it will be in 10 years, “so spend now”….he says….that cat, should know.

  100. Have A Nice Day Says:

    VJax, Lofton, Nicks….. The most important thing left CB. Claiborne?
    Of course, I truly believe the weakest part of our line is RT, but we are certainly stuck with Trueblood for one more year.

  101. gotbbucs Says:

    Finnegan might be waiting to see where some of the other guys are signing before he commits.

  102. Pete Dutcher Says:

    @JasonLaCanfora

    Bucs and Eagles pushing to get Carl Nicks in their building first. Tampa lookin to use some of that big cap space quickly it seems!
    ________________________

  103. Have A Nice Day Says:

    This is kind of funny. The Bucs are going all Philadelphia 2011.

  104. Patrick Says:

    @Have A Nice Day

    Yes, that’s a good thing. Except hopefully our signings will work out though. They just had bad luck.

  105. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Yeah, I don’t know what happened in Philly. All of their signings played well if not fantastic.

  106. CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:

    PFT is saying we’ve got V Jax lined up

    Just got a text from a ‘Skins fan saying Garcon’s deal is 4 yrs $63 Million…..$63 freaking million!!!!!!

  107. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Philly out of the running for Nicks. Can’t compete with the Bucs.

  108. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego reports via Twitter, “It’s over. After seven years, it appears VJ headed to Tam[p]a Bay.”

    Of course, “VJ” is Vincent Jackson, the Chargers’ franchise player in 2012.
    _________________
    Per PFT

    This is looking like it’s a done deal except for the actual signing. Apparently the other teams have already moved on because of this deal.

  109. Pete Dutcher Says:

    @Have A Nice Day
    Source???

  110. Uk_Buc Says:

    @Pete Dutcher

    Thank you, glad you are doing Joe’s job for him and actually posting some intersting information

  111. Have A Nice Day Says:

    @Pete Geoff Mosher

  112. Have A Nice Day Says:

    From PFF “According to Geoff Mosher citing a league source the Eagles are not in the running for former Saint Carl Nicks, contrary to Jason LaCanfora’s report of just a minute ago.”

  113. J 2.0 Says:

    Lofton and Jackson on day 1, that would be some Rockstar GM stuff!

  114. bucbelevr Says:

    I KNOW, right?!?!?!!?!? 🙂 Where’s @JOE, right now….the fans are breakin’ it!!

  115. Pete Dutcher Says:

    @Uk_Buc
    Trying.

    NEWS:
    Lofton rumors are false. Nothing even close.

  116. J 2.0 Says:

    Jason la Canfora has a wrong report? Never!

  117. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ CreamsicleBananaHammock

    I’m sure $20 million tops of that is guaranteed.

  118. J 2.0 Says:

    @everyone questioning Joe

    He’s waiting for confirmations. He’d type his fingers right off if he reported every rumor.

  119. CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:

    @sensiblebuc

    The text from my buddy (again, not the best source) said $30M guaranteed.

    Dan Snyder strikes again

  120. Have A Nice Day Says:

    If people need up to the second reporting, just to to the sources themselves on twitter.

  121. bucbelevr Says:

    What’s the story on the “visits”?…for the Top flight free agents. Many years game tape for Bucs, same division with Nicks, easily known world class training facilities for Carl, Dom takes the average of Top 5 Guards, or Jahri Evans contract maybe, then adds 1 or 1.5 million to it annually, then fron-loads the first 3 years in more guaranteed money, …….visits, whatever. Pay me…Game tape.

  122. Pete Dutcher Says:

    @ODonnellFox13

    Fox Sports now confirming Bucs get Curtis Lofton. No confirmation from the Bucs.
    ___________________

    So much for the false rumors…if this is accurate.

  123. Bobby Says:

    One thing is for sure…all the fair weather fans who talked about the Glazers being cheap better shut their pie hole and eat some crow after the dust settles. If we end up with V-Jax and Nicks and possibly Lofton…..we just got a whole lot better.

  124. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ CreamsicleBananaHammock

    No freaking way. lol Miles Austin only got 17 Million. That dude (Snyder) is embarrassing if that’s true.

  125. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ Bobby

    I’ll line up and be the first one!

  126. ClayBURN94 Says:

    Per rick stroud: Bucs fans should pump the brakes on Curtis Lofton, we are told.

  127. gotbbucs Says:

    @sensible
    I think that’s been confirmed about Snyder over and over again.

  128. Pete Dutcher Says:

    Yeah…that second Lofton post I made was a retweet, no not confirmed.

  129. Uk_Buc Says:

    @SensibleBuc

    Not embarrassing for Garcon’s agent….man, next time i switch jobs, that guy is negotiating my salary!

    @Bobby
    I agree, it will be good to go on Bucs messages boards without rwading them tired old “cheap Glazers” garbage

  130. Have A Nice Day Says:

    I can still here these words in my head: “No top tier free agent would want to come to Tampa.”

    I also can’t wait for the people who said Dom can’t/won’t get any of those players to bash Dom for how he structures their contracts after he does sign them.

  131. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ CreamsicleBananaHammock

    Per Alex Marvez’s sources 5-yr, $42.5M contract with #Redskins. Roughly $21.5M guaranteed.

    I knew Snyder wasn’t THAT crazy.

  132. Have A Nice Day Says:

    Nice job for Garcon. Dude cashed in. He deserves it.

  133. SensibleBuc Says:

    @ Have A Nice Day

    To get more guaranteed money than Miles Austin? I don’t know about that one…

  134. CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:

    Thanks SensibleBuc

  135. Have A Nice Day Says:

    @SensibleBuc Austin got a 6 year 57 million contract(9.5 mill a year including his original extension). Garcon got a 5 year 42.5 mil a year contract(8.5 mill a year). Austins is worth more.

    Besides that, at the time Austin got the contract he had just had his first breakout year. Just as Garcon has done and has very similar stats as Austin over their first four year.

  136. Brent Says:

    Mike Tolbert from SD…. With Blount wood be crazy Tolbert great hands out of backfield on 3rd conversions and downhill cut runner…. Thats who we need and is on the market he can catch a ride VJ….

  137. adam from ny Says:

    schiano might view hillis as a much better brian leonard….remember leonard was his guy at rutgers and is a nice back with bengals…but hillis is like leonard X 2…they might figure if blount yucks it up and never develops then hillis will be the guy with a nice change of pace guy to compliment him as well…the team fears blount is a bit of a brain dead type dude, and a not following the rules type of teamate and he basically has this year to pull it together from many football angles or he is gone…he is signed for chump change this year so he will get his shot, but they are pretty unsure of LGB and if he is going to flop out……schiano might not want to bank on a guy looking and acting like he’s straight out the PJ’s…..adam from ny

    ps i like blount but you gotta admit, sometimes he gets cold tackled and stacked like he is warrick dunns size….other times he rumbles like alstott….he is actually quite the inigma at this point

  138. Kujolw84 Says:

    Blount is fine. He didn’t do good last year cause Raheem kept abandoning the run cause our D was giving up too many points and Greg Olsens play calling sucked. Freeman needs to not 2nd guess his self running like he did this last year. He did great the year before chosing to run then force passes. Also I don’t believe the hype with K2. I mean he’s ok, but for what were paying him he needs to go. He’s not worth the money. If we got Finnegan and Carr we should trade down to get more picks and pick up Trent Richardson while getting more picks.

  139. SensibleBuc Says:

    @Have A Nice Day

    Guaranteed money is all that matters. The rest is just monopoly money (relatively speaking of course).

    Austin: 18 million guaranteed.
    Garcon: 20.5 million guaranteed.