How to get him on the field.

Generally, second-round picks are not meant to ride the pine. [read more]

Stathead has ugly numbers.

No, it is not a good thing when a 2014 second-round pick virtually every football person believes has loads of talent is a No. 3 or No. 2 tight end entering training camp. [read more]

There’s a new locker at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.

The name plate across the top reads, “Custodian.” But this guy won’t be cleaning up Joe’s empty Papa John’s boxes and beer bottles.

It’s for the Custodian of Canton, Ira Kaufman, the Tampa Bay area’s only voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. eye-RAH! is now a very proud member of the JoeBucsFan.com family.

Bucs and NFL fans know Ira best for his 25 years at The Tampa Tribune, and they’ve been entertained by him for years on local and national sports radio. Those with SiriusXM know Ira is a weekly, football-season guest of Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, and he’s a popular interview of PFT Live host Mike Florio on NBC Sports Radio. Ira also does plenty of TV analysis in the Tampa Bay area, where his distinct style sets him apart.

Unleashed. Finally!

What’s so special about Ira’s arrival at JoeBucsFan.com? Joe has removed Ira’s corporate shackles. No longer will a newspaper editor stuck in the 20th century stifle Ira’s powerful opinions.

No longer will Ira lose mind-numbing battles to get real news to Bucs fans.

Ira’s sources from 40 years in the business are top shelf. Joe will even dare say they’re the very best in town when it comes to the Bucs.

Joe has no leash or limits on Ira. There will be no editorial meetings or orders. Ira will get to speak his mind freely, even if that means throwing sharp daggers at Joe. And yes, Joe will blast Ira when it’s deserved.

Powered By Cadillac

The standout leadership teams at Ed Morse Cadillac Brandon and Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa have made this all possible on JoeBucsFan.com.

All of Ira’s work will be presented by Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa and Ed Morse Cadillac Brandon. True Hall of Fame customer care and service — standing behind Tampa Bay’s Hall of Fame voice. It was a natural.

Family owned and operated Ed Morse is celebrating its 70th year, and Joe has been proud to call them partners. Joe’s family has purchased three Ed Morse vehicles since 2011.

The Workload

JoeBucsFan.com readers will get three columns weekly from Ira at a minimum. Ira will be roaming the halls and fields of One Buc Palace digging up all kinds of goodies.

Also, The Ira Kaufman Podcast will be heard at least twice weekly right here, fully downloadable for your listening convenience.

Some surprises are in store, too. And, of course, Ira will be live in Canton next month at the 2016 Hall of Fame ceremonies, also working the room at private parties for Eddie DeBartolo and Father Dungy. There will be plenty to share.

Ira also will make personal appearances around town and mingle with Bucs fans.

Lastly, for those worried Joe is going to relax a bit with Ira on board, stop being ridiculous. Joe plans to hammer away on all things Bucs as much or more than ever.

Joe is fired up to deliver a truly landmark announcement at 4 p.m.

And since it is such a big deal, Joe insisted on delivering the news live on WDAE-AM 620, in studio with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig.

All Joe will type now is that the news is a real bonus for JoeBucsFan.com readers, and one that will significantly upgrade the Tampa Bay sports media landscape.

We are less than one week from the start of 2016 training camp. And a week from tomorrow, you too can watch the Bucs practice after climbing aboard Joe’s Training Camp Express. [read more]

Can’t-miss video from America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston. [read more]

Underrated?

So yesterday, Joe brought word that prickly Pete Prisco of CBS Sports thought Austin Seferian-Jenkins was the most overrated player on the Bucs. [read more]

Live in the now.

Until the Bucs check in at One Buc Palace to report for training camp Wednesday, Joe will try to get in the mind of defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe will regularly deliver excerpts and/or highlights from Smith’s book, “You Win in the Locker Room,” available on Google Play and iTunes. [read more]

Creepy obsession.

Man, oh man, Joe hasn’t seen this type of attention on someone’s body since Kate Upton first appeared on SI.com. [read more]

Tampa Bay’s only Hall of Fame voter weighs in

Tampa Bay’s only voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, eye-RAH! Kaufman, (Father Dungy should buy him a new Cadillac for his heroics), weighed in all things Bucs on national radio. [read more]

Optimism reigns this time of year for all NFL teams, but it’s a very different kind of vibe in Tampa.

The Bucs officially have finished in last place for the past five seasons, a feat unique since the NFL-AFL merger many generations ago. [read more]

Staffs too big?

Smaller coaching staffs mean winning. [read more]

Ted Morse

Joe’s friends at the Ed Morse family of automotive dealerships lost their iconic leader this week, Edward J., “Ted” Morse, Jr., 66. Mr. Morse was a true community and industry leader, employing thousands across the Tampa Bay area and in South Florida. He also held a truly unique status with the Miami Dolphins. [read more]

Prickly Pete wants more.

We have more lists! This time from the fingertips of prickly Pete Prisco of CBS Sports. [read more]

It’s about the future.

Until the Bucs check in at One Buc Palace to report for training camp next week, Joe will try to get in the mind of defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe will regularly deliver excerpts and/or highlights from Smith’s book, “You Win in the Locker Room,” available on Google Play and iTunes. [read more]

Longtime Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud sees trouble brewing on the Buccaneers’ defensive line. [read more]

Once upon a time, Joe watched a Taco Bell–addicted, 22-year-old Bucs quarterback absolutely tear up the NFL with his legs and arm — and plenty of fat. [read more]

Overlooking a player.

With all the chatter about Brent Grimes (and Miko!) and Vernon Hargreaves and Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks, a certain cornerback is being overlooked. [read more]

Just found work.

Want to know one reason Lovie Smith is gone and why the defense of the Bucs very much underwhelmed last year? It’s all in the numbers. [read more]

Learn and move on.

Until the Bucs check in at One Buc Palace to report for training camp next week, Joe will try to get in the mind of defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe will regularly deliver excerpts and/or highlights from Smith’s book, “You Win in the Locker Room,” available on Google Play and iTunes. [read more]

It’s always heartwarming to see a man get a job, especially when it’s cornerback Mike Jenkins finding work 2,000+ miles from Tampa. [read more]