Calling Mike Pouncey
March 15th, 2018
Options.
Perhaps the vibe wasn’t good.
It seems the Bucs may have a backup plan in case Ravens free agent center/guard Ryan Jensen goes to Indianapolis, where he’s allegedly headed this afternoon after coming to Tampa but leaving without a contract.
Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Bucs have reached out to gauge interest with former Dolphins offensive lineman Mike Pouncey.
Laine added no meeting has been arranged.
So it seems Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht is covering himself. But the question is, will Pouncey be available when Jensen makes his decision?
March 15th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
For Godsake! Pick which one you want and make an offer they can’t refuse.
This dick’n around trying to get a guy for the least amount of money is costing us wins.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
It appears that the Koetter/Licht’s Out combo couldn’t close a door. Don’t blame Jensen for beating feet…even if Indy was actually worse than the Bucs in 2017.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Never should have let Jensen get on a departing plane. Indy has more $ to spend and an even bigger need than the Bucs for solid OLine help.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
I like Mike Pouncey more than Jensen since it means the Bucs can’t mess around with Marpet, he for certain moves back to G and Pouncey is a proven top talent at center.
But when Licht tries to nickel and dime him and say he needs to prove himself after being injured 2 years ago, that’s when Pouncey will just sign with some team that has no cap space for $10m/year, while the Bucs call Pamphile and see if he’s ready to come back at a discount.
March 15th, 2018 at 5:57 pm
Much rather have Pouncey over Jensen. Get it done Jason!
March 15th, 2018 at 5:58 pm
Doooooooo something!!!!!!! Wtf is going on out there?! Make some moves, smh… You’re killing me smalls.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
I think these FA’s are seeing Jameis sucking his fingers looking all crazy and decide to explore the other offers
March 15th, 2018 at 6:03 pm
This franchise is pathetic.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Agreed Bucemup. They see JAboob costing jobs and don’t want to be around in January 19 when heads roll. Tua 2020!
March 15th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Love your Photo captions there Joe. Licht is looking like..He does not have a clue. Its like he’s sayin…HELP!!!
March 15th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
There is a lesson to be learned with the Richie Incognito situation a couple of years ago. There are three good reasons players make it to free agency: age (over the hill) young inexpensive talent, and attitude. When you make an evaluation on talent put much less emphasis on character. These guys are all alpha males and WILL get into some kind of trouble. Bullying has been around since the beginning of time and is mostly an insecurity issue with the individual. Not condoning it but come on this is not elementary school!
March 15th, 2018 at 6:05 pm
How much longer do we have to wait until we’re (allowed) to panic?
March 15th, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Jensen was ALWAYS goint to visit Indy. His agent is known for letting his players make more than just one visit. HOPEFULLY, if he is given a bigger offer than we made Licht at least will have chance to beat said offer. If we decide to pass and are not willing to pay the man, Pouncey is a must IMO. I actually would prefer Pouncey over Jensen. Imo it is critical that we sign one of them, since available players are signing at a rapid pace and we may end up with nothing left as upgrades on the Oline.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Jensen wants to explore all options. I can’t blame him. But the colts are in disarray where the Bucs have a strong young offensive core. If it comes down to us and the colts I can’t think of any reason why he wouldn’t sign with us.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Players actually like Jameis and the city of Tampa the organization on the other hand is a whole other story
March 15th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Suspicious take. Jenna Laine and Rick Stroud also reported that Jensen had every intention (and informed Bucs) of checking out both Tampa and Indianapolis because the team “fit” was more important to him than the money.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Absent injury or a failed medical, how the hell do they let Jensen get on a plane to Indy? The guy fits the right mold- solid, starting caliber C, who earned his way to a paycheck. Pouncey is the clown that wore the Free Hernandez gear and was, generally, a douche at UF- plus his play has slipped. Of course that still makes him a far better player than Sweezy, but back to my main point- CLOSE A DEAL LiCHT. A meaningful deal!
March 15th, 2018 at 6:09 pm
Freaking A man this sooo pathetic! What is they’re deal I mean is there even anyone left? What the hell is Light telling everyone over there ” sorry but the guy wanted to much money”. Virtually every team in the league is making moves except the cash strapped ones and look at us screwing around I guess hoping someone just falls out of the sky. Unless Licht thinks Chubb, Barkley or Nelson will be there at seven I don’t know what they are thinking what is the plan no plan at all??
March 15th, 2018 at 6:09 pm
It’s pretty funny to see the leash ownership has put on Licht in what may be his last year in Tampa.
I’m not sure if it speaks to his past failures in free agency or his lame duck status
March 15th, 2018 at 6:14 pm
DanBucsFan – Good teams don’t let players they want leave the building, no matter what is on their schedule.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:16 pm
If we can get either Pouncey or Jensen I’d be thrilled. I’ll hold my thoughts until one either signs or they both sign elsewhere.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:16 pm
So far 2 back ups and a kicker.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:17 pm
I haven’t felt this let down and disappointed since I saw the lights come on late one night inside 2001 odyssey
March 15th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
BucEmUp Says:
March 15th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
I think these FA’s are seeing Jameis sucking his fingers looking all crazy and decide to explore the other offers
—————-
Maybe just maybe it’s the dou che bag fans and the empty stadium that causes them to run away. As if nfl players don’t talk. The Bucs are like the girl with herpes and crabs, don’t nobody want to touch her.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
One more indication that either the Glazers need to cut ties with Licht and Koetter or sell the team to someone who wants to win. Really, it’s just that simple.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Can you imagine The Lightning FO acting like this?
March 15th, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Every time you think it can’t get any worse it does. This organisation sucks the life out of you. How you guys cope living it every day I don’t know. At least I can hide from it over here in the UK. Why does every organisation seem to have a plan but ours? Grumpy.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
“Who else wants to phuck with Hollywood Cole.”….errrr DBVV
March 15th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Conversation Glazers had with Licht and Koetter after disasterous season: Glazers: Guys, we’re thinking of making a change. L&K: No, please don’t, we’re so close. Glazers: Close? L&K, Yes, really close, same roster, minus cutting a coupke of guys. Glazers: Sounds good, we can even hike up ticket prices. But no big money free agents guys. L&K: Great!…Well, there is one thing. Glazere: What is it? No high priced Defensive Ends are there? L& K: No, we just need a kicker, that’ll put us over!
March 15th, 2018 at 6:27 pm
@Rod Munch.
I am aware of that sir. But some players do want to explore all options, might realize he is getting paid no matter what. But, to your point I agree , if you want a player bad enough you do anything in your power to sign him and cancel the rest of his itinerary. Id assume we shall see this evening what happens. But I say we pounce on Pouncey if he will sign before Jensen makes up his mind. That is the downfall to doing business the way Jensen’s agent does things, we sign someone else while he takes his tour. Im happy with either one of them but Id prefer Pouncey.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Lol struggling so hard to land a mid level center with so much cap space and a supposed budding superstar at QB with weapons?? Doesn’t make sense to me, unless said center didn’t like the vibe.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:35 pm
@mike johnson
so true!
hahah
March 15th, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Dan – I agree on signing Pouncey, he’s a better player and a pure center, in fact they’re not even all that comparable of players, Pouncey is a much better proven star and he was healthy all of last year, which is really his only shortcoming. Pouncey was not expected to be available and the Bucs should go after him hard. With Jensen it’s possible the Bucs sign him and then move him back to guard instead of moving Marpet back to guard, in that case I don’t think there is much of an upgrade on the line. Perhaps the Bucs had planned on signing Jensen when they got the Pouncey news and changed course, that is fine as well. But as for not leaving the building, the Bucs in the past have had a number of FA’s schedule to come in and had the team in front of them sign the guy first without the Bucs even talking with them. The hard sell works – and if a guy really is going to go around from team to team talking to everyone then his agent needs to have him showing up at teams at 4:01pm on Wednesday.
We shall see what happens, but based on the complete and total lack of activity I’d assume nothing comes of any of this.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:44 pm
Rod Munch, agreed on all your comments. As much as I try to stay optimistic, ITS HARD MAN. GO BUCS !
March 15th, 2018 at 6:45 pm
They need them both, they also need 2 CBs, Safety, 3 DEs, OT, 2 RBs. Mike Pouncey will sign with the Bus if the money is right. He asked the Dolphins for a raise and they refuse, then he asked for his release. He won’t come cheap, that’s for sure.
March 15th, 2018 at 6:45 pm
I would like both
Reality says we get neither and sign someones castoff for a million a year more than they are worth…
Like we have twice in two days…
March 15th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
***Bucs***
March 15th, 2018 at 6:49 pm
Yorkshire: Any indication where you’re at that the Bucs are headed to London. Love the UK English spellings. Had an article once that was going to be published there. Had to search for z (organisation instead of organization) and our (honour, humour instead of honor and humor).
March 15th, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Greg Auman is reporting that Okafor visited today says there is mutual interest but no signing. Ugh! There goes another one….
March 15th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Based on anything we’ve seen or heard, don’t count a damn thing from this organization, and I’m so sick of hearing “you don’t win in March” or you build through the draft, no kidding you build through the draft. I love this team and I’m trying to remain calm and rationale but this is beyond any words at this point. Does Licht or Glazers think were the damn Steelers or Patriots, cause we not, were the Browns or any other losing culture, not franchise, CULTURE. Even is you spend too much on some guys and missed, at least you tried to get better. We play in the NFC South, arguably the best QB division in football and we sign 2 (2nd to 3rd string) run stuffing nose tackles???? We have 0 QB pressure and 1 corner that can kinda cover, have these guys lost their minds? @joe Is Licht just a very good scout/talent evaluator and a piss poor personal man who can’t make deal or too gun shy from Lovie Regime or are the Glazers (even worse) not letting spend anymore money? After no changes minus Hayes to the entire staff and finishing LAST in total defense what the hell are the real bucs fans supposed to think/feel? I know as a rule Bucs can be negative and “the world is falling” but who can actually blame any of us? Like I said I’m a stick carrier up here in Canada, will always stand by this team, no matter what, but I can honestly say this is the most angry I’ve been at the organization since 1995 when a 13 year old kid from Saskatchewan starting cheering for them, because of the draft and the creamsicle jerseys.
I have less than 0 expectations now, never thought possible but will always be my team, even if I am pissed off…..
Licht and Glazser please give us something, anything shred of hope to help with the decade long pain of a losing culture.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Jensen
Okafor
EJ Gaines
Do it so everyone can shut up and calm down. Jensen was making both visits regardless. Go Bucs
March 15th, 2018 at 7:01 pm
I think Glazer hosting a Trump re-election benefit has led to free agent players boycotting the Buccaneers. We have signed 2 outside players, both white cornfed looking white guys and the other player to be brought in was another white lineman, who left without a contract.
March 15th, 2018 at 7:05 pm
Lord Cornelius Says:
if jensen has a choice and is looking for team fit bucs do not stand a chance in hell and you know that. least desirable location in the nfl for coaches, players and front office personnel…. tampa is where careers come to die…
March 15th, 2018 at 7:25 pm
The CONSPIRICY continues to run deeper and deeper!!
March 15th, 2018 at 7:29 pm
This is an offensive player can’t blame Licht koetter scheme sucks or they probably wanted to do something stupid he didn’t like such as moving him from his natural position to keep marpet at center. How long will it take to realize he’s not a very good coach but I guess that’s why he’s head coach here, we are notorious for giving the head job to people no one else would hire as head coach. Head coaches leave here and go back to college ranks
March 15th, 2018 at 7:38 pm
Of course, we could easily end up with neither of these players. But then, who needs them? After all, this team is brimming with talent…right?
March 15th, 2018 at 7:45 pm
I’ve been patient and reasonable through day one of this less than stellar FA class but let’s be real….
This Sucs’ team has more holes than an Ybor City troop train on it’s way to Cuba.
Playing hardball with Jensen and letting him go check-out Indy?
What happened to sending the Glazierbergstienowitz’s private jet to pick up one of these dudes?
I’m not saying they should have handed Jensen a blank check with a freshly monogramed Mont Blanc, but did they even fly him in, first class?
Maybe the genius Greenbergbalmbergstien’s team friendly “get out of jail early” contracts aren’t so appealing to even mid-tier FAs anymore?
“Oh the Bucs are such masters of the front loaded, non-guaranteed contracts”…
They also have sucked big B*lls for a decade plus… Retirement fund masters they are.
Listen, I don’t want to pay insane money for Free Agents as it has clearly gotten out of hand in the NFL and rarely works out.
But at the same time, save me the bullsh*t of reserving all this cap space to resign “core” players…
You can be the “CORE” of a turd and all you are is a very important and expensive part of a BIG MOTHER-F**KING TURD!!!!!!!
Coffee is for closers.
#Lichtmyb*lls
March 15th, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Calling Mike Pouncey…
“I’ll re-tool you!”
March 15th, 2018 at 7:54 pm
I’m sensing a real “bad vibe” about this next season…and Licht has done nothing to make me feel any differently.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
LakeLand Said:
They need them both…
————————–
Wouldn’t that be sweet. Then we could go all DDEEE in the draft. OK, RB in 5th or 6th.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
Just because he was drafted number one does not mean Jameis is a franchise QB. If he hasn’t fixed his accuracy problems by this time, will he ever? Seems like we have it backwards: He was number one, therefore he must be great.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:13 pm
Dear Bucs Everyone,
Nobody worthwhile wants to come here…..especially based on Licht’s “valuation” formula for compensation.
Sincerely,
Reality
March 15th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
Pouncey just released
March 15th, 2018 at 8:19 pm
Hmmm, why do I know this and it not be on the major boards in TB?
March 15th, 2018 at 8:20 pm
It’s the way they structure these contracts for the get out of jail free card you have to pay legit players guaranteed money otherwise you get 4-12 teams! We keep structuring contracts this way is why we also have tons of cap room each year. Then we go and spend it on the Allens and bakers of the free agency class.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
I don’t believe for a f’n second that 95% (or higher) of free agents each year don’t care about money and all they care about if playing for a winning culture and don’t want to play for the Bucs b/c of all of the stupid reasons the majority of you have listed above. Their is so much parity in the NFL right now that there are a ton of teams that are close to turning it around in just a year or two. I am willing to bet that in every single free agent we chased or will chase money was or will be the driving factor most of the time. These guys have a limited shelf life. If we are not ponying up the money this year, we are going to see draft moves “the likes of which God has never seen” the first and second day.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
Ryan Jensen or Mike Pouncey, Morris Claiborne or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would make me happy. More so the secondary still needs help.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Cheapass Bucs with lowball offers. Why would any good player come here to play for a lousy coach and soon to be empty stadium. Back to the Blue Martini days. I sure hope Licht has a good draft.
March 15th, 2018 at 8:55 pm
4-12
March 15th, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Im not mad that we haven’t sign anyone more so that it appears that we are hardly making an attempt
March 15th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Boycott 2018
March 15th, 2018 at 9:17 pm
Look for seat tarps in 2018’
March 15th, 2018 at 10:15 pm
NFL teams can not go over the cap, granted. Too bad they are not penalized draft picks if they do not use all available cap space. Licht is running the Bucs like a small market baseball team such as the Pirates or Marlins; simply ignore the top tier available talent, sign some marginal ballplayers (just enough to claim you are trying to improve) but in reality simply pocketing coin via unspent salary pool and revenue from fat TV contracts. People pick the Marlins as having the potential to lose 110+ games for being a low ball cheap organization so its not a reach to sadly agree with the TMax point of view that it appears that Team Glazer is okay with 4-12 talent and if the wheels really fall off the wagon have an opportunity for the #1 overall draft pick in 2019 to go along with a new GM and coaching staff…. Jeez even Lovie did not start tanking in 2015 until it became apparent that the Bucs. Titans, raiders and Jets were all at 1-10 or 2-9 and viable candidates for the Mariota/Winston sweepstakes…….. I guess season ticket sales are an after thought to these cheap *******s. Its almost like its the late ’80s again with Hugh C roaming the sidelines in that obnoxious tangerine sportcoat and laughing all the way to the bank as the Bucs would average 4 or 5 wins a season and battle Green Bay and Detroit for the NFC Norris basement……
March 15th, 2018 at 11:04 pm
Hey buc em up, your statement about FA’s staying away because of Jameis if freaking beyond ignorant. Jamie’s was injured most of last year. He is, as usual working his tail off this offseason. Who do you want to be the QB here? I am excited that we have a 23 year old entering his 4th year as our QB and I’m sure at least 25 other teams WISH they had our QB. You think the Cards would like a kid like Jameis who plays hurt and wants to win over freaking Sam Bradford & Mike Glennon? You bet they would so instead of bashing our QB why not wish for a F ING running game & an O LINE to protect our FRANCHISE QB!!!
March 15th, 2018 at 11:19 pm
Wait and see what happens before you all lose your minds. Neither I or any of you have any idea what’s going on behind the scenes. The money being thrown at some of these players is absolutely absurd, and most of them will not live up to their contracts.
There are still some good players out there that can help our team tremendously. We’ve “Won” free agency before, making the fans happy for a few months, only to have the season crash and burn.
Wait and see what happens.
March 15th, 2018 at 11:21 pm
IT ALWAYS SEEMS THE BUC’S GOES AFTER THE TABLE SCRAPS THATS BEEN THROWN ON THE FLOOR , YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT , SO LOOK FOR ANOTHER LOSING SEASON !!!
March 15th, 2018 at 11:45 pm
Oh no the sky is falling … imagine if we lost Marpet, Grimes, Barber and Godwin and the only guy we even re-signed was Charles Simms … THAT is basically what’s happened to the Patriots so far in losing Solder, Butler, Dion and Amendola and only re-signing Rex Burkhead.
TEAMS not “names” win games … chill.
March 15th, 2018 at 11:51 pm
Pouncey’s hip is shot. May not be able to hold up. Was making 7mil. Miami wanted to cut salary by 50%. No to Bucs. Bought enough injured players.
March 16th, 2018 at 12:17 am
Did Licht try to nickel and dime Jensen? I thought Jensen might just feel he has a better chance to win games with Indy.
March 16th, 2018 at 12:44 am
typical…… WE DO IT TWICE FOR A BIGGER PRICE!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 2:35 am
RYAN JENSEN … the word was he agreed to take the meeting with Indy regardless of whether he prefers Tampa and that he’s looking for the best fit.
Indy just spent a 1ST ROUNDER on a C recently so my guess is they will ask him to play guard (which he isn’t very good at!), so if the Bucs offered him the starting center position, I think he’ll end up signing with us … I just hope Licht didn’t tell him he’d have to play guard … NO FREE AGENT IS CHOOSING INDY OVER US if the money and fit is the same imho.