Moving On Jonathan Taylor
September 29th, 2023
Joe found this especially interesting because it comes from a friend of former Bucs playcaller Byron Leftwich and a guy who knows the Bucs well.
Former Steelers and Florida Gators offensive lineman Max Starks played for Bucco Bruce Arians in Pittsburgh and was a teammate of Leftwich. During Leftwich’s tenure as Tampa Bay offensive coordinator, sometimes Starks would reference current communication with Leftwich during Starks’ co-hosting duties on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Starks didn’t talk Leftwich this week on the radio, but he did talk about the Bucs’ ugly rushing attack.
Rachaad White? Starks is over the Bucs’ No. 1 running back and thinks the Bucs should be looking at making a move for disgruntled Colts stud RB Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor hasn’t played this season and wants a new contract. The 24-year-old tore up the league two seasons ago as an All-Pro, and he was solid last year on a bad team in limited action because of a two ankle sprains.
Taylor is in the final season of his inexpensive rookie contract but wants a fat deal in the future.
“If I’m the Bucs, I would most definitely [pursue a trade for Taylor] because you can’t have this,” Starks said of White. “You can’t have 2.7 yards per rush for a guy that you’re really banking on being more productive regardless of the circumstances.”
Starks says the Colts must be more open to trading Taylor now because nearly a quarter of the season is gone (which also means a new team only has to pay three-fourths of Taylor’s salary.
Joe thinks it comes down to the organizational mindset at One Buc Palace. If the Bucs go to 3-1 after a thrashing of the Saints on Sunday, and they still can’t run the ball effectively, then Joe would expect at least one person in power to spark a conversation about Taylor.
If the Bucs can have that kind of record with no running game, then what would they look like with one?
Plus, if Taylor is acquired and signed, he’s a great benefit to whomever is the Tampa Bay quarterback next season.
September 29th, 2023 at 9:13 am
I would be flabbergasted if Licht traded for Taylor.
September 29th, 2023 at 9:22 am
Licht is afraid of acquiring talent at the running back position based on his history over the last decade. Only bums in the backfield for Licht!
September 29th, 2023 at 9:23 am
i’m hearing derrick henry is becoming available soon for almost nothing – as a rental – last year of his contract – he’s unsigned after that
September 29th, 2023 at 9:29 am
Unless it was practically free, I’m not sure I would do this. Zack Moss is averaging over 100 yrds per game for the Colts and 4.4 yrds per carry this year when, in Buffalo, he was struggling to crack the lineup, only averaged 30-40 yrds per game, and was considered a failed draft pick. The Bucs o-line has struggled with run blocking for the past two seasons, especially up the middle. Taylor is talented, don’t get me wrong, but how much did he benefit from the Colts O line?
September 29th, 2023 at 9:48 am
Do we even have the cap space for this?
September 29th, 2023 at 9:50 am
currently going into week 4 white is averaging exactly 16 carries for 50 yards per game with 1 td…and 3.1 yards per carry…
and prorated for the entire season, his numbers would be
272 carries for 850 yards and 6 tds…
#HoustonWeHaveAyeProblem
September 29th, 2023 at 10:00 am
I would go get Taylor. Something tells me Mr. White is not our answer at running back. We need a back who can scat, and break tackles. White waits too long for holes to open up.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:09 am
Bruce Arians would roll over in his future grave.
Arians says Rachaad White is the second coming of Edgerrin James. Who are we to question he who won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady?
September 29th, 2023 at 10:19 am
Who wants a guy who holds out?…….Even Taylor can’t run behind our line…..
Besides, Jason want’s another shot at a RB in rounds 2 or 3….since the last 3 haven’t worked out…..although, I liked Rojo.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:23 am
Without a doubt. We could make a deep run in the playoffs with Taylor
September 29th, 2023 at 10:25 am
He’s worth a 2nd round pick.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:26 am
Gotbucs, spot on. Arians could coach. But his opinion on talent? Especially coaches, not good.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:41 am
Licht can’t wipe his own butt without the Glazers permission.
He’s not trading for Taylor.
SMDH.
September 29th, 2023 at 10:57 am
Our “Running” Backs stink. Hard to see why anyone wouldn’t be excited to get a guy like Taylor…
September 29th, 2023 at 11:00 am
And this is where I miss Tom Brady. If he were here, we certainly would be considering this trade. Probably would have made serious moves on the offensive line in the pre-season. With Brady here, everything was different when it came to trades, re-loading, non-Bucs veteran players taking less money to play with Tom Brady to pursue a championship.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:13 am
Don’t see the Bucs giving a fat contact to a running back. Wirfs, Winfield come first and maybe D White. If they still have the funds go for it. We’d immediately be playoff contenders
September 29th, 2023 at 11:15 am
Pittsburgh gonna get him should have gotten him
September 29th, 2023 at 11:15 am
We know that Licht is patient. We also know that Taylor’s price tag drops every week. I expect Licht to keep waiting.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:23 am
It’s 50/50 with JT. He’s a very talented RB but who wants a fat deal. That’s the problem. Bucs don’t have the funds to pay him. So what just send a bunch of picks to get hi then let him walk ? That’s not smart then there’s also the issue of RB are becoming more n more like the FB position. They won’t get completely fazzed out but it’s a passing league now. The other issue is there have bin above average Olines that make below average RB look great. JOE won’t agree or even admit it that our Oline CANT run block worth of 💩. Last year and now this year too. Diff line in place diff play caller in place we had Lenny last year n RW1. He’s deff taking too long to go thru the hole but more than not there is no hole. I do agree with JOE that our oline can pass block but run blocking is 💩 and even with JT back there it would only change marginally. Also idk why people are calling rojo bad. Dude would have had 1k but Brady chose AB to get his incentives over rojo. Rojo looked great our SB year.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:27 am
Feiler is a band-aid, Hainsey is a back-up, and Mauch is a work in progress. Together, they couldn’t open a hole in a wet paper bag (weak D-line).
It’s on coaching to call running plays that don’t try to work behind our weakest link. Up the gut ain’t working. And it has absolutely nothing to do with who’s toten the rock. Nobody runs through brick walls.
If you pay ANY attention you’d notice that runs to the outside ‘seem’ to be much more effective. Maybe coaching should be calling a few more of those running plays instead of banging our heads against the wall and saying “It’s good”
September 29th, 2023 at 11:45 am
Yes, we definitely need to trade for disgruntled damaged goods. The low IQs would love this.
September 29th, 2023 at 11:50 am
Not going to happen we won’t have enough cap space to sign all are own guys back and never ever ever pay a running back never
September 29th, 2023 at 11:51 am
I just listened to Dave Canales’ presser and what bugs me is that all this team is looking to do is get better. I think every team gets better the more you run plays, but is it GOOD ENOUGH? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut and what is our longest run after 3 games 14 yds?
Eventually you have to say these GUYS aren’t getting it done.
Also, why is there no IMAGINATION to help spell these gloomy days as the team is supposedly gonna KNOW how to block through repetition?
I watched the Lions run a reverse against an over pursuing Packers defense that was a truly awesome play call at the perfect time.
The KEY is to WIN these games while getting better.
A reverse or pitch back toss or double throw seemed like a wise move in that Philly game. They pinned their ears back for a safety and if Cade Otton had turned right after blocking he would have picked up a huge gain. I watched to make sure and there was plenty of time for play action.
I really thought we were gonna see a SF style of offense where you just couldn’t TELL what was gonna happen and if you ever over pursue, you are gonna get beat bad.
Philly fired their LBs on every play and dared us to throw over the middle ALL GAME LONG, yet we tried Duo concepts up the middle.
I don’t get it and it is starting to piss me off.
I’m patient, but you HAVE to start seeing a CHANGE and we don’t.
Im done blaming White, because Tucker hasn’t looked special either.
I don’t wanna break the bank for Taylor when we could seriously just be calling better plays.
September 29th, 2023 at 12:17 pm
What about Fournette? Do we think he’s toast?
September 29th, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Let Sneak run. The whole game.
September 29th, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Draft the best C in round one next spring. F&#k finding hidden gems coming out of Pearl River Community College. Draft a C from one of the powerhouse schools in the SEC to anchor the middle of the OL. Our OL is a sieve in the middle. White is doing well just to get back to the los. I’m expecting the next rash of injuries to be in the offensive backfield. I don’t like Mayfield, but I really hoped he could bring the best out of this team. It appears to me that we were lucky to beat two bad teams, and that our record could very easily soon be 2 wins and 3 losses. It’s depressing.
September 29th, 2023 at 12:43 pm
I’m with you Bojim. Let’s see Sneaky V. Chance for redemption. He was lead back for us in a playoff victory. No one else on the roster can say that. 🤔
September 29th, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Give the Colts a third round pick and Vaughn ( whos been in Licht doghouse ever since we drafted him).
September 29th, 2023 at 1:00 pm
I’m guessing Indy would take a 4-5th round pick. I do that in a heartbeat even if it was for one year.
September 29th, 2023 at 1:21 pm
I can’t imagine Taylor wanting to be a Buc and running behind this offensive line.
September 29th, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Make it happen
September 29th, 2023 at 1:25 pm
@BillyBucco
To your point, I’ve expected more movement in this offense, instead it’s just WRs switching sides and the continuous fake read-option from baker.
September 29th, 2023 at 1:30 pm
I’m no Vaughn fan, but I’d like to give him a shot…unless he can get the QB dismembered on passing downs.
If that is the case, what’s his value? If he comes into a game, that’s a big tell.
I hope White shuts his big trap and decides just to play. If you can buy him for what he’s worth and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth, you could pay for three Taylors…
September 29th, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Taylor is a heck of a RB…But I am not a fan of overpaying the position or trading away future picks to get a guy on the last yr of a rookie deal that wants that mega-RB new contract.
White is an adequate #2 RB in this league…And could be a pretty good 3 down option… But it all comes down to how the OL plays. Which has been lacking in run game for YEARS.
Bucs do not have a franchise QB…That should be the sole focus moving forward. (Baker is serviceable, but on his last chance as a starter in this league. I cannot see him as the future QB1 in Tampa after 2023, anymore than Traskcan!)
September 29th, 2023 at 1:53 pm
I would love to see the Bucs get Taylor, just to shut people up about the run game, because Taylor is getting 2.7ypc in this offense, the way they run the ball.
Is he better than White? Certainly, he’s probably the best back in football right now. Is he Barry Sanders? No, not even close, so he’s not doing anything behind the line, and the way the run game is currently being called. Which, to be clear, I 100% put on Bowles.
Here’s the thing… if you can’t run the ball — then don’t run the ball. BUT, there’s a second part to that as well, if you can’t run the ball, and you’re not going to run the ball, when you DO run the ball, don’t be so g-d predictable that everyone in the world knows it’s a 1st down run up the gut.
September 29th, 2023 at 2:38 pm
And first thing Taylor wants a new contract or he isn’t playing
September 29th, 2023 at 4:09 pm
Taylor? Yeah… maybe a second rounder. The guy is a talent. So would be worth kicking the proverbial tires.
September 29th, 2023 at 4:33 pm
Leftwich and Starks wear probably laughing from their coach watching the Bucs abysmal rushing attack on Monday. Leftwich must’ve felt some redemption
September 29th, 2023 at 6:12 pm
Taylor wouldn’t fix the running problem. I don’t understand the infatuation by some fans and a Joe about this.
September 29th, 2023 at 7:23 pm
I brought Taylor up a the other day. Makes too much sense, we need an upgrade. He’s a HUGE upgrade when healthy. Let’s go for it, it’s just money and a pick. It’s not rocket surgery here folks
September 29th, 2023 at 9:04 pm
It would be great for us this year but I think the Bucs are thinking long term. I know Bowles isn’t thinking that way but knowing the Bucs history and Lichts I don’t think they pull the trigger on a trade for Taylor. Licht is thinking a year or two down the road at least. The Bucs are still in cap hell and trading for Taylor isn’t going to help that situation.
September 30th, 2023 at 6:30 am
I REALLY BELIEVE IT WOULD BE IN THE BUCCANEERS BEST INTEREST TO AQUIRE A BACK OF JONATHAN TAYLOR’S CALIBER AT THIS POINT IN THE SEASON (WITH ONE WHOLE BYE WEEK COMING UP TO LEARN DAVE CANALES SYSTEM) WE HAVE THE LEADER (BAKER MAYFIELD)TARGETS..MIKE EVANS, CHRIS GODWIN, TREY PALMER ( “WHOM ALL 3 COULD BE A #1 RECIEVER (WHEREVER) THEY PLAYED”)RASHAD WHITE IS SIMULAR TO WARRICK DUNN BUT WITHOUT THE JUICE & DETERMINATION!?..WITH JONATHAN TAYLOR WE WOULD HAVE THAT WORKHORSE, ALWAYS MOVING FOWARD RUNNER WHO RUNS WITH AUTHORITY WHEN HE CARRIES THE BALL..WE NEED A FULLBACK TO LEAD THE BACKS THROUGH THE HOLES..( I KNOW IT’S A LOST ART BUT IT WORKS..EXAMPLE:FORMER L.A.RAMS COACH “CHUCK KNOX”..HE RAN SO OFTEN, HE GOT THE NICKNAME “GROUND CHUCK”…LOL..BUT THE WAY OUR TEAMS BUILT, PASSING TO SET UP THE RUN IS THE WAY TO GO (3 ALL-PRO RECIEVER’S ) TREY PALMER IS DEFINITELY NOT GETTING ENOUGH TARGETS OR PLAYING TIME,BY THE WAY..HE WOULD BE OUR END AROUND DEEBO SAMUEL TYPE OF RECIEVER WITH HIS GREAT SPEED & HE CAN CATCH WITH “RAC” ABILITIES ON EVERY PLAY HE’S TARGETED..HE’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR MATERIAL & FOR SOME REASON THE COACHES CAN’T SEE IT ! ( REALLY BOGGLES MY MIND )
September 30th, 2023 at 7:48 am
All about the OL. You really think JT would want to even flirt with playing behind a shoddy OL?! Nope. Besides, let White be the fall guy for an issue that’s definitely not as much his fault. Taylor will NEVER Don a Bucs uni
September 30th, 2023 at 12:39 pm
I hear O.J.Simpson is available at a bargain rate!
September 30th, 2023 at 4:51 pm
RBs are a dime a dozen. Our running game sucks because Hainsey is undersized and weak.