New Hand Dealt In Jason Kelce Poker
March 10th, 2017
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Joe has written for weeks about the possibility of the Bucs trading for Eagles Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce, and that possibility just got cranked up a notch this morning.
The Eagles announced a three-year deal with center/guard Stefan Wisniewski, an experienced starting center who played guard last season on one-year contract, his first in Philly.
There was speculation Wisniewski would move on, but he’s back. And so is Isaac Seumalo, the Eagles’ respected third-round pick of a center from the 2016 draft.
It sure seems to Joe like the Eagles are now primed to dump Kelce for whatever they can get. CBS Sports reported Kelce is on the trade block. He is signed for four more seasons at about $6.5 million per year but he has little guaranteed money left on his long deal.
Kelce, 29, hasn’t missed a game since 2014. And while Eagles fans think he’s lost a little from his game, he’s still a quality center, a Pro Bowler last season.
Joe would love to see the Bucs deal for Kelce. Maybe a third-round pick?
That would halt the risky move of Ali Marpet to center and free the Bucs to not rely on J.R. Sweezy, who is an even bigger gamble after coming off back surgery and not practicing or playing for a year.
There have been crickets for now-free Bucs center Joe Hawley on the free agency market, and Kelce would be a significant upgrade.
March 10th, 2017 at 10:49 am
Joe
What about nick mangold, which one do you think is better?
Is Ryan Ramczyk a legit option for us at #19? We need a RT!
March 10th, 2017 at 10:51 am
3rd is craziness joe,stop smoking this early in the morning
March 10th, 2017 at 10:52 am
A pro bowler due to his name only. He gets manhandled due to bring undersized. When he’s not being blown up… he’s being called for holding. We can resign Hawkeyes for that who knows the playbook and surrounding players without giving up draft compensation or paying a bloated contract.
If he’s cut….which odds are he will be. That’s the only way the eagles can pay for their signings yesterday…then bring him in to compete.
March 10th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Being*
March 10th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Hawley*. Damn autocorrect
March 10th, 2017 at 10:56 am
Would rather have Mangold.
March 10th, 2017 at 10:57 am
pro bowler means nothing. can he still play and is he better than the current option which I would bet is yes. Bucs have to make a move at center and RT… If Dotson takes a single snap for bucs next season they are in big trouble.
March 10th, 2017 at 10:59 am
Kelce lead the league in holding for centers. This shows he’s losing his skill. Not worth anything more than a non-guaranteed prove it contract.
http://www.nflpenalties.com/position/offensive-line/center?year=2016
March 10th, 2017 at 11:04 am
A third? Are you nuts? A 7th would probably get the deal done. You’re insane.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:06 am
Kelce would help solidify this O-Line for us.. Strong, quick athletic Center who is excellent at pulling outta his position. Thats an area where Hawley clearly struggled
March 10th, 2017 at 11:06 am
No no no no…groom the players you have at center….don’t give away draft picks…maybe a 6 or 7th round pick!
March 10th, 2017 at 11:09 am
There’s no way that he’ll cost a 3rd round pick. Offer up a 2018 6th or 7th if you want to make sure you get him or just sit and wait for them to release him, which is what will end up happening if you wait long enough.
There are far better options out there that would have the price tag of a 3rd round pick if they’re hell bent on trading picks away.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:09 am
Please stop. Speaking as someone who lives in Philly. He sucks and is terrible in the run game. A third? I would only consider hime for a 6th
March 10th, 2017 at 11:09 am
I would rather see us get Nick “The Prick” Mangold
Kelce is a small center who relied on youth and athletic ability that has been going bye bye lately.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:09 am
I will let Licht make the call. Last 2 years he has made some good decisions, lets hope that continues and he makes the correct call at C.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:11 am
Stop trying to make fetch happen
March 10th, 2017 at 11:12 am
RT is much bigger hole with dotson and gos than center. evans and hawley are at least bad that’s a hell of a lot more than you can say for dotson and gos who are total garbage.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:15 am
Put it this way, Chris Baker that we just signed for 3 years-$15 million dollars, would eat Jason Kelce alive at $6.5 million dollars per year. I don’t want that Kelce contract. Kelce is worth maybe half of that right now.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:15 am
I would love to acquire Kelce for a reasonable price but nothing outrageous. One hint is for sure the Bucs need to upgrade the Center position!!!
March 10th, 2017 at 11:16 am
Sign Mangold to a 2-3 year deal, invest the pick in a young guy and develop him!
March 10th, 2017 at 11:17 am
Seriously, all the Philly BUC fans put the kabosh on this guy in your last Kelce article. Too light and has lost a step, no thanks.
And no way should we part with a third in this deep a draft.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:18 am
Hawley is just fine yall chill
March 10th, 2017 at 11:19 am
Mort Says:
March 10th, 2017 at 11:04 am
A third? Are you nuts? A 7th would probably get the deal done. You’re insane.
______________________________________________________________
A 7th rounder for a pro bowler. You calling another person insane is…ironic
March 10th, 2017 at 11:20 am
Agree with tmax on this one. As much as we could use improvement at the C position, RT is a much more glaring weakness. If you can improve both, great. But right tackle should have priority.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:24 am
How about a 7th! A 3rd what are you smoking?!
March 10th, 2017 at 11:26 am
third rounder is for our future RB. sounds like this guy isnt starting for them now and hes a costly backup. Can be had for at the most a 4th
March 10th, 2017 at 11:27 am
Tmax, when you’re not talking GMC, you have great points. We need to upgrade at ALL positions. C and RT are no different. Dotson played like complete crap last year. I’d feel better with some more talent there.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:29 am
Go for the face
Trading for this guy at this contract using a 3rd is nuts. He is a pro bowler only due to his name. He took Mack’s spot and was not a first string Probowler. He benefited from his name, previous accomplishments (which he can’t do anymore), and the fascination for the media/NFL keeping Philly relevant
March 10th, 2017 at 11:32 am
This draft has two top notch centers in Ocic and Elflein who should be able to start right away. Get a young in who you can pair with Marpet and a vet on the other side. 2nd round is the spot to grab one of them.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:38 am
@shouldofdraftedefiert
No Hawley is not fine. He gets blown up and manhandled to much and not to mention he cant stay healthy. We need to get another center. If everything checks out with Mangold bring him in. We need that vet leadership on our o-line. Draft another C in the later rds to be groomed under him.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:38 am
If Joe was the GM the average age of our starters would be 30 years old and we’d have 2 late round draft picks every year and be in cap hell
A 3rd rounder is a significant investment and significant trade capital. Cleveland just paid $16 million to acquire a 2018 2nd round pick which is pretty much equivalent to a 3rd round pick this year. That’s a quick way to see what a draft pick is worth.
I could live with a 5th rounder or later but top 4 rounds = too much potential in this draft. There are starting caliber CBs/TEs/WRs/RBs that will be sitting there in round 3 and round 4. We may miss on them but they will be there guaranteed
March 10th, 2017 at 11:40 am
“jerseybuc Says:
March 10th, 2017 at 11:32 am
This draft has two top notch centers in Ocic and Elflein who should be able to start right away”
If we really want to upgrade C I agree this is the way to do it. This draft is absolutely terrible for OTs but the interior guys aren’t too bad.
I’d MUCH rather spend a 2nd round pick on a C who can anchor the team for 10+ years than a 3rd round pick on a 2 year rental.. Hell we can probably get the C in the 3rd round lol.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:41 am
I prefer to draft Pocic from LSU. Develop him behind Evan Smith and our online is set long term
March 10th, 2017 at 11:41 am
Bucsfanman
Thank you sir. You will come around on the gmc topic soon enough my friend. Go bucs
March 10th, 2017 at 11:42 am
Bucs definitely need to upgrade BOTH the Center and Right Tackle positions. Bucs need a Center who can grow with Jameis … Mangold is 33 and Kelce will be 30 this fall. Both may be interim fixes (since we don’t have a true Center under contract), but neither represents a significant upgrade over Joe Hawley. Would much rather re-sign Hawley and draft a Center this year somewhere around the 4th rnd. Several decent prospects in the draft who may well be there in the middle rnds.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:50 am
@tmaxcon – I had a thought you will like. The Bucs have met with DT Caleb Brantley who is routinely mocked as going in the second round. I predict if the Bucs draft him and he shows that he can be a starter the Bucs will move on from GMC in the 2018 season when his cap hit is only $500k.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:51 am
why not bring in Tim Barnes and have him complete with Hawely
March 10th, 2017 at 11:52 am
Dead money rather, cap hit will still be 12.7 million if he is on the roster.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:52 am
USFBUC
One could only dream
March 10th, 2017 at 11:53 am
Idk Defense Rules, Mangold was still very solid before going down with the first significant injury of the year.
I’ve said this before, and Mr. Ira Kaufman agrees with me, I think that Nick Mangold could be our 2017/18 version of Logan Mankins. Grizzled veterans that would represent a sterling silver example for not just young incoming O-line, but the Big Nasty’s already with us.
I would say that Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith, and Kevin Pamphile benefited tremendous from the veteran leadership of Mankins. Mangold is the guy that could help mold our Center and Right Tackle of the future, whoever they may be.
March 10th, 2017 at 11:54 am
*tremendously*
March 10th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Officially boycotting comments section. Can’t read about McCoy in an offensive line topic. Enough is enough
March 10th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Blake – I agree, if we are going to sign a center it should be Mangold. He even said after his release that he would have been willing to take a pay cut so he could retire as a Jet. There is also the fact that he said his Disney trip was ruined by the news of being cut. We should throw in a Disney Vacation Club package and some annual passes for his family in the contract.
March 10th, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Just to name of a few ( And there’s plently of examples )
2nd Round Guards – That have made the transition to Center
#1. Andre Gurode RG/C
Andre Gurode RG/C
• Height: 6 ft 4
• Weight: 320 lb
@RG/T/C – Colorado.
• Consensus All-American (2001)
• 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2000, 2001)
Drafted: 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37
• Gurode was listed as the No. 2 Offensive Guard available in the 2002 NFL Draft.
(2002 – 2005)
Played 44 Games at Right Guard
*Was considered by Many to be one of the better guard in the League
(2006 – 2010)
Played 78 Games at Center
• 5× Pro Bowl (2006–2010)
• Second-team All-Pro (2009)
March 10th, 2017 at 12:30 pm
<#2. Max Unger
Max Unger – RG/C
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
• Weight: 305 lb (138 kg)
@RG – Oregon St.
• First-team All-American (2008)
• 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2007, 2008)
NFL Draft: 2009 / Round: 2 / Pick: 49
• Unger was listed as the No. 1 Offensive Guard available in the 2009 NFL Draft.
2009
A second-round draft pick out of Oregon in 2009, Unger started and logged every snap in all 16 games as a rookie for the Seahawks, mostly playing at RIGHT GUARD before finishing the season at CENTER.
2010
Unger opened 2010 as the Seahawks’ starting RIGHT GUARD, but he suffered a toe injury that landed him on injured reserve.
2011
Unger assumed the Seahawks’ starting Center duties in 2011 and started 15 games, missing one game with a foot injury.
2012,2013
• 2× Pro Bowl (2012, 2013)
• First-team All-Pro (2012)
• Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
March 10th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Trade for cam erving from browns he was jameis winston at fsu
March 10th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Note: Sure Offensive Tackles make the most among lineman.
But in the NFC south – where you face some of the best Interior Defensive Lineman. Centers are at a premuim.
Centers in the NFC South
• Alex Mack – $9,050,000 | % of Cap: 5.39%
• Ryan Kalil – $8,329,000 | % of Cap: 4.62%
• Max Unger – $7,400,000 | % of Cap: 4.28%
March 10th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
I know this is a OL thread and I’ve made my point of not wanting this turd of a center…
Does anyone have any insight as to how the Bucs feel about their LB depth? Smith may elect to retire and even if he doesn’t I’m not sure he’s the starter next year. I know we drafted Bond but is he the answer?
March 10th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Rather trade from Cam Erving.
March 10th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Idiotic. Jeezus, Joe. A 3rd rounder? When a team is motivated to unload a player whose game has slipped and whose salary is robust? Really? Worst negotiator ever. Besides… once again, center is down about need #5 on the list, and you want to throw a premium pick away? Thinking like this is why Joe believes in the 2 year window theory.
March 10th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Ali Marpet – is more familiar with his competition – than anyone that U would bring
in.
You just can’t – throw anyone in the pot –to face the following…
Defensive Tackles – NFC South
• CAR – Kawann Short | Star Lotulelei | Vernon Butler
• NO – Sheldon Rankins | Nick Fairley
• ATL – Ra’Shede Hageman | Grady Jarrett
March 10th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
@Luvmybucs
And the best part of your post above shows that centers also require size in this division. All of the other centers are above 300lbs while Kelce is listed at 280lbs and that’s probably a stretch
March 10th, 2017 at 12:43 pm
What Pit said – a 3rd is crazy talk joe.
I would just wait for them to release him. With the draft approaching and so much talent still out there in Free Agency, Philly holds zero leverage.
I’d rather have Nick Mangold anyhow..
March 10th, 2017 at 12:49 pm
I don’t think we’re going after ANY center in free agency. They still have Evan Smith and they like Ben Gottschalk. Don’t throw around stupid money or a draft pick at stuff like this. If you’re gonna use a draft pick, use it in the draft. There are good centers in this draft.
Joe. Worst. GM. Ever.
March 10th, 2017 at 12:55 pm
NJBucsFan
True
I’ve Asked a few friends & family members – whom are Die Hard Philly Fans.
About the play of Kelce. Everyone is saying thing. That he recently made the Pro Bowl – on Name only.
That his play over the past two seasons – have been Hot Garabage.
That he benefited under Chip Kelly’s uptempo system – the 1st two years.
On social media – there’s a few embarrassing videos of his terrible play.
Fans & Local media – have been calling for his head.
Yet U wanna suggest – we trade a 3rd pick for him. C’mom Joe
March 10th, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Luv
Glad you’re here. What do you think of Ramczyk at 19? Am I talking jibberish?
March 10th, 2017 at 1:04 pm
If we traded a 3rd rounder for Kelce, then I’m becoming a Browns fan. (Not really, but you get it.)
March 10th, 2017 at 1:09 pm
This is a MUCH better option than Mangold. Jason Kelce is one of the top center in the league, and at 29 with 4 years left on his contract, we would have him long enough to lock up the center position until he gets too old.
I’m not one to jump at every name I hear or read, but I am 100% for this if we can get him for a 3rd rounder or later and maybe a little money.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
I agree with Tmax on this one. We need an upgrade at center but we have NOTHING at RT right now…..UNLESS…Benenoch is ready. His injury last year was a fluke if you go by his college career where he set a UCLA record for consecutive starts.
Even if Benenoch is the real deal we still need some depth. RT is a horrible glaring hole right now…but Center is only a weakness that we should upgrade.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
DB55
If Evan Engram is there – grab’em.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
No one in philly wants this guy.
He’s basically the same as Evan Smith. Lots of heart and passion but his strongest days are behind him. As an undersized guy, that won’t work.
Simple as that.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Stpetebucsfan, I hope Benenoch is ready, but don’t forget we can always draft a RT. I agree we need one badly, but if Hawley isn’t healthy and is not coming back, Center becomes the most important because it is the hardest spot on the line to fill efficiently.
The Bucs have traditionally had all sorts of troubles filling the position.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Sign – Swing Tackle
• T/G Austin Pasztor (ascending player)
Austin Pasztor
Height: 6-7 Weight: 308 Age: 26
(Overview)
LT Donovan Smith | Leonard Wester
LG Kevin Pamphile | Ben Gottschalk
C Ali Marpet | Evan Smith
RG *Austin Pasztor | J.R Sweezy
RT Demar Dotson | Caleb Benenoch
March 10th, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Austin Pasztor – insurance policy for Sweezy.
Also can step in – If Dotson goes down – and Benenoch is not ready.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:20 pm
PABucs
He sucks but youd give up a 6th round pick? Lol. Thats funny stuff. I havnt watched him play so i cant lean either way. If he made the pro bowl last year tho he doesnt suck. Go bucs
March 10th, 2017 at 1:22 pm
@tmax- Just as Luke Skywalker said to Darth Vader when asked to join the “dark side”……..NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!
@LUV- Killing it as usual!
March 10th, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Fantasy free agency is already getting annoying. I’ll wait and see who Jason Licht signs and look at rumors with a scent of legitimacy, but these empty fantasy speculations are the worst.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
broy34
the nerve of people to go off topic. The topic is the bucs and the goal is winning since the leader of the losing culture is a hindrance to the success of the buccaneers it will always be relevant. Have you came up with the 5 plays yet it’s been a few days.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Bucsfanman
#Respect
March 10th, 2017 at 1:33 pm
@DB55 I like Ramzcyk, And I do feel that Licht has a potential plan in place for us to draft a RT this draft. If it happens that he’s the best guy left on their board when we pick.
I say this because we now know that we were planning to draft Jack Conklin last year, but the Titans picked him one spot before we could. So i’d say JL see’s that a need is there. Dotson is simply too inconsistent, plus he gets dinged up somewhat frequently, and gets his fair share (maybe a little bit more) of penalties.
But If we do go RT in round 1, I want Garrett Bolles, Strikes me as being extremely intelligent in interviews, and in my mind – he’s the best tackle in the draft from an Athletic/ Technique perspective. And he has a scrappy, fiery meanstreak. And stands at a solid 6’5 300 pounds.
And he has an incredible story to boot.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Bonzai – looking at the two players I am going to go with Mangold is the better player. The Jets cut Mangold because they have decided to cut a bunch or maybe even all of their oldest players. The Eagles want to get rid of Kelsey and replace him with somebody on their roster while he is still 29.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:38 pm
@DB55
I would take Garett Boles over Ramczyk just because Ramczyk is coming off of offseason hip surgery. Taylor Moton could be a RT option in round 2.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Joe
Philly blogs and Social Media feeds – have fan polls asking if the team should cut Kelce. In most polls -57% to 60% of the fans want him cut..lol
March 10th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
USFBUC, Mangold is too old. He would be a year fix, two at most. kelce already has 4 years on his contract, which would put him at around the same age Mangold is when it is done.
In his prime? Mangold all the way. But we don’t want to have to look for Centers all the time. And with Mangold, every year we would wonder if he is retiring.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:44 pm
@JoeyPoppems
We’re on the same page there bro.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:46 pm
DB55
Even though I’ve got respect for Ramczyk (T) & Forrest Lamp (G,T) game.
The ELITE level guards & tackles – will be in next years draft.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Mangold would be a nice place-holder until we find a guy to replace him. I’m just not sold on Kelce.
Also, even though we signed DJax, I just don’t see us drafting OL with #19.
March 10th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Initially I liked Bolles more than Ramczyk too but then yesterday I read that he only has a year of football playing exp.
“BOTTOM LINE
Because he’s only played one year of FBS football and hasn’t been able to fully fill out his frame over the last five years, Bolles will require a projection and conjecture than most of the tackles in this year’s draft. He clearly has elite athletic ability and foot quickness, but his lack of core strength and ability to sustain blocks against power across from him is a concern at this time. While he has Pro Bowl potential for a zone-scheme team, his floor will be a little lower than you might like in an early round pick.”
March 10th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Ty luv.
March 10th, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Joey
Morton is a little low on my list. The 3 top tackles are Cam Robinson, Ramczyk and bolles. Morton is like tenth. What’s up with that?
March 10th, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Another negative for Bolles is he will be 25 before the season starts which means he will be 30 when negotiating his 2nd contract. Could be a red flag for some teams. Im just not sure about Ramczyk and that hip.
March 10th, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Honestly idk much about Moton. He is getting a lot of hype from the senior bowl and combine performances and is projected to be a 2nd round pick. I read Zierlein’s draft profile and that suggests that he could be moved to Guard
March 10th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
What ever happen to Bryan Stork?
Wouldnt hurt to sign him for the offseason.
March 10th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
The Eagles don’t have whole lot of cap space wiggle room this year. If they don’t find a trade partner, Kelce will likely be released. Advantage Licht. Offer a 6th or a 2018 5th round pick and if they say no – then just sit back and see what happens.
As pretty much everyone else has said – Joe is WAAAY off base with the idea of trading a 3rd round pick for this guy. He’d be an upgrade at Center for sure – but we do NOT need to be trading away valuable draft picks for a player who is just as likely as not to be released at some point.
March 10th, 2017 at 3:43 pm
@Pick Joe wanted to pay Jackson 17 million a year LOL!
March 10th, 2017 at 3:47 pm
It would be Kelce snapping to Johnny Football if Joe had his way.
March 10th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Y’all gotta take it easy on Joe today lol. I’d trade Charles Sims extra replaceable ass for him but not a 3rd round pick. Rather get Mangold as well, if we can fix the line before the draft I’d start to get extremely excited about next season
March 10th, 2017 at 4:42 pm
Teddy…I’m still worried about the line too and I hardly worry about this team anymore. This team is in good hands(JW) now. Everything will shake out in the end. DeSean Jackson really opens up so much for the offense, it’s silly. Including the O-line, plus the running game.
This is the off-season EVERY Buc fan on the planet is watching very closely. J
Jason Licht BETTER get it right.
March 10th, 2017 at 4:43 pm
RIGHT TACKLE!!!
Somewhere anywhere. This season, not next.