Tampa Bay Now A Destination?

January 24th, 2017
"Hey, free agents, look at what you are missing in Tampa Bay."

“Hey, free agents, look at what you are missing.”

Interesting Bucs chatter Sunday night between long-time Bucs beat writer Woody Cummings and dangerous Dan Lucas on “Super Sports Sunday,” seen on WFLA-TV Channel 8.

(Unlike “Bucs Bonus,” “Super Sports Sunday” was actually broadcast before midnight.)

The subject was future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson, 31, who might get cut by the Vikings because he’s due $18 million in 2017. Peterson said recently that the Bucs were one of three teams he wanted to play for.

Later this week, Joe will debate the merits of Peterson coming to the Bucs — or not — but for the time being, let’s pretend Peterson actually meant what he said and it wasn’t a leverage stunt concocted by his agent.

Cummings noted the fact Peterson has the Bucs on his radar suggests Peterson believes Tampa Bay is an up-and-coming team braced for a deep playoff run.

Joe will take this a step further. If Peterson honestly believes this, then so do players who are scheduled to become free agents in the coming months.

Throw in the fact Florida has no state income tax (compared to 13 percent in California), Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht should be flashing wads of Team Glazer loot when the free agency dinner bell rings on March 9, and offensive players would play with America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay very well could be a destination for talented players this spring.

62 Responses to “Tampa Bay Now A Destination?”

  1. Rob Says:

    Nicely wrote

  2. Buc1987 Says:

    But Ira said….

  3. Tampa Tony Says:

    @87- exactly do you believe “Tampa Bay’s only HOF voter” or the guys who were pinning for Manziel over Carr and calling Vic Beasley a bust after one season…

    The Joes are entertaining but their analysis is too off to be taken too seriously

  4. Guzzie Says:

    Guess we will find out when free agency starts, we go the first week without any significant upgrades, then we can pretty much guarantee another CFL season, what we did last offseason was ridiculous, only reason Grimes had a decent season was VH3 was abused on the other side, did Darryl Smith even play, Ayers was ok but his mouth was more dominant than his play, draft sucked, VH3 got destroyed, Spence can play the run, worst kicker in the league, a safety (Smith) can’t beat out 2 UDFA (Tandy Mcdougal), resigned a druggie old RB, relied on a $12 million injury prone WR, signed a broken guard, you can’t make the crap up

  5. Joeypoppems Says:

    It does make sense to believe that other free agents might think the same way AP does (as mentioned in the article, if he meant it) but lets be honest. Cash is king….

  6. Guzzie Says:

    Spence can’t play the run I meant

  7. Pickgrin Says:

    The weather and lack of state tax and natural grass home field advantages are always there. But now that the Bucs are obviously on the rise, and Jameis Winston is our head recruiter in certain cases – Licht will be fielding calls from agents instead of getting hung up on repeatedly in the past when inquiring about the availability of top free agents.

  8. ndog Says:

    Wow Guzzie I didn’t know that rookies walk into the league and were all world year 1. Thanks for letting us know and that means like 95% of the entire NFL draft last year was garbage.

  9. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    TampaTony

    I do not trust the Joe’s or IRA more than one another…I trust them equally. There are a half dozen posters here I trust as well as those two.

    This is NOT a slam at the Joe’s or IRA it’s simply a fact. We are ALL throwing darts up against the board.

    I think the Joe’s score as frequently as IRA. More importantly they stick their necks at more than IRA. But they ALWAYS say when they’re simply speculating or throwing stuff up against the wall to see if it stick. And in fact that’s what ALL of us are doing including Licht and Koetter.

    It’s normal in life to respect folks opinions based on past performance and credentials. Licht and Koetter have the best credentials in this discussion. The fact that IRA has done it long enough and was in the right place to get selected as a HOF voter demands he receive his props. I respect that. But he does not walk across the water on Tampa Bay.

    Everybody gets to choose. I respect IRA…I respect the Joes’…there are plenty in the media I do not but I shall stick to the positive. In addition to the Joes and IRA I respect at minimum a dozen posters here who possess great critical thinking skills and back up their positions with some facts…maybe even a few more…there are too many to ID but many of you know who you are.

    The primary advantage the Joes and IRA have over us is access…we’re not in the locker room…we don’t have long time relationships with coaches and GM’s.
    So they definitely have access to more facts than us….but once those facts are laid out it’s up to each of us to assess what we believe should take place.

  10. Bucsfanman Says:

    Alright Guzzie, put the coffee down and take 2 steps backward! I can’t really argue your points because they’re not that far off. What made matters worse was the fact that we had no depth.
    It will be interesting to see what happens come March.

  11. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    I think everybody saw this coming when we drafted #3.

    Having a franchise QB makes us instantly more attractive. This is also the 4th year for Licht…3rd for Koetter and 2nd for Smitty. The organization is also finally getting some stability and we have a clear direction heading forward.

    Stability is always attractive to anybody in any job search not just the NFL.

  12. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Tandy and Mgdougal both had solid seasons. Remember it was Mcdougal that made a great play to pick off Russell Wilson and stop the Panthers 2 point conversion to to win the game.

    I don’t expect Ryan Smith to be around much longer unless he can be successfully at corner. Which is more likely for him.

  13. Tbbucs3 Says:

    With our frequent 2 high looks, we can settle with good not great safety play for now. Making it not a priority in the off season. We have to move the ball, to do that Adam Humphires can’t be the #2 option.

  14. Guzzie Says:

    Just want everyone to know that’s it’s not all rainbows and puppy dogs, the Bucs got 9-7 and didn’t improve the 6-10 team very much, mostly from the coaching upgrade (wasn’t a hard decision) I’ve got high hopes for VH3 and Noah, not so much 19, they are both hard working, but my point is the same problems we had going into last offseason, are the exact same problems going into this offseason, how is that possible??? Takes time sure, but at least fix 1 problem, coaching got fixed, but any idiot could figure that out,so when free agency opens please fix 1 thing, anything really, our faith in Licht is blinded by JWs and Dirk honeymoon period, he’s really been bad if you tally it all up, he gets a pass for LOVIE, so hopefully he turns it around this offseason

  15. Guzzie Says:

    Lichts best pick is Marpet, Kwon was Lovies pick a fast undersized MLB is a LOVIE LB, Donovan has regressed but is a solid 2nd rounder, Pamphile as a 5th is solid, but where is the skilled talent, Evans and Winston are top ten picks, they are supposed to be cornerstone picks, but no doubt OBJ (3 picks later) is a better WR, anyone drafted after the 4th is a crapshoot so can’t hate on Licht for those guys, VH3 and Spence are too early to judge

  16. Buc Fresh Says:

    I think we need to spend money but use it just like we did last year. In Jason I truly believe in

  17. duthsty rhothdes Says:

    Guzzie you are right on point w lichts personnel moves, VH3 may be good but he cant cover julio benjamin olsen or michael thomas soo why waste a high pick on an average corner, not much faith in licht kool aid building a winner with his “sneaky moves” best move he did if he did was fire lovie

  18. Lord Cornelius Says:

    ” but my point is the same problems we had going into last offseason, are the exact same problems going into this offseason, how is that possible??

    lol wtf dude? We were one of the worst defenses in the league in 2015; and finished terribly while not beating a single playoff opponent. Compared to 3 wins against playoff squads and finishing with one of the best defenses in the league over the 2nd half of the year. That alone is a HUGE difference between off seasons. Not to mention we had a top 5 easy schedule in 2015 vs a top 5 hardest schedule in 2016.

    After 2015 we were desperate for CB and a DE. Well we aren’t that desperate for those positions now. If we bring back Verner for cheap we can probably ignore CB completely if we wanted this offseason. Our DE group isn’t too shabby either with AYers/Spence/Jack SMith/ Gholston if re-signed. We could sure add to it like any position but they aren’t desperate needs like they were in 2015

  19. NS Says:

    @duthsty rhothdes. What do expect from a rookie? give the kid a chance. VH3 played well this year, and has a lot of upside. I don’t know many rookies that can step in and cover the best in their first year. Get real, man.

  20. Brandon Says:

    Rob Says:
    January 24th, 2017 at 10:24 am
    Nicely wrote
    —————–

    It’s “written” LOL

  21. Guzzie Says:

    Lord Cornelius….I pointed out that changing the coaching was an obvious move, that’s the reason the defense improved anyways I’m done bellyaching, last year is over, Go Bucs, get us some weapons Mr Licht, solidify the trenches, get a real kicker, and build the depth, thanks

  22. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    Some of the talk about VHG is borderline humorous. Some wisely recognize he was a rookie and played well and even got league recognition for a rookie.

    He’ll be even better next year.

    But stop already with he couldn’t cover……(fill in the blank)

    There is NO CB in this league who can cover JJ…Amari Cooper…ME…Antonio Brown…I could go on but you get my point.

    As some wise coach once said…hey they pay the other guys too.

    Setting absurdly impossible standards leads to bad player evaluations. Let’s see who was targeted and how many defenses they had.

    Richard Sherman nor Patrick Peterson can cover JJ and the best receivers. If they can get a draw they have won. VHG NOR any CB in this league is going stop these guys all the time. It’s totally unrealistic.

    Julio Jones has AVERAGED 15+ catches per game and well over 100 yards per game for the past four years. He’s a STUD.

    So how did the Buc fare against the best in the NFL?

    First game….targeted 8X 4 catches for 66 yards. A HUGE win for the Bucs secondary and oh btw we won that game.

    Second game…targeted 11X caught 8 of them for 111 yards. A win for JJ.
    Still below his normal number of catches but slighty above his average.

    Have you guys not heard? Sometimes you get the bear…somtimes the bear gets you.

  23. rayjay1122 Says:

    Opinions are like butt holes. Everyone has one and most of them stink. LOL Actually I respect Ira and Joes opinions as well as other posters on JBF and usually agree with everyone at least half the time….accept for the few who are doom and gloom negative Nancy 100% of the time.

    I think that Tampa is a more desirable place to play to free agents. As mentioned, we have no state income tax, a team on the rise with a genuine leader at QB. Yes Jameis could work on his accuracy but his leadership, work ethic, and desire to be a champion is off the charts. Also if the Falcons beat the Patriots, we will be in the division that gets 2 games against the Super Bowl champions as well as solid competition from the Saints and Panthers. We also play the Patriots next season, so that is 3 games against Super Bowl teams. That would attract me if I were a quality free agent. This is like college recruiting. Players are competitors and want to play for teams who are winners and play great competition. That is just my opinion and I hope it does not stink, I did shower after all. 😉

  24. KY Buc Fan Says:

    Some of you guys make me sick!!!! I come to read up on my favorite, no ‘only football’ team and instead all i see is negativity. Makes me not even want to read the comments anymore! SMMFH!!!

  25. Eric Says:

    @Guzzie

    There are so many holes in your logic.

    We do not have the same issues as last season. S, DE, CB, K, were all of our issues heading into 2016. RB, WR, K, S are our issues now. The holes were due to injuries and underperformance/issues (bell, asj, etc.) Oh and just in case you didn’t know, all the holes cannot be filled in one offseason. We made a valid attempt o fix K, DE, and DB and fixed two of the three.

    Your VH3 logic is so irrational I don’t even want to address that.

  26. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Buc1987 Says
    “But Ira said….”

    Considering Woody is one of the local guys who used to make up stories and credit “team sources”, I’ll go with Ira…who actually DOES have the inside scoop.

    On topic About Peterson…I don’t think he means it at all. It’s just negotiation strategy. Even so, when other Free Agents hear a guy like that mention Tampa, it could carry weight.

  27. Tony in Los Angeles Says:

    I still think Tampa only rates #2 of the three teams in Florida as far as desirability is concerned. Miami is always going to trump Tampa, pained as I may be to say it, for a young guy with lots of money and fame.

    Not to mention… Miami was a playoff team, has an exciting young coach, and some very solid talent at multiple positions on both sides of the ball (Tanny, Landry, Parker, Ajayi and a better offensive line than Tampa).

    So we should not get ahead of ourselves when citing Florida and state income tax and a young up and coming team as the big advantage.

    But Jameis could be the X factor as he seems to have a far more magnetic personality and reach than Tannehill. That’s where the main advantage lies for the Bucs on a national level and not just a Florida level.

  28. Poor Glennon Says:

    Or ummmm maybe he knows we have no running backs. We’ll overpay free agents like we always do. If we go crazy in free agency and it doesn’t work. We miss the playoffs. Those same free agents will kill our team in the years to come.

  29. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Eric Says
    “We do not have the same issues as last season. S, DE, CB, K, were all of our issues heading into 2016. RB, WR, K, S are our issues now.”

    Actually, I beg to differ. Not to be disagreeable, but going into last year we needed two DEs. We got two, but one was an average veteran with a good attitude (Ayers). We still need another stud if we want to see a real difference.

    I also do NOT agree that we need to draft a kicker. Bring in competition for Aguayo, but don’t waste a pick because Robert will still be our kicker when the season starts.

    I agree on the CB position. We’re set for at least another year.

    I see our needs as: DE, WR, RT, C, S

    If we successfully address those in the off season, either through free agency, trade or draft, then there is no way this team can’t compete to go all the way, barring injuries.

  30. GhostofSchiano Says:

    No state Income Tax, Summer-Spring weather 360 days, five days of winter each year, great beaches, fishing etc. What’s not to love? Glazer loot will be the hook.

  31. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    “I also do NOT agree that we need to draft a kicker.”

    Just realized you did not say “draft”.

  32. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    @GhostofSchiano

    Lightning capital, hurricanes every year, tornadoes and Trump supporters. It’s heaven!

  33. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Tony in Los Angeles Says
    “Miami is always going to trump Tampa…”

    And what made them so popular? A great QB.

    And now, we finally got one…though he still needs some developing.

  34. USFBUC Says:

    The Bucs as a destination for good FA is nice to hear. I hope its true. I think we still need a uniform change and a few more pieces to really be locked in as a sought after destination.

    Regarding AP I hear both sides arguments about him being All Pro HoFer vs washed up. I don’t think he is washed up and would likely be an upgrade over our existing RBs but I would rather go younger with a guy who can be part of our longer term future. Maybe a guy with some past playing time with Winston.

    Just did a draft sim and landed Cook with pick 19 and traded back into the first at 21 to land Howard.

  35. ndog Says:

    Bonzai how do you not have RB as a need for this team?

  36. Eric Says:

    @Bonzai

    Well let me clarify, DE is not a dire need. We could have Spence, Ayers, gholston and Jac back. At this point, we could still have a solid unit. It certainly isn’t as big of a need as last year and ARGUABLY not one at all.

    Kicker will be fine. It’s just a need at the moment. I have faith in Aguayo but we addressed that position of need already and unfortunately, we still need better output from him.

    My only point is Guzzie was for some crazy reason suggesting our offseason was not a good one last year. That is highly inaccurate as evidenced by the suggestion Grimes was only good cuz VH3 sucked. WHAT?!? He also said the draft sucked. WHAT?!?! The guy expects pro bowlers in year one and anyone who thinks vh3 had a bad ROOKIE season isn’t with the program. Spence is one of the best 2nd round picks we have picked up in a while besides Marpet.

  37. Eric Says:

    Of course it’s not all rainbows and whatever you said. We are aware of that LOL. We’re bucs fans, we’ve seen the bottom as it dropped out. Aguayo, Sweezy, the WR’s, etc I mean it’s evident.

    I hate the mentality that people jump on others for being optimistic. It’s been a while and it’s deserved. This is a great team. If we have the same or better offseason as last year (no matter what irrationality you think of it) we’re going to be better sooner than later. A contender in no time.

    Glass half empty people are going to become more rare for this team because no matter what you think, this management knows what they’re doing.

  38. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Tony if SPAWN receives the same medicine Beasly received this year he’ll have 15 sacks.

  39. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Also Tony in L.A. being one and done in the fashion in which Mia-yay yo was this season ain’t really saying much. A clause partner of mine is Dolphin, what most of the football world doesn’t know is they can’t stand Tannehill and Moore who they do like isn’t much an upgrade. Fameis levels the playing field now.

  40. Armando Says:

    Let Rachel talk to the free agents.

  41. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Other Tony I say that because that’s a huge second year jump in his total. He’s clearly thicker to me And I find it peculier Ziggy Ansah went from 15 to I think 0 this season. Telling if you ask me bro.

  42. tmaxcon Says:

    You people with the NO State Tax and Good Weather kill me… These free agents are NOT Senior Citizens shopping for their retirement destination and thinking logically. These are young, hip , rich kids who have been put on a pedestal for the most part; taxes and weather is not something on their priority list. agents and financial advisers worry about taxes not players. Florida weather is nice but I guarantee the night life, WINNING, earning potential off the field all trump weather and no taxes. LOL… I love Tampa. it will always be home but let’s not confuse ourselves there are far more attractive destinations for young rich kids. Unlike GMC winning is a priority for most players so hopefully Jameis and Kwon and lure some like minded guys to offset the previous soft mentally and weak leadership on defense.

  43. tmaxcon Says:

    Let’s put it more simply… Mon’s Venus is more of a draw than weather and NO State Taxes.

  44. LakeLandBuc Says:

    How many teams really want a used-up Adrian Peterson? His body has years and years of abuse and injuries. AP will sell his soul for a 1 year deal with Cleveland. He’s not a hot commodity, he’s a soon to be 32 year old has-been with a lot of mileage. He has over 2,500 carries in his NFL career,with 2 major knee surgeries during the past 3 seasons.

  45. LakeLandBuc Says:

    I wonder why Kevin Durant chose Golden State and California 13% state income tax over teams in states with no state income tax. It’s simple, he chose the team that he think will give him the best opportunity to win a championship.

  46. orlbucfan Says:

    Guzzie Says:
    January 24th, 2017 at 10:36 am
    —————————–
    According to this comment, Bucs finished 0-16, 1-15 or 4-12 if lucky this season. Really? They finished 9-7 with a 5-game (count ’em) win streak on the road against playoff caliber teams. Guzzie must nip some shine once in a while. AP is not coming here. V-Jax will return as a player/coach. I don’t watch college ball so no opinion there. Bucs will be in the playoffs next year. That’s in spite of a no-cupcake schedule. They also play in a never-been-a-cupcake division. This is a commercial site. I get that, but some of the comments are just stupid. I follow JBF on get information/be informed. Looking forward to this year.

  47. orlbucfan Says:

    USFBUC Says:
    January 24th, 2017 at 1:02 pm
    The Bucs as a destination for good FA is nice to hear. I hope its true. I think we still need a uniform change and a few more pieces to really be locked in as a sought after destination.
    —————————————
    This commenter is one of the reasons I lurk here. AMEN on the hideous uniforms. Wish Bucs would go back to the orange, white and red ones with Bucco Bruce. Definitely Florida colors.

  48. Eric Says:

    We’re still talking about the uniforms?

    We need to change them to become a sought after destination?

    SMH, this is one of the reasons I may not lurk here anymore.

  49. Phil Says:

    Do the Bucs have an indoor practice facility yet?

  50. tmaxcon Says:

    orlbucfan

    ma’am with all do respect please seek medical attention if you truly believe the bucs should waste a roster spot on a broken down has been like VJAX. player coach is garbage because he can’t play and he has never coached. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work ethic and production vjax brought to this team but that does not offset the fact he can not longer play. Keep doing great work with vetrans vajax but playing is out of the question. .

  51. Guzzie Says:

    I’m happy for the progress this team made defensively, and VH3 has a bright future, Spence on a bum shoulder showed tremendous potential, unfortunately resigning Drug Martin, relying on VJax, and signing Mankins replacement were gambles by Licht that just didn’t pan out…the logic for these moves were solid, but they ultimately were mistakes, those coupled with the kicker defined our season, and hopefully this offseason those mistakes can be rectified

  52. Eric Says:

    Guzzie

    See that post made a lot more sense and I agree with everything you said that time. However in the first post, you suggested Grimes was only good cuz Vh3 struggled. HIGHLY disagree. Also you had mentioned that last years offseason was not good. Mike Smith, Brent Grimes, Robert Ayers were all excellent additions. Noah Spence and Vh3 were also excellent picks in the draft. We cannot write off Aguayo, sweezy, or doug off yet. They could still very well rebound and play like we know they are capable of.

    The mistakes and the kicker did not define our season. We had a winning record for the first time since 2008. If those were all mistakes, then how did we get better? Hmmm…..

  53. Pickgrin Says:

    Eric Says:
    We’re still talking about the uniforms?

    Yes because they SUCK!!!! stupid Burger King looking, digital clock inspired UGLY ass uniforms. Glazers F’ed up BIG TIME on that call and our players have to suffer looking like clowns every week in those stupid, ugly uniforms until the owners admit their mistake and change to something better. So yea – we are still talking about the uniforms…..

  54. Pickgrin Says:

    Eric says:
    “I have faith in Aguayo but we addressed that position of need already and unfortunately, we still need better output from him.”

    That statement reminds me of our left Tackle situation….

  55. Stanglassman Says:

    When the buc players get work or have a game in Cal. or wherever they pay the local income tax. Therefore they pay no income tax for home games and any other non state income tax away games.

  56. USFBUC Says:

    @Eric yes the uniforms matter to some players so it matters to us.

    @Pickgrin lol at the Burger King comment I never thought of them that way but you are so right.

  57. cmurda Says:

    Stan,
    You are correct. Athletes are actually an exception to the rule. They have to pay not just local tax but state tax when playing in a state that has a state/local tax. As an accountant, I usually just shut my mouth when Joe and others say how it is an easy sell for FA’s to come to Florida. Actually, it’s not an easy sell. If the player is schooled, they would realize they actually save only a small portion by playing in a state that has no income tax. But, hey, the weather is great.

  58. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    Pickgrin….Agree completely about the unis. I think it’s the freaking “digital” numbers that bug me. We all have cells and computers. We see those ugly arse numbers enough.

    NosBos

    Tony if SPAWN receives the same medicine Beasly received this year he’ll have 15 sacks.

    So are you going to hook up SPAWN with your ‘roid guy? LMAO. I hear ya and agree. I lost all respect for Dan Dierdorf 20 or so years ago when he maintained NFL players do not do ‘roids. Right…and monkeys fly out my butt on occasion.

    I can live with the ‘roids as long as the players are smart enough to not get carried away and they hire druggists who know how to cover their trail.

    TonyinLA…well thought out post.

  59. Stpetebucsfan Says:

    As far as the 13% income tax…LakelandBuc makes a great point.

    It didn’t slow up Durant’s choice and Durant could have been GOD in OKC…that town has NOTHING going on but the Thunder! Their income tax maxes at 5.5%
    It’s the Thunder in the winter and the Sooners and that’s IT! But who wants to iive anywhere in freaking Oklahoma. Did a tour in the Army close by in Texas…that was close enough.

    And so a guy getting 10 million a year pays 1,300,000 in Cali. Sounds like a lot of money….but when you’re keeping 8,700,000 it’s bearable and when you’ve made that kind of dough for five years or so you have to be a cretin to not be wealthy. And hey if you lose it all you just come up with a tax write off a billion or so like President PT Barnum and it’s all good!

  60. gulfcoast Says:

    Mindless thoughts: did Guzzie sober up as the day went on? Is the one or two of y’all still forcing the SPAWN nickname? Is Eric the only poster that makes sense? Go Bucs. Looking forward to Lichts draft. Soon folks.. Stay tuned.

  61. Eric Says:

    You know what your concern of the unis reminds me of (please excuse me from being political), trump. We have them, its over with, it’s time to focus on things that are more important and rally behind them regardless of your opinion.

    Not everyone agrees with you btw. I would love for joe to do another poll as to what people think because the one I saw before was split 50/50. I can’t remember the site, though. I respect your opinion and the debate but you’d be surprised how little the players care about them lol. Not to mention many of them have already stated how they like the unis including Vjax, Vh3, lvd, jameis, etc.

    I personally like them. I like the original alarm clock numbers. I love the helmets. The all red looks clean! I will admit I liked the older unis better just like most people but I sincerely believe that will never have a large enough influence to sway a player from coming here to take a multi-million dollar payday. So ya, keep talking about the uniforms as if they actually make a difference with this team’s performance or roster. SMH

  62. Eric Says:

    LOL @ did Guzzie sober up as the day went on.

    The unis do remind me of burger king too haha. Or even Ronald McDonald but I still like them.