Future May Be Just Weeks Away
December 1st, 2020
“Joel, how much do you think it would take to bribe Bruce to draft a QB?”
Very interesting premises laid out by a former NFL general manager as to the future of the Bucs.
And this man wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs have a new coach in 2021 or a new quarterback in 2021, or both.
While this may be premature, it’s not a stretch at all to see one of these moves happen after you lay out all the cards.
Former coffee fetcher for Bill Walsh, Al Davis and Bill Belicheat, ex-Browns general mangaer Michael Lombardi, devoted his weekly column in The Athletic today to the Bucs, specifically the arranged marriage of Bucco Bruce Arians and park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, jet-ski-losing, handshake-stiffing Bucs quarterback Tom Brady.
Lombardi has always been skeptical of how the Arians-Brady relationship would work. Lombardi didn’t think Brady could overnight become a no-risk-it, no-biscuit quarterback, and Lombardi didn’t think Arians would be willing to overhaul his offense for the six-time Super Bowl winner.
In Lombardi’s eyes, the marriage after 12 games isn’t working smoothly enough for the Bucs to slow dance to a Super Bowl in February. But Lombardi does think the Bucs have enough talent to do damage in the playoffs.
However, with Brady only under contract for one more year (2021), and with Father Time being a dark shadow hovering over Brady’s shoulder, Lombardi wonders if Team Glazer might bring in a Brady-friendly coach to take over the Bucs next month?
Albert Einstein once said, “I never think of the future; it comes soon enough.” And the future for the Bucs is coming sooner, rather than later. The Glazer family must make a decision. They cannot rely on general manager Jason Licht for advice, as I am sure Licht believes that over time the partnership between Brady and Arians will pay dividends. Licht is too close to both parties. He talked Arians out of retirement to take the Bucs job, and he signed Brady. He passionately wants their partnership to work, but because he doesn’t truly understand Brady and how he approaches football, time and slight compromise will never be enough to bridge the gap.
The Bucs have an easy schedule to finish out the year, and they have enough talent on both sides of the ball that they could very well make a run in the playoffs. But we all know Arians is not about compromise, nor is Brady at age 43 best suited to play outside his comfort zone. The plan was for the Glazers to win a Super Bowl now, and if it doesn’t happen this year, neither Brady nor Arians offer any sustainable long-term franchise solutions, nor do they philosophically understand the game the same way. The Glazers must decide their future alone. If this partnership isn’t sustainable, what move might put the Bucs in the best position to draft and sign the young players who will help them win in the future? Do they continue with a 68-year-old coach and forgo a $25 million dollar investment in Brady next season?
Or do they remove Arians, costing them significant money (although not $25 million), and hire a Brady-friendly coach for next year, with the emphasis on finding his eventual replacement?
This is all very interesting to Joe. First, let’s remember Team Glazer doesn’t really blink twice about eating contracts. Look at all the millions of dollars they shelled out for Chucky, Greg Schiano and Lovie Smith not to coach (in the NFL).
Working against Arians here, for the future, is his refusal to bring in a quarterback to groom to replace Brady (spare Joe the Blaine Gabbert or Josh Rosen nonsense).
With all of these quarterback experts on the payroll, and a guy like Brady to learn from, this would be the perfect time to draft a quarterback high in the 2021 draft (BYU’s Zach Wilson, for example).
To Joe, this is just common sense. Have a succession plan in place for Brady so the team isn’t running around like a drunk in need of a beer on a Sunday morning looking for a has-been or never-been quarterback to take over because the Bucs didn’t draft one.
Arians, who may hate quarterback controversies worse than cheap whiskey, thinks such a move would cultivate faux quarterback controversies and drama.
(One reason Arians’ isn’t too worried about the Bucs’ future is he knows he very likely won’t be part of it.)
So if Arians and Brady return in 2021, the Bucs likely would be looking at someone else’s unwanted quarterback in 2022 or rebuilding.
(Before you mention a Band-Aid like Aaron Rodgers, research his numbers in warm-weather games.)
What adds intrigue to all of this is if all the junior-eligible quarterbacks enter the 2021 draft. This draft could be loaded with top-shelf quarterbacks.
Here is a potential list:
Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Kyle Trask, Brock Purdy, J.T. Daniels and Wilson. Given the fact most teams already have their quarterbacks, the Bucs wouldn’t have to trade up very far (maybe not at all) and get their future QB.
Arians, however, is apparently dead-set against this.
We all know how much Team Glazer covets a franchise quarterback. Who knows when such a loaded draft class for quarterbacks will be seen again?
(You know, need meets availability?)
Could the solution be as simple as Team Glazer cutting Arians a bonus check if he would capitulate and draft a quarterback in the first round?
Joe isn’t saying Lombardi is right here, but given how he laid out all the information, he isn’t exactly wrong, either.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:06 pm
NFL Network’s Michael Silver reported that Arians actually looks to his quarterback to design the offense and call the plays for the 7-5 Bucs.
“We call what he picks,” Arians told Silver. “We just have to get better. He’s getting more comfortable every week. We’re getting close.” NOW IMMA LEAVE THIS RIGHT HERE AND GET BACK TO MY DAY THANKKKKSSSSS
December 1st, 2020 at 2:07 pm
The people who really should get the boot are the Glazers.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Who gives a damn what Arians thinks? Glazers should nut up and demand Licht drafts a QB. Even if Arians doesn’t like it or doesn’t try to groom the kid at least he’s there watching Brady (if he’s back next year).
December 1st, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Yes, “eating contracts” rather than say “eating W’s” is exactly what the Glazer boys do best. #PaidFloridaVacation
December 1st, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Bruce can go fly a kite, I’d like to retain Bowles if possible though. I remember the cruel days of Mike Smith and Leslie Frazier/Lovie Smith combo and I’d wish to not return.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:24 pm
This is a good point. Even if the kid gets a cold shoulder from the coaches, he’s at least witness how Brady goes about things first-hand.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:32 pm
If the Glazers are sold on Brady they will hire Josh McDaniels as head coach and the Lions cast off Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. But I do believe that would be a big mistake. Belecheat runs the Pats when he leaves they will be bottom feeders.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Also Arians has gone on record saying he realizes he coming to a point in his career that he might decide to hang it all up and how it wouldn’t be fair to draft a signal caller only to have the new regime come in and possibly not be fully committed to someone that’s “not there guy”
At least this kind of does explain his reluctance.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:34 pm
I’ll take it one step further and say that if the Bucs win the Super Bowl, do the Glazers sell the team? It would never be worth more.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Kyle Trask with a year under Brady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude has all the throws, has the size (6’4″ 245), climbs the pocket well and Protects the Ball (34 TDs to 3 INTs) in 8 games so far.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:39 pm
The biggest draft need next year will be DLine.
Lombardi is the same guy who said Jameis is a better fit with Arians’ offense than Brady.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:42 pm
a little silly. This was never a super bowl roster. This is a playoff team with a chance if everything falls perfectly. Vea was a big blow, but there is still a chance that we continue to grow, win 3 or 4 more games and win wild card weekend and see what happens and year 2 have a better roster with a real chance. I think 3 things hurt the bucs… covid so no offseason, godwin injury , so we signed ab and vea injury. We will see, but come on. 1st trip to the playoffs in a long time and 1st playoff win in 20 years is still right there.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:53 pm
I would like more details on this “pick plays” thing. Arians must be offering him as many choices as we had for our recent election.
December 1st, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Trade for Belichick.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:02 pm
WyldKat. I agree. It’s BAs offense. He may allow TB12 to pick his favorite plays AMONG THE ALLOWED CHOICES of downfield bombs, but it’s not like TB gets to pick the offense. BA is trying to cover his real and obfuscate on how crappy his offense is.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:09 pm
This is a silly ass article. The commitment from the Glazers is 2 years and that’s what it will be.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Arians should be more concerned with the state of the team when he leaves instead of some non-existent QB’s feelings. And any coach that won’t utilize the strengths of his players isn’t worth having, in my humble opinion. I assume he cares about his legacy. Does he really want to end his career with the big stinker he’s currently managing?
December 1st, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Cover his rear.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:13 pm
Sumosam, then come up with your own website and do better!
December 1st, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Really silly by Lombardi to ignore all cap ramifications. The cap is really difficult next year already and the Bucs do not have David, Godwin, Barrett, gronkowski, suh, gohlston, brown under contract at all next year so ZERO upon ZERO chance bucs eat 25 million in dead Tom Brady cap money….ZERO.
Oh, and the Bucs putrid offense with horrible playcalling and a quarterback who hates the offense and a awful coordinator with a awful head coach are 6th in points scored per game- I guess we have to have chiefs offense or we suck
December 1st, 2020 at 3:17 pm
That commitment was made before the NFL found out how much the salary cap is going to drop next year. This Bucs team will look far different in 2021, Brady or no Brady; Arians or no Arians.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:27 pm
People say a lot of things about the Glazers, but they are Billionaires that are willing to do things out of the box. like how they went out and got Gruden from Oakland and actually pulled off winning the Super Bowl. At the same time as fans we have watched them bankroll a lot of garbage teams on the field for many years of their ownership. So who knows what will happen, but they are very much aware of the eventual transition that will take place. My thoughts are they want at least 1-2 more years of Brady no matter what happens, meaning Super Bowl or not with the mind of him being a part of grooming the next QB. You would think they want a young QB around Tom to learn from. We do not know the conversations the ownership or Jason had with Brady, but with his age, this had to be discussed. GO BUCS!!!
December 1st, 2020 at 3:32 pm
This is all a big bag of pachyderm dung
December 1st, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Bruce just dictate his desire, Leftwich tries to make it an actuality. It is more likely that Arians will be here and Leftwich won’t. The Bucs will find someone promising, like Josh McDaniels, and make him coordinator for a year.
They will get by saying that Arians will retire the next year and he will be coach.
The biggest change I see for next year is the loss of Godwin. They drafted Tyler Johnson for a reason.
The D-line will also look much different, but Gholston and a few others are coming along.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:38 pm
The future HC and QB were known future needs at the beginning of the year (and last year). Licht has had a lot of time to contemplate and plan. I’m sure he has a game plan for each scenario.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Hire a new coach ASAP!
December 1st, 2020 at 3:51 pm
This marriage will end on 2021, not before, and regarding cap for next year, they will manage…….The all in for 2020 has always been stupid, and if you add the COVID situation with no pre seasons games no OTA´s you can also add the word ridiculous…..all in in 2021 makes way much more sense….If it works fine, if not….Boot to Arians and Boot to Brady
December 1st, 2020 at 3:53 pm
August
In hindsight, signing Gruden was the ultimate CYA move. They unceremoniously dumped a great man and the finest coach we’ve ever had. Then went against the GMs recommendations, for the bright shiny object under the auspices of much improved offense.
In reality Grudens teams averaged a third of a point per game more than Dungy’s. We sold our soul for a SB, and blew up what very well could have been a dynasty. Gruden/ Allen burned it down.
They’re trying the same now, only with a much much less talented coaching staff and without a defense for the ages.
December 1st, 2020 at 3:54 pm
good thinking @ Doug. We haven’t made the playoffs in over a decade and we will this year. We will also get a playoff W. This terrible offense has us ranked 5th in the NFL
December 1st, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Josh McDaniel rumors will get louder if we crash and burn. I would still keep Josh Rosen. Not saying don’t draft a QB but try and retain him.
December 1st, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Hmmm … clear as mud
December 1st, 2020 at 4:38 pm
I been saying this since Jameis era and they went full apocalyptic in 2020 with no future QB! Shoulda grabbed Herbert and if anybody says nah that’s stupid it woulda been impossible to force him to sit the bench or blah blah he wouldn’t have been available or woulda cost too much to trade up! Or No we got Wirfs he is a BEAST… OK OK 👍 so why not Jacob Eason as a flyer in the 4th round or something??? Why not Jalen Hurts ???? Cmon now??? Cmon Folks
December 1st, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Jmark,
The Shiney new toy or prize was Bill Parcells. He got a peek into the future state of team and smartly declined.
And what dynasty was Dungy building? The only reason the team wasn’t dismantled earlier was Gruden !
December 1st, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Kinda off topic and usually big name crazy rich former players don’t want anything to do with coaching, but TB maybe the exception ( not coaching) but want to be continued involved with winning in the NFL in a front office. The guy had the passion , knowledge and dedication to winning that is a rare combination… just another component that the franchise is lacking in
December 1st, 2020 at 4:57 pm
“Kobe Faker looks at the big picture
Brady and the Glazer boyband had already a handshake agreement for Brady to move into the FO
Brady = relevance
The NFL/Goodell wants Brady involved many years after his playing days are over which is after next year
Brady knows he will never co exist in NE in the FO with Hoodie around
Brady has planted his seed at 1 buc place.
Though Robert Kraft would rather have Brady in NE FO,
It will be HANDY, that Brady is so close to St Pete”
Kobe read between the lines Faker
December 1st, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Brady is the NFL’s 2nd leading passer, and 4th in TDs…
How exactly is it ‘not working out’?
The fake news narrative is ridiculous. It wasn’t Brady who put the team down 17-0 in the 1st quarter – just like it generally wasn’t Winston putting the team down 17-0 in the 1st quarter. The issue isn’t with the offense, just like it hasn’t been for nearly the last 6 years.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Lawrence to the Jets and Fields to the Jags….
Jones and Trask depend likely on where the Redskins (or whatever the name) end up draft pick….
Both playing at high level and would be interesting to see in Bucs helmets…
December 1st, 2020 at 5:37 pm
You’re better then this Joe’s, this post is very disappointing stay classy!
December 1st, 2020 at 5:42 pm
D1
A dynasty where our 2nd string would have started for other teams ( at least defensively).
A dynasty that at the very least would have made it to the playoffs every year and been in contention ( see: Pittsburgh Steelers)
A dynasty where the organization as a whole was respected and not ridiculed ( only took Dungy three seasons to turn around 20 years of that)
A dynasty without “ lost decades” and with players that by and large could be appreciated AND respected.
The Super Bowl championships would have come with that. I guess it just depends on your definition of Dynasty. If you’ve been a Buc fan from the beginning, there’s no denying what was built between 1996-2001, and how it finally was great to be a Buc Fan… first time ever.
Gruden and Allen did dismantle this franchise with their penchant for over the hill gangs ( I guess that was hereditary for Allen). Gruden is another QB whisperer, who can’t seem to develop a QB, and whose Ego comes first.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:48 pm
That’s the problem Bruce is worried about the now, he has Tom Brady and is so rigid won’t do what’s needed to adjust to the guy with the ball in his hands. Didn’t do it for a guy leading the league in interceptions last year he still kept throwing he won’t do it now for a guy at 43 leading the league in passing attempts
Bruce is old and the team is not performing well and there’s an easy way to fix the offense but they won’t do it. We still need a quarterback. Make the playoffs this year and next year then Brady is gone with no quarterback guess who is right back in loser mode.
Somebody better be thinking about the long game.JPP ain’t and suh ain’t it either
December 1st, 2020 at 5:53 pm
Fun fact, michael Lombardi was on the pat mcafee show a few weeks ago (or longer I forget) when he let slip that he talks to Tom Brady multiple times a week!! They were in a radio break but still airing on YouTube and Lombardi didn’t realize. Afterwards the for youtube upload edited out Lombardi’s comment. Knowing that adds a lot more intrigue to anything Lombardi says about the Bucs.
December 1st, 2020 at 5:56 pm
Like I said before seasons start, Before its all over, Buc fans are gonna turn on the GOAT and Arians. Its slowly happening. I still cannot get over how a lot of you actually thought, Brady had a lot left in the tank. he was advertised to you and by a lot of you as..The 2nd coming. We got him for one more year. His money is guaranteed. grab some wood and plenty of it. But I said this was gonna happen long time ago. BucLife baby.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:00 pm
I got no problem with Brady.. we’ve got a winning record and a heck of slot more respect than we’ve had in years.
The coaching is another story… BA’s desire to run an OJT mentoring program is the problem.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:37 pm
9-7 will get you in the playoffs all the wildcard potential teams are playing each other. The only have to go 2-2 in their 4 games.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:54 pm
I don’t have a problem with Brady either. Arians coaching philosophy has been exceptionally disappointing and he has not played to Brady’s strengths.
With the vaccine, there is going to be pretty much a full off season and Brady will have chemistry with our receivers next Fall.
December 1st, 2020 at 7:04 pm
Look either there are internal problems between Brady and Bruce or there isnt. Thats gotta be the only thing that forces a change(considering we have a good finish to the regular season).
Its really kinda getting annoying that people are flipping out this badly. I just dont understand the fire Bruce talk after 12 games with Brady. We are 7-5. Looking good to get some playoff experience. We gotta win the SB this year? Why a 1 year window. Brady committed 2 years…….If we come back next year even better, and go as ll the way thats not good enough? I dont get it.
December 1st, 2020 at 7:06 pm
Quite honestly, I soured on the whole BA adventure in November of last season. The whole JayMiss thing annoyed me. BA was non-committal until it was too late.
When TB12 signed, I had my doubts that they could coexist with any level of success. Now, that seems obvious. This offense isn’t a fit for TB12’s talent.
It’s probably time to dissolve this “marriage” for the sake of the children.
Peace, out
December 1st, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Ya’ll pissin’ me off. We have 4 scrub teams ahead of us on the way to an 11-5 season. Theres no one in the NFC we cant beat in the playoffs and we can beat KC in the Superbowl. Stop trying to create drama Joe, you dumbass.
December 1st, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Jimmy Jack
You are watching the games right?
Boatload of talent, on offense at least. Greatest QB of all time, and the HC is letting a novice OC run things… with an “ everybody go long” game plan.
And don’t get me started on the defense. Huge coaching staff and nobody came up with a plan to stop Tyreek Hill? The last three weeks prove you can’t just “roll the ball out there” and let them play. Teams have coaches for a reason. We have a lot of them.
December 1st, 2020 at 7:27 pm
Go ahead and get pissed Dan. Guess you have been watching a different team. Guarantee me we are going 11-5 after watching our secondary get roasted and toasted . They look like ballerinas out there trying to make a tackle.
December 1st, 2020 at 7:36 pm
Problem ain’t the scrub teams or regular season. We have standards and that bar was raised when Brady stepped on the scene, damn his age, protection, deep ball accuracy and familiarity with the scheme nothing but excuses.
You don’t play scrubs in the playoffs
December 1st, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Getting a potential franchise quarterback in next year’s draft makes all the sense in the world.
December 1st, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Bruce used to be the Cards head coach . I had the impression from hints about his lifestyle that he enjoyed taking his players out on his yacht for fishing and drinking excursions . Somehow it seemed to get in the way of their games . Also Bruce always had trouble taking responsibility for his part when the “rubber met the road” on game day .
December 1st, 2020 at 11:10 pm
In Arizona???!!!
December 1st, 2020 at 11:44 pm
There’s a huge party lake out there with yachts on it. Forget the name. Lake Havasu maybe. I don’t know if he was out partying on it though . Lol
December 2nd, 2020 at 12:51 am
Joe , Bruce used to be an East Coast fisherman so obviously his job with Tampa Bay worked out well for him. An interesting side note is many times the Cardinals would take on a questionable talent like Antonio Brown . Many times these players didn’t do well and would be cut . Many times Bill Belichick would pick them up on the rebound and see if could do better .
December 2nd, 2020 at 7:34 am
Wait, Ariens hates QB controversies? I find that hard to believe. I honestly rarely hear other coaches blame their QB (or other players) for their losses without taking blame themselves. This guy is blaming his QB for just about everything when Ariens obviously isn’t free of blame at all, which is causing a ton of QB controversy.
December 2nd, 2020 at 5:19 pm
We are back to the Lombardi knows nothing and no one learns from reading his tripe. He’s awful.