Assuming the Bucs pursue an elite tier free agent with multiple suitors, such as No. 1 wideout Vincent Jackson, Joe knows the Bucs’ brass will have to sell the Tampa Bay franchise in a huge way.

Yes, Joe’s not naive to think money doesn’t speak loudest. But the elite free agents likely will have plenty of fat offers and want to see more than cash. Luring these guys is a wacky, frenetic process. Hell, Albert Haynesworth didn’t come here in 2009 because he didn’t want to do too much boating. That brings Joe to how the Bucs will be sold to a prospective acquisition.

Obviously, the Bucs can sell great weather and training facilities, no state income tax, and plenty of Super Bowl rings on the coaching staff. Joe also assumes the Bucs will pitch any potential cornerbacks or linebackers with the presence of four top draft picks on the young defensive line. And, of course, Team Schiano will talk all about character and the new “Buccaneer Way.”

But what’s interesting to Joe is that the Bucs no doubt will be selling the 10-6 record of 2010 and the Josh Freeman of 2010. Essentially pitching that the talent is already here and now the right coaching staff is in charge.

While many Bucs fans think 2010 was a mirage — Joe’s not in that camp — top free agents will be asked to believe otherwise. And a strong case will be made.

Now, of course, Joe is simply performing logical speculation. But if this part of the sales pitch proves true, then one might have to wonder why the Bucs didn’t go after top free agents last year on the heels of that 10-6 season. Was it overconfidence in the roster, or underconfidence in the coaching staff?

Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik took a break to welcome Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski to his new job after he was busy getting Jeremy Zuttah’s new contract finished yesterday.

Zuttah, who can play left guard, center and right guard quite well, now joins fellow offensive line mates Donald Penn, Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood as Bucs who inked new deals during the past two years.

But with four offensive linemen getting new, pricier contracts, despite what some people believe, Team Glazer does not have a bottomless pit of cash, especially if they are going big-game hunting for free agents and will need to outspend the rest of the NFL to land them, not to mention just around the corner, Josh Freeman’s contract expires.

So this leads former Bucs defensive end Steve White to conclude that Bucs center Jeff Faine is the odd man out on the Bucs offensive line. White, appearing with Tom Krasniqi on WHBO-AM 1040 yesterday, explained how there is only so much cash to spread around on the offensive line, and why he is of the mind Faine has perhaps played his last snap with the Bucs.

“I said this last year and people took it the wrong way: Last year when we started sliding downhill, basically I said we ought to move Zuttah to center and go find a left guard. We needed a little more physicality at center and needed to go younger,” White said. “Everybody has to know that Jeff Faine can’t make the kind of money he is making on our offensive line. We already paid the left tackle, now we are paying our right guard, we paid our right tackle last year, you can’t pay all five guys premium money. Either he is going to have to negotiate way down in price or he is out of here and that is not even a reflection on him necessarily, it’s just the reality of how football teams do business. You get younger and pay those guys and the older guys are kind of pushed out the door. I don’t think he will have a hard time picking up a job; everybody is looking for centers, but you can’t pay everybody on the offensive line.”

To take White’s logic a step further, Zuttah’s signing also would likely preclude Dominik from going out and signing a guy like free agent offensive guard Carl Nicks.

It’s a great interview and if you click on the first link above, you will hear White also discuss why the Saints bounty scandal may be more disturbing than what we see on the surface.

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"Did you hear the one about the Benn'd around on 3rd-and-2?"

In between poring over game film, crafting pods in the Bucs’ draft war room, counting available cash in the team vault and trying to hammer out a deal with Connor Barth who eventually was franchised, rockstar Bucs general manager Mark Dominik called into the new noon-to-3 show on WQYK-AM 1010 hosted by NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski.

Today was the kickoff show for The Commish as he makes his move to dominate Tampa Bay sports radio. Dominik’s surprise call-in is available below. Just click the go button. Among other things, Dominik told The Commish to “Be critical, but be honest.”

Versatile, hard-working and injury-prone Earnest Graham isn’t running yet following his Achilles injury but expects to be ready for a training camp, wherever that may be, so Graham told J.P. Peterson of WQYK-AM 1010 this evening.

Will free agent Graham return to the Bucs? Graham said “without a doubt” he wants to come back but he understands that any team will want to know he’s healthy before signing him.

“I’m just relying on film.” said referrring to his best chance of landing a contract before training camp.

Graham sure sounded to Joe like a guy who didn’t expect to wear Buccaneers red for the ninth consecutive season. Graham said he’s been at One Buc Palace regularly for rehabilitation but has not spoken to Greg Schiano.

Joe would love to see Graham return to the Bucs, but he’s got to be healthy, and that’s going to be a huge question mark for many weeks.

Perhaps you haven’t yet realized that the wonderful Hooters restaurants across the Tampa Bay area are proud supporters here on JoeBucsFan.com. And Joe couldn’t be happier.

Joe’s already making plans to watch loads of of college basketball in the coming days at the “New Original Hooters” on Gulf To Bay Boulevard in Clearwater. It’s the first-ever Hooters location, but now it’s remodeled into a 7,000-square-foot restaurant with 209 seats, an indoor/outdoor bar and 35 flat panel HD televisions.  STUNNING!

A special feature in the New Original is the Hooters MuSEEum, with all kinds of photos and videos chronicling, showcasing and memorializing Hooters’ storied past — just in case the great food and talented service isn’t enough for you. So get out there today!

No, the lucky man in the photo is not Joe.

With the deadline for tagging players with a franchise tag now come and gone (the deadline was 4 p.m. today), there are now some players that Bucs fans have keen interest in available for shopping.

First, Kansas City franchised wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. That means that coveted cornerback Brandon Carr is free to barter with other teams when the free agency bell rings on March 13. The Bucs are in dire need of secondary help.

Speaking of secondary help, Tennessee slapped the franchise tag on safety Michael Griffin, which means Courtland Finnegan is hanging out there for someone to pick.

Farther west in San Diego, no player was tagged, thus, wide receiver Vincent Jackson is up for grabs and the Bucs certainly could use a No. 1 wide receiver.

(Oh, and the Bucs hit kicker Connor Barth with the franchise tag.)

Additionally, if Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik is so inclined, Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace can be had for the No. 5 overall pick.

OK Bucs fans, ready, set… go!

Money is flowing all over the NFL, along with heads rolling in New Orleans, and Joe keeps sniffing around looking for news on Ronde Barber.

Not a peep to be found.

Free agency kicks off in eight days, and Joe has to think the Bucs want a smooth resolution to the Barber situation at least a few days before that. No way the Bucs want Barber’s retiring announcement clashing with their own possible big free agent signing. If Ronde’s retiring, the man’s an icon that deserves his own moment.

If Barber is returning to Tampa Bay, that’s worth savoring, too.

Of course, there’s always a chance Barber won’t see eye to eye with Team Schiano and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik and will test the free agent waters. Barber wearing new colors would be difficult for Joe to stomach.

It’ll be interesting to see how much the Bucs shelled out to keep Jeremy Zuttah on his new four-year contract.

The Bucs made Zuttah’s new deal official today, locking up the guy who can play any position on the offensive line and has proven to be a legitimate starter at guard and center. No numbers have surfaced online as of yet.

Joe suspects Zuttah was paid mid-level starter money,  handsomely in the neighborhood of $10 million guaranteed and $4.5 million per season. Otherwise why would Zuttah sign before hitting the market?

Young guys with Zuttah’s versatility, ability and character are not a dime a dozen. Jeremy Trueblood, of all people, signed a two-year $10 million deal after the lockout.

Now go get Carl Nicks, move Zuttah to center, and find a young right tackle in this O-linemen deep draft to push Trueblood and eventually replace him.

Joe has noticed over the past three-plus years he’s had this here spot on the interwebs that Bucs fans must have someone to hate.

First it was Michael Clayton, then it was Barrett Ruud and then it was now-jettisoned coach Raheem Morris.

It seems the early favorite for the favorite hate of 2012 with Bucs fans is Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik. What might be surprising after Joe’s cursory checking of comments, the next three names behind Dominik are — in no particular order — Jeremy Trueblood, Jeff Faine and Quincy Black.

Now Joe can understand why bartenders throughout the Tampa Bay area are upset that whenever someone mentions Black’s name, a near-fracas nearly breaks out. Joe doesn’t exactly get the hate over Faine and Trueblood.

Regardless, Bucs fans likely will have to learn to quash their attitudes over the two Bucs offensive linemen, as Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune is of the belief both will return to the starting lineup when the 2012 season kicks off.

Q: How likely do you think it is that Jeff Faine and Jeremy Trueblood are in Bucs uniforms next year?

Jesse DeGennaro, Fowler, Co.

A: I think it’s very likely both will be back. First off, the Bucs need them. Second, their salaries are not a burden the Bucs can’t handle. Look for both to be there when training camp opens. Beyond that depends on who comes along in free agency and the draft and who steps up in training camp, but even as backups, they have value.

– Woody Cummings

Now Joe can understand why Bucs fans were irritated at Trueblood in 2010. He turned into a turnstile at right tackle on pass plays and was eventually benched for James Lee.

But last year Joe thought Trueblood improved his pass blocking somewhat. His run blocking has never been an issue.

Now last year Joe was ready if Faine was sent packing, only because in 2009 and 2010 Faine missed significant chucks of both seasons with injuries. Faine isn’t exactly a spring chicken and Joe was of the belief he was on the downside of his career.

For the most part last season, Faine stayed healthy, and when he is on the field he plays steady football.

Of all the players to loathe, Faine and Trueblood are not the type that springs to mind.

Joe was going to wait until the morning to discuss this but so many Bucs fans late on a Sunday night want to talk about this transaction, so here goes:

Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik didn’t spend his Sunday lounging at Hooters watching the Subway Fresh Fit 500.

No, not only did Dominik land a quarterback coach, he is in the final stages of getting Bucs left guard Jeremy Zuttah re-signed, so writes Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times.

Zuttah, 25, and the Bucs are putting the finishing touches on a contract extension that will keep the offensive lineman off the free agent market, the Tampa Bay Times has confirmed. Zuttah, capable of playing all line positions, was drafted in the third round by the Bucs in 2008 after playing for Schiano at Rutgers. He was scheduled to become a free agent with his rookie contract expiring.

Zuttah is considered the Bucs’ top priority among their impending unrestricted free agents. Kicker Connor Barth is a close second, with his fate expected to be decided prior to this afternoon’s franchise-tag deadline. General manager Mark Dominik has said he will franchise tag Barth if a multiyear deal isn’t reached by today, thereby keeping Barth off the market.

This seemed like it was just a matter of time that Dominik and Zuttah came to terms. The Bucs wanted to keep Zuttah and it appeared Zuttah wanted to stay with the Bucs, especially since his old Rutgers coach is now the new Bucs coach.

It sure helps to have a solid player like Zuttah on the offensive line, who can play multiple positions, and play them well.

If any Bucs fans has gone to the stadium on Dale Mabry Highway to watch a Bucs game last year, you should be familiar with Tiffany Jimenez.

If you didn’t go to a Bucs game last season, you should have been familiar with Tiffany Jimenez.

The former Bucs cheerleader and current Bucs game day video host needs your votes show she and her significant other can be co-hosts of a reality series sponsored by Ford to promote the new Ford Escape.

You can vote for Tiffany here.

So help support one of Joe’s favorite (former) Bucs cheerleader, who is a really cool person.

That Dave Wannstedt pipeline to the Bucs continues.

The Bucs have filled the last major hole in their coaching staff, so says Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com. And it’s with a guy who the Bucs strongly considered (and thankfully, dismissed) for the offensive coordinator job, former Bears offensive coordinator and Illinois head coach Ron Turner.

The brother of San Diego coach Norv Turner, Ron Turner’s greatest claim to fame as an offensive strategist was developing the immortal Kurt Kittner.

Ron Turner held the same position last season in Indianapolis. The 58-year-old Turner spent the past two years with the Colts after serving as Chicago’s offensive coordinator from 2005 to 2009.

Freeman entered the 2011 season regarded as one of the league’s rising passers, but he regressed with 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions as the Buccaneers finished 4-12.

Joe isn’t blown away by this hire, unless of course Rex Grossman’s tenure as quarterback of the Bears is looked upon as a shining beacon of light.

But at this late stage with the Bucs and Greg Schiano having doors slammed in their faces at virtually every turn in order to find assistants, the hire could have been worse.

The Bucs need depth in lots of places, but Joe’s not so sure wide receiver is one of those spots.

Could the Bucs use a burner of a No. 1 receiver? Sure. That’s different than needing depth. The Bucs seem to have a plethora of No. 3 guys.

But there is chatter out on the interwebs that the Bucs want to add another No. 3 receiver. Mario Manningham is one of those rumors. Another rumor, per ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas, is the Bucs are targeting Denver’s Eddie Royal.

Like Manningham, Royal wouldn’t solve all of Tampa Bay’s problems. But, also like Manningham, he could be a nice addition. I don’t see Royal as a No. 1 receiver, but I think he could fit as a No. 2 or 3 receiver. He had a big rookie year under former coach Mike Shanahan in 2008 when he caught 91 passes for 980 yards.

Royal’s numbers have slipped the past three seasons and he bottomed out last season, catching only 19 passes for 155 yards. But any receiver’s numbers are going to dip when Tim Tebow is your quarterback.

While that is true,  with Tebow as a signal-caller any receiver’s numbers will drop, that doesn’t mean Royal is going to be a big help to the Bucs.

If Denver, also a young, building team, doesn’t want the guy, that raises an eyebrow with Joe why the Bucs would want him.

Despite all the endless chatter about the Bucs adding linebackers, defensive leaders, cornerbacks, a No. 1 wide receiver and more, so much of the Greg Schiano regime and the future of the Bucs simply will be shaped by Josh Freeman’s performance.

There’s no getting around it, especially given the nearly unlimited ceiling on Freeman’s potential, and the fact he has a long way to go to reach it.

Speaking on Movin’ The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio last week, rockstar general manager Mark Dominik offered a glimpse inside Freeman’s mindset as No. 5 enters this critical 2012 season.

Pat Kirwan: You know I’m a big fan of Josh Freeman. I must say it four times a day on the radio how much I love the guy and how much I think he has a chace to be a great player, not a good player, a great player. How did he handle personally, last year? Because he’s got a lot of pride. That had to bother him. He may have taken it out on himself quite a bit as well.

Mark Dominik: “It really hurt Josh,” Dominik said. “He’s a really ultra competitive guy. He’s got kind of a quiet demeanor when you’re just sitting around just talking to him. But in terms of football love and passions, it’s deep. And last year was really tough. And certainly once we had to make a tough decision in dealing with the coaching staff, he called me right away and just said, ‘Hey look, I just want to win. I’m going to do whatever I can to help.

“And then when we hired Mike Sullivan, he was through the phone and wanted to talk to him and be a part of it, “How can I get there? What can I be?’ He came in right away when Greg Schiano was announced as head coach, he flew from Missouri and got back here because he wanted to be meet the new coach. He’s been great. Just know how important football is to him, Pat. And as we know, that’s the first step to becoming a great player.”

If you put a gun to Joe’s head and forced Joe to make a call on Freeman, Joe would say that Freeman will bounce back to a top-10 quarterback level in 2012. But Joe would hardly say that with confidence, especially with a first-time offensive coordinator.

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Joe’s shared thoughts previously on the Bucs possibly adding All-Pro Saints left guard Carl Nicks in free agency. But now the opportunity is staring the Bucs’ brass in the face.

The cheating, head-hunting, tax-evading Saints, and their sleazy coaching staff and front office, have now used their franchise tag on Drew Brees, which means they can’t use it on Nicks and he’s all but sure to hit the free agent market when the bell rings on March 13. Why would Nicks want to return to New Orleans when the entire organization is in chaos and it can’t pay him what the Bucs or other teams presumably will?

This is a real interesting spot for the Buccaneers. How, with a mammouth sack of cash, can they turn their nose on a 25-year-old true star entering his fifth season who is arguably the best in the league at his position — a position the Bucs have experimented with over the past three seasons? There are very few All-Pros that hit free agency.

If it’s all about No. 5 and Greg Schiano wants a pound-the-football offense, it seems like Nicks would be a guy rockstar general manager Mark Dominik would seek in earnest. Sign Nicks. Sign Jeremy Zuttah and move him to center. And the Bucs just got a lot better and younger on the O-line, plus the Saints are weakened.

On this chilly Sunday morning, Joe’s not seeing how Dominik isn’t salivating over this opportunity.

Joe reads virtually every day readers pining for Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik to draft Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Joe just shakes his head when he reads these comments and hears people barking on sports radio for Richardson. There are many reasons Joe is against this, but the main reason is the Bucs already have a running back.

LeGarrette Blount averages nearly 4.5 yards a carry, which is damned good in the NFL. But to hear talk from his former assistants, Blount can’t pick up blitzes, can’t catch balls and ugly rumors have surfaced about his lack of knowledge about his playbook, among other things Joe will not get into.

For the aforementioned sins, Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune believes Blount has scant time to prove his worth to Greg Schiano and his new coaching staff, or Blount could be let go.

Though Blount has yet to prove during his two seasons in a Bucs uniform that he can block and catch well enough to earn regular snaps on third down, the team is willing to give him another chance.

Time, though, is not on Blount’s side.

Even with a new head coach on board, Tampa Bay cannot begin its offseason workout program until April 2. That will leave less than a month before the draft starts April 26 to determine whether they can successfully expand Blount’s role.

Joe just can’t believe these words. Do people not forget the coaches Blount had last year? The same football savants who gave him the ball a grand total five times in the season opener — FIVE!

Joe is firmly of the belief that Blount’s former coaching staff had no clue or simple grasp in how to utilize his talents. Every one of the ills that are cited about Blount are all coachable obstacles.

And, if all the bad things said about Blount are really true, then why the hell was he on the active roster?

As irresponsible as it would be to draft Richardson with the fifth pick when the defense has more holes than a fish net, it would be equally irresponsible to just let Blount walk away.

The last time the Bucs gave away a productive running back who Chucky said couldn’t block was Thomas Jones. Don’t think the Bucs could still have been able to use Jones to this day?

Don’t make the same mistake Mr. Dominik.

There’s always a good fluffy, feel-good video up on Buccaneers.com, but one there today made Joe pay attention.

It’s a feature on Michael Bennett, who explains that he hasn’t taken a day off since the end of the 2011 season, and he likens himself to single-minded Lord of the Rings character Smeagol.

Hearing that flashed Joe back to Joe’s postseason interview with former D-line coach Keith Millard, who made if very clear that Bennett is team-leader material and the kind of “warrior” you want to follow on Sunday. 

Joe would be surprised if Bennett, a restricted free agent who played hurt for much of 2011, is not back for 2012. Defensive end if one of the few positions where the Bucs actually have legitimate depth. But these guys have to find a way to get their sack totals up.

Living in the league cellar for sacks again won’t cut it.