“I’m Turning The TV Off “
May 16th, 2014
Former Bucs DE Steve White would rather watch a test pattern than the Bucs offense if G Oniel Cousins plays.
Five months into the Lovie Smith administration, the roster has had a thorough makeover. Beefed up defensive line. Revolving door at cornerback. Stud wide receiver. New quarterback. Spiced up running attack.
The offensive line? Well, it’s gotten a near complete overhaul, with the exception of incumbent right tackle Demar Dotson and maybe Carl Nicks at left guard. If there is one major hole on the roster, it would be right guard, where veteran Oniel Cousins could start.
This left former Bucs defensive end Steve White in a foul mood. This week, he appeared with his old teammate, Booger McFarland, on WHFS-FM 98.7 to talk Bucs football. White was so perturbed at the thought of Cousins playing at guard, he threatened to shut down his TV and go clean the garage if Cousins sees the field.
“Listen, (laughs), it is going to look a lot like the past couple of years when we are using guys that should have been backups,” White said. “We signed Oniel Cousins, but, look, if we put him in the game, I’m turning the TV off because it is not going to be good, OK?
“No offense, Oniel Cousins, but you have seen your own film? You know what it looks like. So, we do have a problem there, and I was as much as anybody disheartened when we didn’t pick a guard early in the draft. But I sat down on it overnight and we always stress taking the best player available so it seems like the teams that draft best, they stick to their board and they don’t deviate from it even when they have glaring needs. So if you are going to preach that before the draft, you are going to have to have faith after the draft that it is going to work its way out one way or the other.
“Would I have been happy if they took a guard earlier? Yeah. But apparently there wasn;t one high on their board to take. So we are going to have to see this out and really going to have to cross our fingers and hope that Carl Nicks is healthy and ready to play because if we have to play any one of these rookies, ugh, it’s not going to look real good.”
Saturday night, after the draft concluded, Joe remembers Jason Licht saying there are other ways besides the draft to obtain offensive linemen. Lovie even noted there are all sorts of starting NFL linemen that were not drafted in the first three rounds — or drafted at all.
Pat Kirwan, a former front office man, linebackers coach and scout Joe greatly respects, recently shared how the Bucs could still beef up the offensive line.
Speaking on his show, “Movin’ the Chains,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Kirwan said a team needing a guard should look where guards were drafted on the first two days of the draft. It is likely guards from those teams either are on the trade block, or will soon be turned loose.
It’s not the ideal method to find help, but a gem now and then can be found. It could be an older veteran who may have a couple of seasons left in the tank to bridge a gap to a younger player down the road.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:12 am
Can they still bring back Davin Joseph????
May 16th, 2014 at 7:32 am
The Cousins signing puzzles me…..all of the others made good sense and weren’t what you would call highly questionable…..there must be something we don’t know. Anyway, we have time…some cap space and a couple of tradeable players we don’t need….Rainey & Crabtree. I suspect we will see another guard before its over.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:46 am
Adam Snyder 49ers? 10 year vet from Oregon. I don’t see anyone really on Texans, Cowboys or the Panthers.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:47 am
Yup, we still need some O line help! Hopefully we’ll find a good quality veteran since Im not one to think Nicks will be there…and if he is, it may be part time which isnt good.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:49 am
I just can’t see the Bucs bringing Joseph back. His film must have been bad enough or he’d be signed elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Larson, Zuttah and Penn have roster spots, at least for now.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:54 am
Kevin Boothe from the Raiders, they drafted Gabe Jackson. That’s one of the guys I thought we would get in this draft. He played college ball in NY and played for the Giants for 8 seasons maybe he will get cut.
May 16th, 2014 at 7:56 am
Trade for Evan Mathis
May 16th, 2014 at 7:59 am
Philadelphia Eagles guard Evan Mathis is voted the 88th-best player in the NFL by his peers on “Top 100 Players of 2014.” (Listen to GMC in the Interview)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2014/0ap2000000350291/Gerald-McCoy-Adrian-Wilson-Jeremy-Maclin-Mike-Daniels
May 16th, 2014 at 8:03 am
Can they? Yes. Will they? Not likely.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:03 am
You should read the comments from profootball talk article of Cleveland fans thanking us for taking him off their hands other warned us that he is a hot head that will lose you 2 games in penalties and get your QB killed in the process. What were the Bucs thinking getting rid of Jeremy Z. and picking this guy up?!
May 16th, 2014 at 8:04 am
I wonder how much different our conversations would be today if we had been in Oakland’s spot in the draft and our first three picks were switched with theirs? MACK,CARR(the young QB we wanted)JACKSON (A solid OL pick)
May 16th, 2014 at 8:06 am
Luv, that was a great video. I like that idea. One advantage is he is already used to the up-tempo offense.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:08 am
Should have kept Zuttah. Oh well still time for cash strapped teams to purge older starting caliber O-line guys and plenty of Glazier cap cash to spend. I remain optimistic…we still have MG8 so we still have hope
May 16th, 2014 at 8:09 am
What makes you think he is on the block? I’m only asking because I can’t imagine they would let him go great video, thanks.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:14 am
@Chef Paul
Gotta have respect for a guy that goes from the scrap heap, to being an All-Pro. The self proclaim set down comedian-Would be a welcomed addition to our locker room. If we’re really serious about making a playoff run-Grab the guy and plug in him at left guard and… lets go.
Side note: He would give Tedford a nice look into Chip Kelly’s offense as well
May 16th, 2014 at 8:15 am
Everyone is on the. Block for the right price. It may be insanely high but there is a price.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:17 am
So brutally honest it makes me laugh… I think we need to be keeping an eye on the teams who drafted a lineman in the 1st and 2nd rounds(Tenn Stl Hou Cle Bill Colts Sea Dal) aside from teams that had a horrible line then it would probably be useless(Atl Mia)… Man it would be nice to have a player that could play either Guard position or Center that wasn’t complete trash like Cousins… Hmmm wait I think we had one but decided to trade him for a pick next year(which we traded away in this past draft I think?) smh
Wharton is the “best” available since we all know Davin isn’t an option.. But of course he is leaning toward retiring…
May 16th, 2014 at 8:19 am
@stanglassman
-Source:Geoff Mosher on Twitter
Eagles LG Evan Mathis will participate in this week’s voluntary OTAs.
Mathis created a stir when he asked for a raise prior to the Combine. The Eagles responded by allowing their All-Pro to seek a trade, reportedly asking for a third-round pick in return. The buzz died down from there, and Mathis likely understands he has very little leverage at this point. He’s going to have to play out the five-year, $25 million contract he signed in March of 2012.
-Source: CBS’ Jason La Canfora, the Eagles are seeking a third-round pick for LG Evan Mathis. Prior to the Combine, Mathis’ reps went to the Eagles and asked for a new contract. The organization instead suggested they explore the trade market. Mathis has been among the game’s best guards for three straight years, but isn’t a scheme fit everywhere due to his size and will turn 33 in November. If the Eagles do end up finding a trade partner, they’d likely plug in Allen Barbre at left guard.
-Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
The Eagles have placed LG Evan Mathis on the trade block.
The story has been reported by both NFL Network and the Philly Inquirer. Both outlets report Mathis wants a raise on his scheduled $5 million salary. Mathis was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2013 and has been one of the best guards in football the past three seasons. Mathis saw LT Jason Peters and C Jason Kelce get extensions earlier this offseason, and apparently felt snubbed when his contract wasn’t addressed. Mathis is entering his age-33 season.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:19 am
Once again, too many holes to fill this year. We need another draft and off season to fix the problems.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:22 am
Mathis only wants to be traded because he wants a raise and he already has a cap hit of $6 million going into this season.. I’m guessing he wants to be paid annually around $8.. And he is 32.. Wouldn’t be value or ideal at all
May 16th, 2014 at 8:22 am
Plus the Eagles are bring in Free Agents at his position
Free agent OG Daryn Colledge will visit the Eagles on Tuesday.
Now that the draft has come and gone, veteran free agents should start getting more play. Colledge was released by the Cardinals in March and has paid visits to the Rams and Raiders. The Eagles didn’t draft a single offensive lineman over the weekend. Colledge has experience at all five positions.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:22 am
Brandon- I was watching the draft with a friend from LA/Oakland and I kept telling him those were the 3 guys I wanted for the Bucs and the Raiders stole all our picks.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:23 am
*bringing
May 16th, 2014 at 8:23 am
I have faith in Lovie!!!
May 16th, 2014 at 8:23 am
@Phillip
He Just wants more guaranteed money
May 16th, 2014 at 8:29 am
Lovie & Licht havent overpaid for talent yet, I’m sure they can come to an agreement that’s suitable for all parties. We grab this guy-Hands down we’re ready
May 16th, 2014 at 8:34 am
@LMB
Ya but 3 years left(that’s including the 2014 season) on his contract that would put him at 35 with a remaining maximum money he could get from the Eagles around 17-20 million(if he hits incentives and what not) we would have to guarantee most of that money(11-13) to convince him to come here and part with a 3rd/4th round pick… They won’t release him(3 million cap hit) either… Not sure that’s value..
May 16th, 2014 at 8:35 am
Meant to post this with my last post… Evan’s current contract and what not.
http://www.overthecap.com/cap.php?Name=Evan%20Mathis&Position=G&Team=Eagles
May 16th, 2014 at 8:36 am
Interesting LUVMY. I’m with you on the fact that if they were serious about making a playoff run this guy is someone you go get not Cousins.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:40 am
@Phillip
Depends how you restructure the contract
May 16th, 2014 at 8:45 am
I’m sorry but I’m not trading a 1-5 round pick for ANY position(outside of a young QB) especially not an older OG unless I think I can win it ALL THIS YEAR.. Which I know what Licht said yesterday that is their goal… But lets be real we AREN’T winning it this year(not pessimistic just being a realist).. We aren’t beating the Sea SF NO NE DEN of the worlds… YET.
If we truly want to model ourselves after the Sea SF and NE then we need to STOCKPILE draft picks(then use them for trades during the draft) not burn one of the 7 we currently have for next season..
May 16th, 2014 at 8:45 am
@stanglassman
Josh McCown, Vincent Jackson & Dashon Goldson aren’t getting any younger-If we’re serious about making a run; the time is now. brotha
May 16th, 2014 at 8:48 am
Glennon’s fault …
May 16th, 2014 at 8:51 am
@Phillip
Don’t get me wrong I understand your thinking-Right now San Fran(NaVorro Bowman), St Louis (Bradford) & Carolina(Cam+Lack of WR depth) are wounded. Most Likely Seattle will have a Super Bowl hangover-Before they reload we can jump into the mix.
May 16th, 2014 at 8:57 am
@LMB
You wouldn’t be able to really do anything with restructuring his current deal to make him happy.. You gonna push his 2014 into a signing bonus and then do it again in 2015? He would have a monsterous cap hit in 2016… Idk if you can just fully guarantee his salary for 2014 and 2015 without pushing cap hits into the future?
Regardless like I said I wouldn’t do it unless it was for a 6th or 7th round pick… As much as want to be in win now mode.. We need to start collecting picks for the future so we aren’t in predicaments like this.. I mean look at all the talent Sea and SF lose every year and all it is to them is seriously next man up and don’t miss a beat it’s CRAZY
May 16th, 2014 at 8:59 am
@Phillip
I responded to you just haven’t popped up yet
May 16th, 2014 at 9:01 am
On Feb 14, the Bucs signed TE Steve Maneri. On May 12, the Bucs released TE Steve Maneri. We trusted Lovie and Licht to conduct our draft. Draft grades have been anywhere from B to A-. Gotta trust our coaches. They appear at ease to add people and I’ve noticed no hesitancy to cut people. For me, I’m going to trust our coaches!
May 16th, 2014 at 9:04 am
Losing Navorro Bowman, and the distraction w/ all the players off field issues-Front office & Head Coach issues will set San Fran Back. And Now that every bodies got paid, will be interesting to watch how Seattle handles everything.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:05 am
@Macabee
Trust me I do..Just throwing a thought out
May 16th, 2014 at 9:10 am
Seattle will be interesting. Now that Sherman got paid, what is going to happen when Wilson’s contract comes up? I’m sure he will want a lot more than the third round pay he is getting now.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:18 am
LUV,
I understand. Not responding to anybody’s comment, just voicing my opinion in general on the subject.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:27 am
This is why it is best not to let public opinion run teams. The public was in favor of bringing in Revis and his bloated contract (that was MORE than his fair market value-apparently) in exchange for a 1st and what was thought to be a 3rd round pick. Trades like that set teams back.
You don’t just go around trading for every Tom, Darrelle, and Evan everytime one of them is available. Mathis is a very good guard. He gets paid like it, too. Giving the Eagles anything more than a 7th round pick in compensation for the right to pay Mathis’ contract is a bad deal. Just like the Revis deal, only on a smaller scale.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:30 am
I’m with Phillip. Even if we are in win now mode, we aren’t in win now so sacrifice the future mode. If we don’t win the Super Bowl this year, it won’t be because we didn’t have Evan Mathis.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:39 am
We’re not signing anybody cut from the Panthers. They had two starters retire from their OLine and only drafted one to replace them. They’ll be in the same boat as us.
I trust Licht and Lovie (until they give me a reason not to) but you know who would look pretty nice lining up at RG right now? Jeremy Zuttah. And the pick we received (Baltimore 5th rounder 2015) was given away to move up into the 5th round this year for Pamphile. I hope he develops.
May 16th, 2014 at 9:43 am
@Brandon-Point taken
GM Jason Licht: We’re Going For It All
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht breaks down the draft class and emphasizes the team’s goal to win it all this year.
http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/GM-Jason-Licht-Were-Going-For-It-All/0eb8e7ca-8263-4145-bdf4-2a2c481089bb
May 16th, 2014 at 9:51 am
Still saying- former all pro Ritchie Incognito.
Great guard, plays with a mean streak. Will weed out any sissies on the team( lol)- can be had for league minimum.
Let’s do it. I don’t care if he makes some guys cry, as long as he keeps McCown upright!
May 16th, 2014 at 10:00 am
@ Davie Jones,
I agree about Incognito. I’d like us to structure his contract in a way that if he gets out of hand, we can just dump him with out a cap hit next year. It’s worth a shot if we can pull that off. His next team could very well be his last chance, if he hasn’t had that already. So if we cut him, his contract might not get picked up by anyone else.
May 16th, 2014 at 10:17 am
Incognito????
What exactly is it about Lovie that makes you think he would bring that scumbag into his locker room? This is a coach who ran off a player for having a mattress in the front yard! This Incognito runs around beating up cars with a baseball bat and sends racist texts to his teammates.
Yeah, he’s right up Lovie’s alley.
Think people. smh
May 16th, 2014 at 10:55 am
So after 8 articles a week for two months of Johnny, now you are going to start worrying about who is “right up Lovie’s ally”?
May 16th, 2014 at 11:50 am
Incognito? Lol. No way he is coming to Tampa. I agree we need a RG, we shall wait and see. I do have high hopes for the rookie G, but I’d like to see us bring in a FA too. To bad McCoy can’t be there to smack these young lineman around at rookie camp to test them out.
May 16th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
“So after 8 articles a week for two months of Johnny”
Chef Paul… stop lying. It was much more than that.
May 16th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
DO NOT TRADE!
Look, I’ve been saying the things Steve has for a while now. But the draft is over. The Bucs SHOULD NOT give up more picks for a trade. They shouldn’t trade away the players that would equal the value either.
What is done is done. Sign some undrafted guys and see if any pan out this year. Draft a guy next year if needed.
As to the Oline help we got in later rounds, well, truthfully most olinemen ARE found in later rounds. Nicks was a late round pick.
Robinson and Matthews may be considered good investments, but that still remains to be seen. Lovie drafted two linemen in the first round during his time with the bears and both were busts.
Oline play will likely be rough this year, but did we really expect the whole offense to be completed in one off season?
May 16th, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Chef Paul Says
“So after 8 articles a week for two months of Johnny, now you are going to start worrying about who is “right up Lovie’s ally”?
You know, I find it ironic that you anti-Johnny people are complaining even AFTER you got your way. If I were Joe I would make Johnny Football a regular news item here, just to put you in your place.
May 16th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Joe Says
“Incognito????
What exactly is it about Lovie that makes you think he would bring that scumbag into his locker room?”
I don’t think that is all that fair. The guy did nothing that Warren Sapp didn’t do on a regular basis as a Buccaneer.
May 16th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Bonzai,
I have never, not one time, complained about the Johnny articles. In fact I even posted a few times, that I kind’ve wanted us to draft him. I was just pointing out something ironic like you did just did. Except my ironic post actually made sense.
May 18th, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Can someone tell me what White did that makes him such a good annalists of the game. I understand he played but not all players know everything…