Bucs Sign Major Wright, Cut Louis Murphy & More
November 29th, 2016
Gone
Hunting a playoff berth, general manager Jason Licht was roster shuffling today.
The Bucs cut injured wide receiver Louis Murphy, whose November 2015 ACL surgery comeback was marred by a setback last month.
Running back Mike James also got the boot. With Jacquizz Rodgers now ready to roll, and Charles Sims absolutely returning next week, James became expendable. Sad times at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters. Joe is a big James fan.
With Chris Conte banged up against the Seahawks– official injury update Wednesday afternoon — the Bucs signed safety Major Wright, who was here under the Lovie Smith regime and hung around for most of training camp this season before heading home to his couch.
Wright stunned everyone early in training camp with his ludicrous head shot on teammate Brandon Myers.
Joe sees Wright as purely an emergency signing, a veteran familiar with the defense and one the team can trust in the locker room.
November 29th, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Louis Murphy was a waste of a roster spot anyway…but I wonder if another signing is coming?
November 29th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Lamenting the thought of Chris Conte not being able to play for us this weekend. Bucs fans better love themselves some irony.
Hope Conte can end up going, I think Tandy is a liability.
November 29th, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Hope Conte injury is nothing serious. He has been playing well and this defense can’t take a set back like that right now. N
November 29th, 2016 at 4:51 pm
Same song and dance for James… he will soon be on the practice squad, again.
November 29th, 2016 at 4:57 pm
Did Louis Murphy count against the 53 man roster?
November 29th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
No.. Murphy did not count against the 53. If Tandy was better he would be starting. However calling him a Liability is a reach. He’s made plays starting before. If Tandy is a “Liability” then what is Conte?
November 29th, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Hate to see Murph go (good guy and a good team player from all accounts), but it’s obvious he wasn’t going to make it back this season. Understandable that Bucs re-signed Wright since he knows the scheme & players, but still, hope that Chris Conte can play Sunday. Got turned off to Wright after his head-shot to Brandon Myers … just plain dumb. One thing that’s becoming clearer in recent weeks is who are the hard-core Bucs who’ll be around for awhile, as well as which positions need to be upgraded in the off-season. Many of our non-starters have gotten quite a bit of playing time this year and improved significantly.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:30 pm
@Joe,
Wasn’t Louis Murphy on the IR? What do the Bucs have to gain by cutting him now?
November 29th, 2016 at 5:32 pm
The short answer RO is Conte is better. It may seem “unfortunate” to some , but it’s the cold hard truth.
Yea Murph had some moments! But the best ‘ability’ is AVAILABILITY!
James is just odd man out.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Tmax
Do you remember the commenters that we’re arguing with you about Murphy earlier in the year? Yea you stupid and ignorant and don’t know nothing about football. Lololololololol
As for the safety position there is no reason why Tandy shouldn’t start. McDougle has improved tremendously, I’d give him most improved on the team. I think he and Tandy will do great together.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:37 pm
So what did they gain by cutting Murphy was it strictly a financial move?
November 29th, 2016 at 5:38 pm
PUP list. Needed to open up a roster spot.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:44 pm
Peyton Barber is coming into this own as a good back-up…and who cannot like the name “Peyton Barber?” That’s like a two-for-one. I am concerned about Sims, as before he went down he was having real trouble between the tackles, and never understood why he pumps his feet looking for a hole. That wastes energy and time if a hole does open. Martin, Rodgers, and Barber is an awesome set of backs. Sheppard and Shorts are doing fine in the other position, and of course there is Humphries and Evans. I hope Conte is back soon, if not out at all. However, in his place would start Tandy, not Wright…my hunch. After all, Tandy beat him out initially, and has been here all year. Bucs got to keep the fire–get to SD and get a win!
November 29th, 2016 at 5:45 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
November 29th, 2016 at 1:33 pm
For the JBF posters who constantly berate GMC:
I don’t call posters names but their comments are:
Ignorant, uninformed, baseless, absurd, silly, stupid, mindless, unintelligent, imbecilic, dull-witted, foolish, slow, simple-minded, preposterous, ridiculous, farcical, hair-brained, moronic, cockamamie, ludicrous,
AND LAUGHINGLY OBTUSE!!!
………………..Sorry but this post is the post of the Decade for this Site IMO. LOL way to make it simple TBBF
November 29th, 2016 at 5:45 pm
R.O.
Tandy is undersized and doesn’t really have much speed advantage vs Conte. And as we’ve seen, Conte is playing much better in our scheme lately, so yes I think Tandy could be a liability if he has to start. He’s had opportunities to become a starter over the years and has yet to seize that role except when injuries have happened.
I imagine Rivers would look to exploit that matchup early and often.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:00 pm
I know this is water under the bridge, but I had a chance to rewatch the game and that hands to the face penalty was a seriously bad call. The oline blocked perfectly. It looks like it was a case of the refs trying to give the game away to the hawks. just my 2 cents lol
November 29th, 2016 at 6:20 pm
SB
What’s up bro how them gators doing? Lol jk
I’ve been reading your posts lately you’ve been quite judgmental of others like their not positive enough, aren’t supporting the team and now making dumb silly statements etc.
It’s just kinda funny that its coming from a guy on his 6th screen name but I guess that’s none of my business though. Let me go somewhere with my simple-minded thoughts.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Agree w C-spann, at that point in the game that’s a no call, the replay I watched didn’t see any hands to face and if it was then it was way after Winston released the ball and a no call.
Took away Brate’s 6th and Winston’s 21st TD for no reason!
NFL refs should keep the flags in the pocket unless penalties are obvious
November 29th, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Hoping James gets a REAL shot somewhere, he deserves it.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
Ed- “NFL refs should keep the flags in the pocket unless penalties are obvious”
Could not agree with this more!
November 29th, 2016 at 6:48 pm
We didn’t start back winning til we got MJ back on the team, he is a glue guy
November 29th, 2016 at 6:50 pm
actually Murphy is probably healthy now and was most likely cut in the hope he clears waivers and can be resigned. Similar to what they did earlier this year with Dontae Dye
November 29th, 2016 at 7:07 pm
There is an admin here?
November 29th, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Here’s hoping that Conte is going to be able to make the start. Forget about the drivel you hear from some of the posters. Conte is way better than they think. Major Wright is serviceable but meh.
Anybody that hasn’t listened to VH3 being mic’d up is missing a treat. Do yourself a favor and listen to it. It’s hysterical.
November 29th, 2016 at 7:23 pm
LOL on my sixth screen name, is what you got DB?
I expected more from you man. I mean ‘For Real?’
November 29th, 2016 at 7:36 pm
@cmurda thanks, that video is ridiculously funny. VH3 goin hype as f@ck.
Question for my fellow Bucs fans:
Do you think we’re better off w/ Verner on the outside and VH3 in the slot?
November 29th, 2016 at 7:38 pm
@cmurda
That mic’ed up was the 2nd best if ever heard behind JJ Watt
November 29th, 2016 at 7:38 pm
WHERE DID ALL THE CHRIS CONTE HATERS GO! SOME OF THESE SO CALLED BUCS FANS ARE A FREAKING JOKE! CONTE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD PLAYER, HE HAS NEVER BEEN GREAT. HE IS PLAYING GREAT RIGHT NOW, THAT IS ALL. BUT HE IS NOT THE WORST DEFENSIVE BACK IN THE NFL LIKE EVERYONE HAS SAID SINCE WEEK ONE. LOL
November 29th, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Ground Control to Major Wrong
Ground Control to Major Wrong
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Wrong (ten, nine, eight, seven, six)
Commencing countdown, engines on (five, four, three)
Check ignition and may God’s love be with you (two, one, kickoff)
November 29th, 2016 at 7:45 pm
Fair question but to that I’ll say II haven’t seen anyone attept to exploit VH3
November 29th, 2016 at 7:47 pm
Like Chris Conte wasn’t getting toasted weekly the first half of the season. I love you posters that show up when a certain player starts playing well. Where were you guy so when that secondary was getting beat like a drum?
November 29th, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Joes- what did I do to get banned?
November 29th, 2016 at 7:50 pm
As for the Gators everybody with a pea sized or larger brain knew the Gators could not beat and would not beat Florida State. Alabama must be shaking in their boots. Blowout city.
November 29th, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Oh, hah it went through this time. Thought I got banned again for breaking unknown rules!
November 29th, 2016 at 8:10 pm
@nosbos,
He got beat on pretty bad by the Raiders. Matt Ryan went after him too but the whole defense was sloppy that game. Other than those games, I’d say he’s been pretty solid. He’s allowed completions but mostly just in front of him, no big plays.
Just wondering out loud if him in the slot + Verner + Grimes outside is a better combination that him on the outside + Hey Jude in the slot. I think Verner has played better the last 2 games than the rest of his career in Tampa, but probably too small of a sample size.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:24 pm
James had multiple times to create a spot for him. Barber and Quiz are flat out better runners than James.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:34 pm
I’ll bet a giant tin of Abe’s wings James will eventually be back.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Mike James will be back..he’s a damn good player, pulls through when needed..he’ll either find a team that can appreciate him or will be back with the Bucs..
All of you that criticised me and my love for Conte..eat crow, among other things..I told you all back in april that he will be a good player!!! Just wait and see..I said it many times..
We got Wright back, but I am sure he’ll be a backup..and for whoever said Tany was a liability..you haven’t seen him play..
Go Bucs..all my predictions are coming through..one by one..
November 29th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
SB with Jameis Says
“…on my sixth screen name…”
That right there is a sure sign of behavior issues…or unable to pick a name and stay with it.
I’ve had two names here. This is actually my first, but I left it alone to use my real name for a long while. Came back to this because I got in trouble 😉
But been using this one again for years.
I’m not one to change names with whichever the wind blows.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
Maybe James will get picked up by another team? I hope so. I mean, I have nothing against him, but its got to be frustrating for him living like this.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
Buccfan37 Says:
November 29th, 2016 at 7:50 pm
As for the Gators everybody with a pea sized or larger brain knew the Gators could not beat and would not beat Florida State. Alabama must be shaking in their boots. Blowout city.
……………FSU lost to Louisville 63 to 20 right? Well Kentucky beat Louisville IN Louisville and we beat Kentucky 45 to 7…
So what do You really know 37?
November 29th, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
November 29th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
SB with Jameis Says
“…on my sixth screen name…”
That right there is a sure sign of behavior issues…or unable to pick a name and stay with it.
I’ve had two names here. This is actually my first, but I left it alone to use my real name for a long while. Came back to this because I got in trouble 😉
But been using this one again for years.
I’m not one to change names with whichever the wind blows.
…………………..
Et tu Bonzai?
November 29th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Anyone who has been here for 6 years knows who I am. Joe won’t let me have my name back. It can’t even be muttered around here. Kinda like Voldermort on Harry Potter.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:50 pm
On a more Bucs related note it really sux to not have Conte when Barimah is out. Whoda thunk one would miss Conte a few weeks ago
November 29th, 2016 at 8:55 pm
That’s what I was saying. Irony man.
@Life, I’ve seen Tandy play since the Schiano days, just haven’t seen much from him, and he’s very undersized. Hopfeully Conte plays, and if not- hopefully Tandy proves me wrong!
November 29th, 2016 at 8:59 pm
Thanks Cmurda, That was awesome.
November 29th, 2016 at 9:15 pm
@dicount08
I am one that was calling that the whole safety roster was going to get blown up and the end of the year. I will admit I was wrong on that!!! But I would not mind 1 higher draft pick to upgrade that position, but the remaining squad seems to have earned a shot for next year!!!!!!!
SB with Jameis Says:
November 29th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Anyone who has been here for 6 years knows who I am
I don’t know you now ” sponge bath with jameis “!!!!!!!!!!
November 29th, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Lol, you my boy SB. Lol
November 29th, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Love to see Mike James Get 25 carries with a team, I will say it again and I’ve said it plenty of times before ; Mike James is by far the best third and one back on the roster and a good short yardage back is real real real important. I don’t think the teams 3 rd and 1 conversion rate is very good and Martin is the worst by far , nobody in their right mind counts on him on a third and 1 and that includes second and third and goal from inside the two.His big play running style just doesn’t work well…………… Look around the league and I am sure the worst teams don’t have a good third and one back, I believe tHe Bucs are prob better with a third and 4 than a third and one and that’s on Koetter not knowing his talent. Love allot of what Koetter has done but he is a mess with third and a yard.
November 29th, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Realist….. sponge bath with jameis…. lmfao!
SB…maybe you need to get into whittling or something up in them there mountains. 6 names? Oh yah how come FSU and Jimbo continue to dominate the Gators? Dominate tubby Musgrave and now this young Jimmy Carter looking dude. Still one of my favorite late night reads is coming to JBF. Watching mostly you close down and shut the lights off for Joe for the night.
I say as far as the Chargers go? Let the young kid (JW) take us where we want to go and don’t doubt anymore. This team is electric(right now) on both sides of the ball. The O just shoots itself in the foot with stupid penalties and shyte.
I won’t be making ANY predictions the rest of the season when it pertains to our beloved Bucs. Other Div foes that’s a diff story. Then again 2 against New Orleans. ALL BETS ARE OFF. No more predictions. This team is TOO unpredictable right now. Plus I don’t want to jinx a damn thing and just watch it play out for it is.
November 29th, 2016 at 10:00 pm
@The Buc Realist … “I am one that was calling that the whole safety roster was going to get blown up and the end of the year. I will admit I was wrong on that!!!” Actually Realist, I don’t think you were wrong at all. Bucs need a MLB, at least 1 CB (preferably tall & fast with great cover skills), and at least 1 Safety (fast with great cover skills would be nice). The only team we’ve defeated that wasn’t beaten up was Atlanta in Game 1. Our defense is playing MUCH better than it was earlier obviously, but we still lack depth at multiple positions. We also need to upgrade our LB’s and secondary if we’re going to compete with healthy, elite teams. I expect the MLB to be the leading tackler in this defensive scheme, but when BOTH safeties are your #2 & #3 tacklers then something’s wrong.
November 29th, 2016 at 10:08 pm
I thought this was a pro football site… All this banter about what college is better or what college our Bucs played for… Its ridiculous! It reminds me of the high school reunion conversation at the open bar talking about how great they remember themselves to be! Lets leave that stuff and memories in college! They are grown ass men playing professional football for our team! I feel like Allen Iverson… ” Are we talking about practice?”
November 29th, 2016 at 10:14 pm
R.O. Says:
November 29th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
No.. Murphy did not count against the 53. If Tandy was better he would be starting. However calling him a Liability is a reach. He’s made plays starting before. If Tandy is a “Liability” then what is Conte?
Less of a liability.
November 29th, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Thanks DB. I always thought we were bros. Brothers fight. That’s just what it is. Then we come together when it counts.
@Realist: Then you don’t pay much attention.
And to 87….Are you trying to expose me again? I mean WTF man. I have Never been disrespectful to you. I am disappointed man. Bucs doing good and you guys attacking me for having ONE name before I was banned. Smh
November 29th, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Conte has not been playing well, he’s just been less bad lately – for every good play he makes, he makes 2 bad ones. The sad part is that he’s the best the team has at safety. The 4th round project from the draft this year was always seen as a project that wasn’t going to start anytime soon – and frankly there just wasn’t a lot of depth out there to sign anyone as a FA. But, if the d-line can keep up it’s play, then it shouldn’t be an issue. Tandy has mostly been OK when he’s been given the chance to play, so in my mind it’s not much of a step down, if there is any step down. Tandy for some reason has always played the Saints well and doesn’t seem to stand out, good or bad, elsewhere – and we have the Saints coming up twice. So…
November 29th, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Unrelated to topic, but…
According to Statspass, McCoy leads all NFL defensive tackles in sacks since the start of the 2013 campaign.
Most Sacks, NFL Defensive Tackles, 2013-16
Player
Team(s)
Sacks
1. Gerald McCoy
Buccaneers
32.5
2. Aaron Donald
Rams
26
3. Jurrell Casey
Titans
25.5
4. Ndamukong Suh
Lions/Dolphins
25
5. Geno Atkins
Bengals
24.5
Feel free to share with the GMC hater crowd
November 29th, 2016 at 10:46 pm
SB, it’s ok. Your name changes on here are the ” not so secret” secret on JBF! Lol! On a different note, I really hope we can keep up our momentum against the Chargers. This is the first game that I’ve expected to win in along time. If we do slip up down the stretch, I still look at it as a steppingstone for a playoff berth next season.
November 29th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
I’m pretty sure pup list doesn’t count against the 53. Not sure why he would be cut to help that situation. Unless, like one poster mentioned, they are cutting him and going to re-sign him after he clears waiver so that he can join the team again. It’s the only reasonable explanation I could think of.
November 29th, 2016 at 11:01 pm
Our Safety’s haven’t been good. With that being said, they HAVE looked pretty good when our pass rush was good. I still think that they need to be upgraded, but I don’t think they are as bad as we thought they were.
November 29th, 2016 at 11:06 pm
cmurda, I wouldn’t say that just because he isn’t starting, that he I isn’t better. Players come out of nowhere all of the time if they get a chance. A lot of it is just familiarity with the coaching staff. Coaches will bring in players they know and not give a chance to a young player, who may not know their system, but can get the job done. Hidden jems.
November 29th, 2016 at 11:09 pm
smart move on Murphy since if he clears waivers we can resign him back to the active roster & I doubt any teams will sign him. He would not have been available since we are using our 1 IR return on Simms.
November 29th, 2016 at 11:35 pm
Eirc I don’t think we can beat the Chargers solely because I don’t remember what it was like to expect 4 in a Row!!!
November 30th, 2016 at 12:32 am
This just in.tampa 2016 Superbowl champs. does anyone remember the young Eli team that sucked and then came into their own and won it all
November 30th, 2016 at 12:45 am
Conte may not be the best safety in the NFL, but the guy would leave his guts on the field for a win.
November 30th, 2016 at 12:45 am
@cmurda thanks that miked up with hargraves funny as hell.