Wishful Thinking?
February 12th, 2013
Yeah, this is the time of the year for dreaming. Bucs fans dream of rock star general manager Mark Dominik drafting eight new starters in April and adding two or three in free agency.
What else is there to do in February outside of watching the Bucs “America’s Game” episode?
Yesterday, the Custodian of Canton, EYE-rah! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, fueled some speculation and got Bucs fans a bit giddy over perhaps the Bucs looking at adding one of the best slot receivers in the NFL, Wes Welker of the Patriots.
@IKaufmanTBO: If Wes Welker hits free agency, he’d be an impact addition for the Bucs. He’s been the best slot WR of his era, durable and very productive… Adding Welker to Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams would give the Bucs the best WR corps in the NFL, maximizing Josh Freeman’s potential.
As Kaufman qualified in his statements, this is if Bill Belicheat turns Welker loose.
Would this be cool? Sure. But as Joe pointed out this morning, doesn’t Josh Freeman have enough toys to play with to be successful?
Would adding Welker help? No question about it at all. But the Bucs have far bigger needs than a slot receiver. Keeping Roy Miller is one need. Fixing that porous sieve of the secondary is priority No. 1. That may cost a pretty penny as well.
Oh, and the Bucs may need to replace Quincy Black, who is hardly a lock to be physically fit by August.
Would Welker be cool to have on the roster? Sure, but not at the expense of ignoring repairing the woeful cornerback holes.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
I love #5…. but he’ll OVER THROW that little guy EVERY TIME
February 12th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
I agree with Justin, and still don’t think New England will let Welker get away.
Now, Percy Harvin would sure be nice, so Tampa would have some game breaking speed!
February 12th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
For the money that welker would cost i would prefer trade for Harvin. The vikings said yesterday they are trying to trade him. If we could get him for 3rd and 4th rd pick we would have the best wr core in the league. Freeman would have 0 excuse at that point. Plus adding harvin would give our special teams a huge boost. I know it will never happen though.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@Justin P’s DRC:
How can you love Freeman if he can’t even hit a slot man in motion. That’s one of the things I can’t stand about #5….The Bucs have so many more pressing needs than another wide receiver. This is just another excuse for Freeman’s struggles.
You notice how the great QBs in this league make wide receivers better (Aaron Rodgers – James Jones, Drew Brees – anyone on the Saints) With the Bucs it seems like everyone’s attitude is that other players needs to make plays for Freeman.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Why not draft Ryan Swope in the 4th round and get a younger, healthier version of Welker for pennies on the dollar.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Wes would not be a good fit for this offense. He fits the Pats offense perfectly because he is quick off the line of scrimmage and Tom Brady is extremely accurate with a very quick release. Wes’s success comes from the precision short passing game and his YAC ability (both are highly QB and system dependent – anyone remember is production before NE…). Freeman does not have that type of short quick accuracy (at least he certainly hasn’t demonstrated it thus far in his career). Wes would be overpaid and wouldn’t come close to matching his production in my opinion.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
already with one of the highest paid WRs in the league, soon to have one of the highest-earning #2 WRs, and supposedly trying to maintain a run-first philosophy….not a smart allocation of money to be in on welker.
welker is a #1 WR who happens to play in the slot, and the team that signs him is going to make sure he catches 85+ balls a year. not going to happen in tampa
February 12th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
also, like many WRs, i think he will look like a shadow if his previous self after losing his elite QB and learning a new system late in his career. the best move for him and the pats is for him to finish his career in New England
February 12th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Captain Stagger: Why not draft any white receiver for that matter? He will be younger, healthier version of Wes Welker for pennies on the dollar.
February 12th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
Instead of spending $10,000,000.00 Million Dollars on Wes Welker….NFL Draft: Kenny Stills, Oklahoma, early 4th Round (stud, great hands, can do-it-all)
February 12th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@johnny color has nothing to do with the fact that Swope plays the slot on his level the same way Welker plays in the pros. I’ve read so many mocks with Bailey, Austin, or Sanders listed as possible slot guys. None of them are true slot guys like Swope.
February 12th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I’d rather us go after Paul Kruger and some CB’s instead. Only so much we can spend and Wes would be a luxury we really cant afford. Draft Ace Sanders…you’ll get your slot and returner all in one. Yes, he’s still to be tested at the next level but I think he has what it takes….projected 4th or 5th.
February 12th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Waste of money. way smarter to trade for percy harvin if his asking price is really a 2nd round pick like its rumored to be. welker is 32 leaving his prime.
February 12th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Yes, definitely need to take care of defense first. Aside from a few games, the offense was the strongest phase of the team. A smothering D and a big athletic tight end could put us in the playoffs if we can avoid a crap ton of injuries.
February 12th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Any one for amendola ?? He’s deff. The poor mans welker
February 12th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
The Bucs should go after Brian Hartline in FA just in case, god forbid, Vincent Jackson went down with injury.
Both Jackson and Williams are skilled enough to line up in the slot, why not shoot for another #1 receiver and have a triple threat.
Freeman is not accurate to throw to someone of Welker’s stature.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Welker will not happen. Harvin DEFINITELY won’t happen. Hartline won’t happen. Williams is in line for an extension, and all of these guys will command a MINIMUM of $6-7 mil per year in their new deals. too many times are desperate for a #1 or #2 receiver.
@ BucNasty – i would love to see them make a run at Amendola. he’s quick, has solid hands, can contribute in the return game a bit, and is absolutely fearless. 2 things scare me though….he gets dinged up quite a bit, and he seems to be Bradford’s security blanket so i think St. Louis would rather overpay to keep him than risk letting him go and watching Bradford possibly regress.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Just get a good TE and fix the secondary.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
I’m not a fan of Welker’s age. That being said, Williams and Jackson are nice, but both are strictly outside the numbers type player. Freeman has NEVER had a reliable target over the middle, Welker, or somebody like him, would provide that. It would do wonders for his confidence, reputation, and rating. Considering he had no good slot WR and didn’t have a TE that could create separation, Freeman getting a slot WR would be huge.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I’d rather have cribs. Bigger frame and gives you the same thing. Plus he ca return kicks.
February 12th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Welker doesn’t fit our system, even if you tweak the system, his style doesn’t fit Freeman’s strengths and weaknesses. If the Patriots let him go, a decent possibility, why does he come here? He gets a say too. He may not get $10 mil either, he’s a system guy that will go somewhere that plays a similar style, and probably an established contender, he is getting older after all.
Harvin will not happen. Attitude and health concerns are not our style. Pair that with giving up a pick! Then consider that he will make way more $$$$ than Welker, with a longer commitment as well. Any trade for him will most likely involve a contract extension. That gives us all the benifits of paying a big time FA as well as giving up the draft pick(s)!!!!
Neither is going to happen when we have 2 good WR’s already, why would it?
February 12th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
This is what I don’t get. Doesn’t Josh Freeman have enough weapons? Yeah he got a lot of weapons but don’t you think any team would add weapons to their QB if there able to? Now Joe this is what I got to ask while we do have a need at DT if Roy Miller isn’t resign and same with OLB and CB who do you want us to sign? Their isn’t any #1 CB’s in FA this year or really good OLB. Don’t spend money on lesser talent just cause it’s a need. I rather have Wes Welker for the same price as maybe the best CB in FA and have him turn out to be a bust like Eric Wright. But I will say this I rather draft someone then get Wes.
My plan would be to re-sign Roy Miller, Michael Bennett, E.J Biggers (#3, or #4)
Cut Quincy Black, Eric Wright (unless takes significant pay cut to about 4 million)
FA
Jairus Byrd FS
Desmond Bryant DT (Depth)
William Hayes DE (Depth)
Sheldon Brown CB (vet solid #2)
Draft
1 Jonathan Banks CB (Trade down with Dallas and get their second)
2a Tyler Eifert TE
2b Tavon Austin WR
3 Khaseem Greene OLB
4a Ricky Wagner OT
4b Brian Winters OG/OT
5 Quanterus Smith DE
6 Marcus Lattimore RB
7a Brandon Williams DT
7b Trey Wilson CB
February 12th, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Kaufman is a moron for mentioning this.
Hes just trying to get clicks on his article. It is a wild and irrational theory.
He will get 10 million plus. We cannot have almost 30 million for 3 WR’s!!
Thats crazy!
We are busy tring to resign Mike “DaRazor” Williams.
The dopest cutter, jumper in the NFL.
Hes a bballer, and we need him.
Forget Wes Welker. Kaufman is a moron.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
“DaRazor” that’s the gayest nickname I’ve ever heard.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
I do like Welker. He practically catches everything thrown in his direction but, I also agree, 10 mil for a slot receiver is way to much when we could invest that in signing several top FA in positions of more importance.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
I’d trade for Percy before I’d shell out for Welker. We got that extra 4th baby!!
February 12th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
Welker wouldnt help us. He almost exclusively runs underneath routes, and we all know freeman can’t connect on a dump off or short pass anyway.
February 12th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
PLEASE!!!
What a horrible and uneducated projection. Welker is a great precision route runner, is Freeman an accurate timing passer? No! I love the value of Percy Harvin in a trade. He could play multiple positions and sell tickets. We need 2 B level CBs and an A level nose tackle to create a pass rush. Expect a defense heavy off season.
February 12th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
How bout we just sign steven Jackson an get back to pounding that rock wit our two guardian angels at guard bk an it don’t matter who that slot man is!!!!! BUC IT IM OUT!!! …. “That line was stolen but I love it to much as a Buc fan to not use it at least once n a post lol”
February 12th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Ves Velker has dropped some key passes in big games over the last couple years. I don’t want him and think the Pats are fed up with him. He’s not the same player he was. Not interested no way.
February 12th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Wow if the Bucs get Wes Welker they have the best receiving corps around…how many years before we get a QB who can actually throw to them?
February 12th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
I meant throw ACURATELY to them
February 12th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
Bucs are fine at WR. The Bucs would not get good value for Welker for the price tag. Let him go to the Raiders to retire. Spend the money on other more pressing needs.
February 12th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
We will get an A lvl CB, just wait and how Dom works his magic this offseason.
Keep an eye on Grimes IMO, I don’t believe that injury will effect him in the slightest.
On topic:
I love Welker, it would be amazing to have him as a slot.
Only problem him is not a priority right now and he would require 1WR money.
Make that two problems with Free not being known as the most precise passer, which he would need to be able to do with Welker.
February 12th, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Adding great offensive weapons such as Welker OR Harvin is just pointless and a waste of money if you are just going to keep using the same tired ole JF that can’t get the ball to them half the time….
If the Bucs are sticking with JF, they need to go all out on defense to attempt to balance out his dreadful QB impersonation {which he has become a pro}…
February 12th, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Roy Miller. Seriously Joe. Ok nice backup but that’s it. Oh and Bennett is just a little better than average who is only somewhat better due to McCoy. Don’t waste a dime on a WR. Get a DE and DT.
February 12th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Defense this year,QB next year,enough BS cry-baby excuses for gay-ass josh JACKSON!!!!
February 13th, 2013 at 1:11 am
Where’s Preston Parker these days?
February 13th, 2013 at 1:42 am
JGlazer:
The Bucs think the world of Roy Miller. GMC claims Miller is responsible for many of his sacks.
Joe’s not making this up. This is coming straight out of the mouths of coaches and suits at One Buc Palace.
The Bucs had the NFL’s best rush defense. Why get rid of one of its main cogs? Especially when he doesn’t cost much.
February 13th, 2013 at 4:58 am
First of all, the Bucs are not set at WR. In today’s game, you have to have at least 3 capable WR’s and a TE. We currently have 2 WR’s, period. Love the guy, love the hair, but does anyone think Tiquan Underwood is a legitimate slot WR? He’s got about as much chance of putting up big numbers as I do.
As for Percy, I know he’s a headache. He’s probably not going to be Schiano’s favorite player. However, if you can get him for a 3rd, I say do it. He was a legit MVP candidate through the first half of the season last year. We got any MVP candidates on this team??? He would seem to be a perfect fit on our offense as well. Even if we get him for 2 years, it’s well worth it for a 3rd. I think I would rather have Percy Harvin over some of our 3rd round gems of the past (ahem, Myron Lewis). If he’s that big of a nuisance, cut him and move on. You still would have gotten a couple good years out of him, and probably a few wins you wouldn’t have had without him. And who knows, maybe he just needs a change of scenery. He’s from Florida, so living in Minnesota probably really blows. Bottom line is he would make our offense considerably better, and for a very low cost. All that being said, I would be shocked if we actually pulled the trigger on a deal, but one can dream.
February 13th, 2013 at 9:54 am
Can’t believe people think that we are set at WR. Underwood dropped several key passes last year. If we could get Harvin, Amendola or Greg Jennings, I say do it. Obviously Welker would be awesome, but too expensive and Free wouldn’t be able to get him the ball. They will still be able to get the guys they want for defense. If they cut Black and restructure/cut Wright they have plenty of money to sign Miller, Bennett, 1-2 CBs and Ronde.