Jeremy Trueblood Likely Gone After 2012

September 19th, 2012

With the news yesterday that Jeremy Trueblood has been benched in favor of Demar Dotson at right tackle, it is the latest in a series of signs that Trueblood will not wear a Bucs uniform come 2013.

His benching is the second in three years. Two years ago, Trueblood got to spend quality time on the pine in favor of journeyman James Lee. All but handed a starting spot last year in training camp, Lee could not live up to expectations and Trueblood regained his starting gig.

If the handwriting wasn’t on the wall then, it certainly was when Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik essentially gave Trueblood an ultimatum: Either accept a 2012 paycut to $4 million — in return for it being guaranteed money — or face the prospect of walking the streets looking for work.

Trueblood’s current contract expires at the end of this season.

Getting hurt and seeing your backup play admirably against the toughest defensive front in the league didn’t help Trueblood’s cause, either.

Unless Trueblood is willing to work for league minimum, Joe doesn’t expect him with Tampa Bay next season.

8 Responses to “Jeremy Trueblood Likely Gone After 2012”

  1. raphael Says:

    Davin Joseph is the ONLY reason he is on the team now …

  2. bucfanjeff Says:

    He would be a great backup.

  3. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Says:

    Yes, Davin Joseph basically blackmailed Tampa into keeping Trueblood, something that is seldom talked about.

  4. OptimisTroll Says:

    I guess he is about done holding…on.

  5. the_buc_realist Says:

    For the Bucs, he is really the only second round pick that has stuck around.

  6. The Dutcher Journal (Pete Dutcher) Says:

    I think it’s time we think about bringing in new guys anyway. Penn is what? 29? Joseph is 28. By the time this team is really gelling, they will both be in their 30s.

    We need to start thinking about their replacements. I’m not saying that they should be replaced right now, but it wouldn’t hurt to start prepping replacements so that when they retire or get injured it’s a smooth transition.

    And let’s not forget…the chances of injury increase dramatically from age 29 on.

  7. The Dutcher Journal (Pete Dutcher) Says:

    Trueblood is 29 as well.

  8. Mike J Says:

    raphael and Chris, Joseph is nowhere good enough to have that sort of pull; then again, we are talking about Dom….