Being Bold
January 24th, 2018
Want to be bold?
Those who listen to the “Monday Morning Joe” Podcast have heard Joe suggest the Bucs need a bold move or two to shake things up.
The way this franchise has painted itself into a corner with no edge pass rush and virtually no quick way out of that trap, and no running game to speak of, it may take drastic measures for the Bucs to compete for a playoff berth next season.
You know what one bold move would be? Throwing open the doors to the Team Glazer vault to land the best running back in the NFL, Le’Veon Bell.
Now it seems Bell may have run his course with the Steelers — and Joe will get to why in a brief moment.
Even chewing-with-his-mouth-open, soup-gulping, California train-romancing, anti-football proliferation, outhouse-admiring, airline-napping, steerage-flying, Yogi Berra-worshiping, urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, craft beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training, social activist Peter King of SI.com fame weighed in on Twitter he believes the Steelers will let Bell hit chewing-with-his-mouth-open, soup-gulping, California train-romancing, anti-football proliferation, outhouse-admiring, airline-napping, steerage-flying, Yogi Berra-worshiping, urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, craft beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training, social activist Peter King, of SI.com, fame thinks Bell will hit the open market.
Now why on earth would the Steelers let Bell, who turns 26 next month, walk? Well, quite a few little things likely add up to one big thing.
Apparently, Bell has been blowing off walk-throughs with the Steelers. Bell also has been late to games — though not punished for it. And there is also the fact Bell is on NFL strongman Roger Goodell’s watch list for dodging a whiz quiz, which landed him a three-game suspension in the NFL cooler.
Also, Bell didn’t exactly warm himself to Steelers fans when, just a couple of days before playing the Jags in the playoffs, Bell took to Twitter with threats of retirement if the Steelers franchised him.
Nice to be so focused for a playoff game, eh?
And, Bell seems to be very tight with former Bucs running back LeGarrette Blount, which may explain why Bell dodged a whiz quiz.
Bell likely would be looking at $15 million a year if he hits free agency.
And you know who just might have the balls to sign him? That would be Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht. The man in the past has proven to be a gambler. Hell, anyone who would draft a kicker in the second round has a set of stones. Throwing, say, $60 million over four years at Bell would take cojones.
But you know what? The Bucs would instantly go from a one-dimensional offense to an elite attack. Bell can do it all. Joe doesn’t mind a diva if he produces and, unlike Swaggy Baker, Bell has a resume that makes Baker’s look like used Charmin.
You want bold moves from the Bucs this offseason? Joe can’t think of one much bigger than handing untold amounts of Team Glazer loot over to Bell.
And let’s say Licht pulled the trigger on such a move. Then Joe doesn’t want to hear any whimpering about cringing over expectations.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:26 am
It shouldn’t take 15 million a year… and you don’t hand out that kinda loot to punks. If they wanna pay him big money, say 10 million, maybe. I’d rather take a FA RB in the mid-range plus a RB drafted in the first 3 rounds. Stupid moves aren’t bold, they’re just stupid.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:31 am
You got that right 365!
January 24th, 2018 at 5:32 am
There’s really no reason for any more comments.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:38 am
It would be great to take care of one of our biggest needs in FA. Plus Bell is the best and most versible RB in the league. As a season ticket holder since 1999 I was the most disappointed in this season than any before, but a move like this will change my mind on the direction the owners/Licht is taking the team. I’m tired of settling for 2nd and 3rd rated free agents to save money and they perform like crap.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:39 am
Trade Keon to Indy for Jacoby Brisset and Marlon Mack, and either move Beckwith to middle or draft Roquan Smith.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:40 am
Kwon
January 24th, 2018 at 5:46 am
Did Jacksonville get what they paid for the past two years in free agency? Weren’t we looking at Malik Jackson then settled for Robert Ayers? We looked at Calais Campbell and settled for Fatty Baker? Those two players were major components to making that defense great. Campbell had as many sacks as our entire team. You get what you pay for. The salary cap is what it is and someone is going to pay Bell. Why not us if it will provide us to concentrate on one defensive player in FA and all defense in the draft.
January 24th, 2018 at 5:53 am
pass on Bell,don’t need anymore cancer
January 24th, 2018 at 5:54 am
Bucs will have to significantly overpay for any free agents and damn sure dont stand a chance in hell in luring any top tier free agents. Bucs are by far the least desirable location in nfl to play for… unless the dollars are significantly higher bucs have no chancet o compete for free agents. No one wants to work, coach or play for this crapshow of a franchise… you optimists need to finally accept reality for once… none of the moves will unless leader of the losing culture cancer93 is gone
January 24th, 2018 at 5:57 am
I really can’t believe some Bucs fans around here. The team may have an opportunity to sign a once-in-a-decade talent and some of you guys are like “nah, we just want the mid-level guy to save money.”
January 24th, 2018 at 6:03 am
Ur right D. Rome. Happy with mediocrity. It’s sad to pay several thousand for season tickets to watch them loose and fans from other teams sing their fight songs throughout the stadium.
January 24th, 2018 at 6:05 am
I don’t mind giving it up for his talent….it is his attitude that concerns me….the locker room is leaderless….
January 24th, 2018 at 6:15 am
I hope you’re just playing Devil’s Advocate on this one Joe. Bell is an unquestioned talent at RB … not the issue. Bell averaged 4.0 yards per carry last year … lots of yards but lots of touches also. But certain RED FLAGS pop up as you mentioned: (1) Blowing off walk-throughs; (2) Late to games; (3) Dodging whiz-quiz resulting in 3-game suspension; (4) Threats of retirement. Attitude means a LOT on a relatively young team like the Bucs, and Bell’s attitude spells ‘Trouble Ahead’. Not-to-mention paying $15 million for a RB when our OLine needs significant work to capitalize on his skills. Would MUCH prefer to draft a quality RB this year AND fix our OLine (FA and/or draft), then spend the money saved by fixing our defense.
January 24th, 2018 at 6:28 am
tmaxcon: I think everyone knows you hate GMC and you obviously hate the Bucs and you seemingly introduce this into almost every JBF thread. Yeah the Bucs may not be a top destination but the least???? Cmon man, use your brain instead of your blinding hate of Tampa Bay. Tampa gets on the radar simply because it is in Florida; no income tax which puts it hand a fist over many other NFL cities from a financial stand point which is what motivates a fair number of NFL players both loafs likes Swaggy Baker as well as good motivated players like Grimes. You actually think places like Cleveland, Buffalo, Cincy, etc etc are higher on the pecking order Tmax????? Man I got some prime real estate down in the Glades if you really believe that and not simply over exaggerating to pt an exclamation point on your never ending crusade to let everyone know you hate #93. I get being down on the Bucs and agree with some of the other pessimists concerning the ineptitude of the coaching as well as the Glazers simply not implementing ANY changes this offseason so far but you take the cake with your negativity!
January 24th, 2018 at 6:41 am
The guy I want the Bucs to target is Jerick Mckinnon from the vikings.
25 years old, UFA. Split time this year with Cook and Murray. 570 yards rushing and 421 yards receiving. He is a younger, faster, better version of Sims. If the Bucs don’t make an attempt to sign him our entire Pro personnel department should be immediately fired. I dare say, overpay slightly for him. He will want to come here as Licht can honestly say, you are the man here. Then if someone drops into our laps in the draft, pick him.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000909725/article/jerick-mckinnon-ready-to-be-the-guy-moving-forward
January 24th, 2018 at 6:51 am
This team is 2 years away- keep building through the draft- add a FA piece or 2 when it makes sense – Bell would be a desperate move – if he gets frustrated by lack of running production- big time locker room problems, or, he gets his money and just “collects the check”
January 24th, 2018 at 6:51 am
Still can’t win with out a defense.
January 24th, 2018 at 6:58 am
Just when I think you can’t get any more desperate….you get more desperate Joe.
Yes, he’s very talented…. but
Big bucks + young and dumb + history of drug use + Prima dona attitude + Tampa
=
Colossal mistake.
But great for your business I suppose.
Oh, do the Glazers’ actually keep their money in a vault?
January 24th, 2018 at 7:02 am
No. Joe is right.
He wants around 15 a year but for multiple years. It’s his second franchise so money near that range is correct. . But he wants the multiple years with guaranteed money. He wants security.
Let’s face it. Running backs especially – all it takes is one bad hit in bad location and career goes bye bye
January 24th, 2018 at 7:04 am
FortMyersDave
It’s not negativity if its fact based reality… I love Tampa but hate the glazers business mode which results in a crap on field product for over a decade… Not a lot of positives that Bering said no fanbase has lower standandard fan who accept excuse after excuse why bucs cant field a competitive teams. And by the way good weather and no taxes attracts retirees not young rich talented athletes. I love Tampa but given the fact the team has 4 good years in 42 and there is no hope in sight backup my comments that it is the least desirable location in league
January 24th, 2018 at 7:08 am
Bell is a difference-maker, unquestionably!
However, we are not one RB away from being good. We’re not! AND, if signing Bell took $12-15 million a year, how are we to address other GLARING needs such as, oh I don’t know, A M-F pass-rush!!!
We can get away with a serviceable back, for now. There’s is ZERO reason to break the bank on ONE player, a RB at that, who is not likely to make that much difference. (hello O-line!)
Trenches, trenches, trenches! Say it with me now…TRENCHES!
January 24th, 2018 at 7:24 am
We need to.stop.signing players like Baker and Ayers and just dive all in on a legit #1 FA like Bell or Bennet.stop trying to make these guys stars in Tampa.They want a PayDay and us Tampa fans want another ring!Make It Happen Mr Licht!!!I’m starting to think Trump was talking about Tampa when he said “SpitHole.”
#Jameis Is My QB
January 24th, 2018 at 7:27 am
We have legitimate WRs and TEs that defense respect.now let’s go get that Running Back that will keep them on their toes!the was our NFC South Brethren represented our division in the post season….pssst…let’s just say the way we’re going we won’t be making the playoffs until Drew Brees,Cam Newton, AND Matt Ryan retire.
January 24th, 2018 at 7:37 am
Most super bowl contenders don’t sink that kind of cap space into their rb position, Joe
January 24th, 2018 at 7:40 am
And wasn’t Bell a second or third rounder? Patriots never sink money into the rb position. They constantky have one of the best offensive lines in the draft and find value free agents and draft rbs mid rounds at value as well!
January 24th, 2018 at 7:43 am
Sure…..lets throw big money at a guy who shows little respect for his current team, and it’s a historically a very good team.
We can call him “Swaggy Bell”……the only difference between Baker and Bell is Swaggy would hug the tree and Bell would smoke it.
January 24th, 2018 at 7:51 am
Tampabaybucfan
Your team full of choirboys have not won a meaningful game in 16 years so that formula of nice guy losers you prefer is a proven failure. Team needs talented driven winners not choirboys with ice cream and tears flowing
January 24th, 2018 at 7:55 am
Pittsburgh line vs bucs line… bell can afford to dance around behind the Steelers line cuz they actually block… bucs line would be frustrating to watch his dancing
January 24th, 2018 at 8:14 am
We didn’t have choir boys back when we were winners. They brought ATTITUDE, which is missing from our defense. McCoy want to sit and pray with a player after sacking him (his 5 sacks a year) Sapp, Rice, Lynch and Brooks wanted to knock their chest off. Get rid of the cancer and the attitude will change.
January 24th, 2018 at 8:33 am
Kareem Hunt 272 ATT 1327 YDS 4.9 YPC 8 TD -Salary 659,000
I’m all for going after top tier FA but we can draft a stud RB in the early rounds instead and use that extra 15 mil on signing guys for our defense.
January 24th, 2018 at 8:42 am
We need to have 3 amazing drafts before we entertain skill postion demons.
We could have bo Jackson in his prime and we wouldn’t win with our talent.
You can’t win if you can’t pressure the qb.
You can’t win if you have an awful defensive backfield
You can’t win if you have awful run blockers
Don’t shot the messenger
January 24th, 2018 at 8:45 am
Much rather get McKinnon from Vikes. He’ll be cheaper and less of a headcase. Bucs are gonna have to pay top $$ for edge rushers, whoever is available.
January 24th, 2018 at 8:55 am
I wouldn’t mind if the glazer tried to swing for the fence……that would show at least they’re trying to win with proven players…..
but with evans…djax….oj….brate….godwin….hump…..I don’t think there’s enough balls to go around for everyone to happy…..
of course we need a RB but I rather spend 15million on the defense…..this roster is already loaded with #weaponsforwinston…GO BUCS!!!!
January 24th, 2018 at 8:55 am
I would rather have Zach Zenner traded for a 7th rounder than.give bell 15 million a year. Anyone else notice the pats never go out and overpay anyone yet they win win win , yeah it’s because they are coached well, continue to have good drafts and
FIRE MIKE SMITH!
January 24th, 2018 at 9:01 am
BucEmUp
The pats dont have to overpay because they are winners… comparing any successful nfl team to crapshow bucs is asinine considering bucs have 4 good years in 42…. patriots have more super bowl appearances than bucs have franchise playoff wins. As the least desirable location in nfl bucs will always have to overpay for free agents and will never compete for top tier free agents
January 24th, 2018 at 9:14 am
thank god Joe aint the GM…sending picks for trade ups and signing high priced free agents will give you a sure recipe of hitting rock bottom down the road…focus on acquiring extra picks and building through the draft is the best medicine for long term success….
January 24th, 2018 at 9:21 am
I’d be for it if you only have to guarantee the guy 2 years. Three years is a losing gamble IMO.
4years guaranteed? Don’t think anybody would be dumb enough to give Bell that but if that’s the price I couldn’t run faster.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:22 am
Canada…Was does drafting Bell mean you can’t draft a RB?
January 24th, 2018 at 9:23 am
Signing Bell*
January 24th, 2018 at 9:25 am
I don’t understand y’all.
We need an End and you don’t want Bennett. We need a runner and you don’t wat Bell. Are you guys just waiting for Derrick Thomas and Gale Sayers to come out of retirement?
Honestly, what the eff is the matter with you people.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:27 am
As Joe said to a commentor on an earlier thread
There is a difference between Bold and downright Stupid. This move would be the latter.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:28 am
Really you would rather have Zeerner then Bell? Who the hell is zeerner?
Dude come over to my house for the hockey playoffs. I have some warm natural ices in my garage that you will love. Sure will be nice having a drinking partner tha5 doesn5 drink my cold ones.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:29 am
That’s not a bold move it’s a stupid move, he’s doing all this nonsense on a winning team with an established franchise and winning head coach who’s got respect around the league. What do you think he’d do on a team that’s losing and had a weak head coach no thanks for koetter can’t handle the dude.
Even if we signed this guy think our offense would be better than the Steelers? That’s a fantasy. We’d be much closer to the team we saw last year than the elite offenses because they can’t play mistake free in crunch time, your not going to add this guy and score 50 points a game like licht said lol
January 24th, 2018 at 9:32 am
If we draft o-line at #7, Bell makes a lot of sense. Only issue is can Koetter and the huddle handle that many strong personalities. That’s a lot of egos in the huddle…..might have to unload Jackson to accommodate that situation.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:32 am
I’m literally LOL…..This guy just said he’d rather have Clive McDaniel over Shaq.
This whole comment section is not sports blog worthy
January 24th, 2018 at 9:39 am
Really not there? So your reason for want anting Bell is because he was on a winning team?
Sounds like a pretty twisted theory if you ask me……..So would you also rather own an Escort over a Mustang because the Mustang won awards?
January 24th, 2018 at 9:45 am
I’m against it.
We have good chemistry here. Just adding Baker upset that chemistry. Bell would be even worse.
Gotta be a better solution.
January 24th, 2018 at 9:47 am
If we go offensive line with our first pick, this team is screwed.
January 24th, 2018 at 10:04 am
Bonzai while I may disagree I can at least understand your sentiment on that one.
But some of this stuff on this page about rather having zeerner or not wanting him because he won is just a joke.
I swear Joe needs to relinquish this page everyday for any fan in need of a good laugh
January 24th, 2018 at 10:06 am
I would rather have their backup James Conner
Bell and his running style will be a disaster with our oline
“I agree and lets bring in Mckinnen from the the vikings and send out Drugie and the private dancer out the door”
Kandy Faker
January 24th, 2018 at 10:18 am
Bonzi
That good chemistryyou mention has resulted in nearly a decade in basement… Bucs need talented driven winners not heartless choirboys led by cancer93
January 24th, 2018 at 10:23 am
No
Fix the trenches, fix the Bucs!
January 24th, 2018 at 10:26 am
Hmmm, he might be a headache. I dont know. Looking like he’s looking for another team though….maybe that change of scenery is needed. Im good with it for the right price and not too many headaches.
January 24th, 2018 at 10:39 am
“Let’s bring in McKinnon”?
Are you guys misspelling a great players name or are you talking about that serviceable back that Minnesota?
You know the same back that forced them to try and draft a franchise back last draft when they picked Cook?
Of any of the reasons one could ever figure for not wanting a HOF talent…………freaking McKinnon ain’t one of them. Them two guys aren’t even in the same atmosphere.
Maybe you guys should get in a time machine, take up a new sport and go argue with baseball guys why you think James Looney is a great first baseman.
January 24th, 2018 at 10:43 am
You guys want Coner Zeerner and McKinnon instead of Bell.
Any chance you guys collect baseball cards? Got a few sweet deals for ya.
January 24th, 2018 at 10:47 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
January 24th, 2018 at 9:47 am
If we go offensive line with our first pick, this team is screwed.
I disagree…..protecting the franchise and opening up running holes is never a bad thing…..
draft sam hubbard-DE or taven Bryant-DE/DT round 2
draft sony Michel round 3
oline…dline…rb…GO BUCS!!!!
January 24th, 2018 at 10:53 am
jimmy
barber and McKinnon would be a nice combo….poor mans ingram and kamara….lol….would take bell in a heart beat IF the price was right…..15million is a lot of cash for a RB with history of injuries and suspensions…..
but if Ziggy and Lawrence are off the board, we got to spend the money some where….GO BUCS!!!!
January 24th, 2018 at 10:54 am
We have a huge SALARY CAP HELL coming in 2 years….no way we can afford Bells salary
Silly talk on the cap. –Joe
Our new Gm next year will have a mess to confront with in 2019
January 24th, 2018 at 11:03 am
I expect playoffs
January 24th, 2018 at 11:04 am
813….yeah I don’t passing on Bell so we can spend the money elsewhere.
But McKinnion is not a reason to pass on Bell. Nor are the other guys people said that I’ve never even heard of.
Not advocating to sign Bell at all costs but to pass him suggesting career backups are just as good of players makes no sense.
Now if this guys gonna say sign Bell because we can get Zeerner and then have money to spend on Ends then his post has merit but he’s not saying that. He’s saying he likes Zeerner more hahahahaha
January 24th, 2018 at 11:12 am
McKinnon has no drug issues to worry of and could be had for 3-4 million a year.
Bell is one test away from a possible indefinite suspension and will cost close to 15 million a year, plus there is little way he will come to Tampa unless the Bucs drastically overpay, considering our entire front office and coaching staff are on one year deals. Saying we should sign Bell is akin to saying we should sign Demarcus Lawrence or Ezekiel Ansah. Both would be amazing but neither will happen as they will both get franchised at minimum.
I in no way am saying McKinnon is better than Bell but I would rather have McKinnon, Andrew Norwell and roll the dice on Dominique Easley than Bell.
This isn’t fantasy football where you don’t have to worry about future contracts and salary cap implications. All of those things matter.
McKinnon is an immediate direct upgrade to Charles Sims, also an UFA. We are signing a change of pace 3rd down type back no matter what. The choice isn’t Bell (pie in the sky chance to just overpay for him) versus McKinnon. The choice is McKinnon vs Sims. That is a realistic off season improvement.
January 24th, 2018 at 11:13 am
Sign RB Dion Lewis and CB Malcolm Butler for about same money and fill two holes. Draft o-line and D-line would get Bucs trending up!!!
January 24th, 2018 at 11:15 am
BTW.. on the Sims vs McKinnon, it is also an improvement that I don’t see coming. I think Koetter believes Sims is a premier back.
January 24th, 2018 at 11:37 am
Not a fan of Leveon Bell’s running style, personally.
I don’t think he would have much success here.
Many RB’s I’d rather get this offseason than Bell.
Pass!
January 24th, 2018 at 12:12 pm
This is my wish list since we are all really dreaming n wishing. Draft Nelson @7
Draft DE in round 2
Typical move by our GM trade up in 2nd for starting center
Move Marpet back to RG
Throw boat load of $ at L BELL he wasnts 15 mill do lil more than that 4 year deal
After cutting players like Swaggy, Druggie, Sweezy, Goulston\Ayers… Plenty extra to sign Bell. And think about it please, everyone says FREE AGENT GUARD who will cost 8-10 million alone for anyone worth his cleats. So draft Nelson cap friendly fro 5 years and a TRUE center SOLIDIFYING our Oline or FIXING THE TRENCHES add a beast like Bell and watch out. NO big time DE this year so try n get maybe some cap casualty but at least take care of 2 needs OLINE N RB !
January 24th, 2018 at 12:17 pm
DO IT!!!!!
January 24th, 2018 at 12:56 pm
Drafting a kicker in the 2nd round doesn’t take “cojones”. It does however, require some shortage of brain cells.
How about this for a “bigger” move: Sign Nick Foles.
January 24th, 2018 at 1:01 pm
You know what, I take back what I said earlier about signing Le’Veon Bell. If a well respected coach like Mike Tomlin and an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers can’t get Bell to shape up what makes anyone think Irk Koetter could do it?
January 24th, 2018 at 1:22 pm
I’m hoping the Bucs sign either Bell or McKinnon. Grab a veteran DE and trade down in the draft if Chubb isn’t there to a team desperate for a QB.
My confidence in the full coaching staff isn’t high but with those moves maybe the team will be able to close out some games that slipped by them last season.
January 24th, 2018 at 2:42 pm
***********
I love Lev Bell’s game and I’m not going to say I wouldn’t be excited if the team signed him … but … honestly if I was the GM, I wouldn’t do it … he seems like a bit of a head-case, a huge “me first” guy and like someone that may get suspended again for drugs … of course, if he is on his best behavior for just one year, we may win the Super Bowl in that one year, so it’s a tough call … but … I honestly think I’d pass at 4 years for $60mil.
Personally I think if he leaves the Steelers he’ll sign with the Browns as I think they’ll pay him the most and he’s from there … but Tampa and both New York team (Giants and Jets) could be in the running too … maybe we all should pray the Packers don’t get him as he and Rodgers would be a nightmare to defend …
***********
January 24th, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Peter King seems to think Bell wins up as a Raider … ugh.
January 24th, 2018 at 3:38 pm
Some of the posters here are a bad joke. TMAX hates our franchise…hates one of our best players…a six time all pro…and loves him some aaaholes. Then again a guy who believe money is the single most important thing in life just doesn’t get it!!!
Nick Foles? Really? To replace Fitz? OK…to replace #3…bwahhaahaaaa
I’m not sure why we even have these conversations because there is a significant group here who point to hopelessness and despair. They are bad weather negative nellies…the opposite of fair weather bandwagon fans. They are turned on by our struggles last year…really class acts eh? Certainly not Buc fans!!!!
Nobody is saying folks can’t point out the obvious needs…pass rush and running game. But to continually just trash EVERYTHING connected with the Bucs is being a moron!!! Find a team you LIKE and start cheering for them.
Unless you’re just so negative you need to have something to gripe about every single day!!!! Yeah their little train is going to make it to the top of the hill chanting I think I can’t …I think I can’t. Perhaps we could get copies of Tmax’s famous book on attitude….”The Power of Negative Thinking”.
January 24th, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Why does this site constantly pine for older free agents? As if this team hasn’t been taken advantage of enough already. This would be another in a long line of paid Florida vacations. I’m more interested in seeing the Bucs create their own Bell.
January 24th, 2018 at 4:47 pm
Until Winston gets a new contract, which is 2 years away, the Bucs have an advantage over most teams in the NFL in that they have a fairly cheap starting QB. The Bucs could absolutely make this move, basically give him a front loaded deal that pays out most of the money in the first two years and lets the Bucs get out of the contract after that without killing the cap. The way the Bucs do business, without signing bonuses, this can get done.
Anywho the Bucs should do something big to try to get some interest. With that said I don’t think Bell would do anything behind this terrible Bucs offensive line if Dirk’s game plan is to just run him up the middle on every first down, then give up on the run by the 1st series of the second half. If you made an aggressive move like this it should be paired with getting a top center, then moving Marpet back to guard.
If the Bucs can’t get a top DE in FA then I’d be for building a super offense and just saying we’re going to have to outscore everyone. The team would be a ton of fun to watch, and while teams like that don’t really get far in the playoffs, if the Bucs are talking playoffs, then it’s a success.
Anyways I’d look at it as a 2-year deal, front loaded, that could become a lot more affordable when Winston gets paid so if it was a success he could stick around.
January 24th, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Season – Let me guess, you were on the we don’t Campbell train last year right? Anywho there is one Bell in the NFL – one. Where do you get another one?
January 24th, 2018 at 4:50 pm
@JimmyJack
Oook umm he’s a drama queen that’s why I don’t want him and he’s 26, what makes you think he’ll play hard for this team win he’s causing trouble on a winning football team don’t understand why you can’t see that simple logic. Isn’t this the guy that got in trouble with blount? Chemistry is already sensitive on this team he’s no role model or some Vera that’s going to take this team over the top, he is the definition of selfish on TV talking about money and his contact before a big playoff game, we don’t need him is my point
January 24th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
The Bucs would instantly go from a one-dimensional offense to an elite attack.
I wouldn’t bet on it! I’m not sure Dirk would play him, he would probably rotate him!
January 24th, 2018 at 10:12 pm
LOL- RB in this league is a product of the O-Line and an offense that is not totally unpredictable. Bell won’t work here without major changes, just sayin’
January 24th, 2018 at 11:11 pm
^ Bell will work ANYWHERE due to his pass catching ability … the guy could make the Pro Bowl as a WR if he wanted to do so.
January 24th, 2018 at 11:12 pm
5-11 should be a tip.
January 24th, 2018 at 11:28 pm
If a great franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to let their own guy walk maybe we should take that as a hint. Plus the Steelers o-line is way better than ours which makes his production there much higher than it would be here.
January 25th, 2018 at 12:03 am
St Pete, I almost always enjoy your takes. They are often insightful.
My recommendation to sign Foles was a bit tongue in cheek; Joe proposed the question (of a huge signing) after all. I’m not ready to give up on Jamies but, if he is suspended for 4-6 games for the gUber incident, the Bucs may.
Having a QB with Foles’ abilities and experience might save the season, provide a permanent QB replacement and prove to be quite perceptive for a change. Paying this matter no attention and asking Fitz to win 4 of 6 games (or play 16 games) may be cause for a “bwaahaha”.
While the suggestion of a Foles signing is admittedly a stretch, I don’t believe it qualifies me as either a Negative Nathan or an idiot. After all, we all have no influence on the organization, are purely speculating and simply flapping our gums. Armchair GMs; the whole lot!
Finally, the book, “The Power of Negative Thinking” wasn’t written by tmax, who like all of us here is tired of rooting for a minor league team; that honor goes to Bobby Knight.
January 25th, 2018 at 4:49 pm
because paying malcontents unprecedented amounts of money at a position where guys lose a step or 5 with little to no warning is what winning franchises do, right?