Bowers Back In Court Tomorrow On Gun Charge

April 10th, 2013

Not only are the Bucs banking on Da’Quan Bowers taking the NFL by storm with a double-digit sack season, they’re first banking on him slithering through the New York City court system and coming out clean.

Bowers is back in court tomorrow in Queens. He’s still on the docket, and his Feb. 18 charge is the same — criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a felony that carries a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years.

Though there is no official designation of tomorrow’s proceedings, it appears to be an arraignment. Joe was told by a New York court official that Bowers must be in court by 9 a.m., where he will wait for his name to be called among about 60 defendants scheduled for the same court.

Joe will bring you the latest tomorrow as information becomes available.

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Brett Metcalf

April 10th, 2013

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Xavier Rhodes Targeted “On The Beat”

April 10th, 2013

One would think beat writers around the NFL know their teams quite well, at least more than a draft guru sitting in a room with a laptop, a coffee pot and trays of cheese danish.

Therefore, Joe was eager to see how the NFL beat writers first-round draft would go on NFL Network. Essentially, the NFL AM crew took a break from dance talk to interview a writer from each NFL city — in draft order — to get their pick.

The Bucs finally came up and Stephen Holder of TampaBay.com claimed the third cornerback off the board with the Bucs’ 13th overall pick, Xavier Rhodes. You can see the video here.

Writers selected cornerback Dee Milliner for the Lions with the fifth overall pick and Miami was granted CB Desmond Trufant with the 12th selection. Interestingly, the Jets’ beat writer didn’t have his team snatching a corner with the No. 9 pick.

This all intrigued Joe, mainly because veteran NFL scout and former NFL personnel man Chris Landry just said there are only two cornerbacks worthy of first-round grades, and one of them is not named Rhodes.

Would the Bucs “reach” for a cornerback at No. 13? Or would they be content to wait until the second round and/or trade down?

Vice Got Tighter On Idzik’s Privates

April 10th, 2013

Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik, seeing the virtual wasteland of free agent corners, decided to play hardball with one already on his roster, Eric Wright, and got him for a considerably less money for another season.

As Joe wrote yesterday, the reworking of Wright’s contract was a shot across the bow at Jets general manager John Idzik. In so many words, the signing told Idzik, “You need to trade Darrelle Revis more than I need him on my roster.”

For a while there, it appeared Idzik, knowing how desperate the Bucs were at cornerback, was trying to shake down Dominik in return for Revis. Shoe’s on the other foot now.

Dominik is really boxing Idzik in a corner to lower his price, and Joe would really be thrown for a loop now if Dominik gave up the No. 13 pick in the draft this month.

Though some have speculated a Revis trade would come down the week of the draft, roughly two weeks from now, Joe isn’t as convinced.

If Dominik drafts a couple of corners in the draft, he could use one of those corners, maybe even Wright, as trade bait to the Jets, thus lowering ransom demands of draft picks.

In short, the vice on Idzik’s privates got tighter last night.

Wright Set To Earn At Least $1.5 Million

April 9th, 2013
eric wright 0318

Might Wright become draft-day trade bait?

Now Joe still doesn’t know how much, if any, guaranteed money Eric Wright miraculously got from the Bucs to restructure his contract this evening.

So there’s more to learn, but according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, via ProFootballTalk.com, Wright’s new deal for 2013 is worth a minimum of $1.5 million and up to $3 million.

Joe is not pleased or soothed by the Wright signing, but Joe is withholding judgment and a full blown commentary until Joe knows whether Wright can be cut without significant financial consequences to the Bucs. And Joe wants to know more about Wright’s deal to determine whether he could be legitimate draft-day trade bait.

UPDATE: Joe has learned that there are no guarantees in Wright’s new pact. He can be released at any time through training camp with no penalty to the Bucs.

“He’s Not A Bum.”

April 9th, 2013

The JoeBucsFanTV studios were scurrying this evening putting the final touches on this Eric Wright video.

Joe’s pal Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski says Eric Wright is not a bum and Wright’s pill-poppin’ stupidity is the Bucs’ gain. Joe’s not sure he agrees. Do you?

Bucs Retain Eric Wright; Restructure Contract

April 9th, 2013

Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik has retained troubled cornerback Eric Wright for another year, the team announced in a press release this evening.

Wright’s contract was restructured, per the press release. Details were not included.

So consider this Dominik’s first shot across the bow at the Jets who are trying to fleece the Bucs for multiple picks, including this year’s overall No. 13 pick, for cornerback Darrelle Revis.

As Joe has stated many times before, the Bucs have all the leverage in trying to obtain Revis. Jets general manager John Idzik’s jewels just got tighter in the vice.

Now if the Bucs draft a pair of corners in the draft, as Joe stated yesterday, watch the price for Revis drop like the price of Easter candy in May.

The Jets need to trade Revis more than the Bucs need to obtain him.

It’s also clear Dominik thought Wright was as talented as any of the free agent corners on the market.

What Is Donald Penn Getting At?

April 9th, 2013

donald penn

Bucs stud left tackle Donald Penn is one of the coolest guys in the Bucs’ locker room. And recently he signed up for Twitter and has been a Twittering fool.

If you happen to be a Lakers fan in addition to a Bucs fan, Penn is a must follow.

This afternoon, Penn seemed to be teasing Bucs fans claiming there is some big news ahead.

@DPENN70: I just heard some good news Bucs fans y’all will find out soon and it has nothing 2do with Revis but will help our team out a lot #trustme

So if this isn’t Revis, what could it be?

Did Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik swing a trade for a corner other than Darrelle Revis?

Did Dominik sign a right tackle?

Did Dominik trade for a tight end?

Or, what may be more likely, has graybeard Bucs legend Ronde Barber made his decision to return to the Bucs?

The plot thickens.

“Keep calm.”

UPDATE: Donald Penn sent out another Twitter to clarify his previous statement and suggests the “good news” does not involve Ronde Barber.

DPENN70: Dang I didn’t know it would do this but here is a hint has nothing 2do with the GOAT Ronde Barber as far as I know he is still undecided

Could it be that Mike Williams signed an extension?

And no, “GOAT” does not mean Sabby the Goat, but is an acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”

Bucs Want You To Know They’re Hunting Revis

April 9th, 2013

It could easily qualify as tampering if Bucs staff talked publicly about potentially trading for Darrelle Revis, as Revis is under contract with the Jets. But that doesn’t mean the Bucs can’t find a way to get direct messages to fans via their official website.

Buccaneers.com occasionally will link to NFL Network video that features a Bucs topic. The team hardly links to everything, so Joe must assume that Bucs communications staff picks and chooses based on the messages they want fans to receive.

Therefore, Joe finds it interesting that the Bucs have linked to NFL Network video titled, “Tampa Bay Buccaneers still in for Darrelle Revis.” The link is prominent on the Buccaneers.com home page.

Perhaps this ties into the Keep Calm campaign on the team Facebook page.

Mocking: Ziggy Ansah

April 9th, 2013

When the Bucs let banged up defensive end Michael Bennett walk away, the move, though smart, left the Bucs thin up front. And vulnerable.

So Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik is putting much faith in oft-injured Da’Quan Bowers to put in a full season healthy at left end? That may be a gamble. That’s not even factoring in whether Adrian Clayborn can fully recover from an ugly knee injury (before you type it, not every NFL player is Adrian Peterson).

Oh, and Roy Miller is gone, too. The Bucs’ defensive line, not exactly reminiscent of the Fearsome Foursome, is now razor thin.

That’s why Joe will not be shocked at all if the Bucs pick a defensive lineman at No. 13.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com thinks the same way. In his recent mock draft, he has the Bucs selecting BYU defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

Ansah would be a hell of an addition, and in Joe’s mind Ansah would immediately give the Bucs a feared pass rush. Ansah is a rare cat. He has size, he has speed, his arms are crazy long. He could be the next Too Tall Jones.

Oh, and give the Bucs some depth up front as well.

Darrelle Revis From All Angles

April 9th, 2013

The creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, the great Mike Florio, sits down to discuss the Bucs and Darrelle Revis with former NFLer and current SiriusXM NFL Radio personality Ross Tucker in this NBCSports.com video.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Revis Knows Cowboys And Redskins Are Lurking

April 9th, 2013

So what’s happening in the head of Darrelle Revis?

It’s likely nobody will know anything until Monday, when he’s supposed to report to offseason workouts with the Jets or face stiff financial penalties. The media frenzy in Revis’ face (if he wants to partake) should be amazing.

As Joe brought you this morning, Pat Kirwan says Revis knows he holds all the cards in trade talks. And now former Bucs DE Steve White (1996-2001) dives deeper into Revis’ mindset on his blog. White doesn’t expect Revis to be so quick to take less than the $15 million+ he’s seeking.

Which leads us to the fact that traditionally big free agent spenders like the Cowboys, Redskins and Raiders couldn’t do much this year because of cap problems they probably won’t have next year. If you’re Revis, that means that if you make it to free agency next year the market probably won’t be as depressed as it was this year anyway. It remains to be seen if the Raiders will truly take a different tact and back off the big contracts next year but if I’m Revis why would I expect the Cowboys or Redskins to change?

Pretty much the only danger in holding out for a ridiculous contract from a team that trades for him for Revis would be if he didn’t get traded and ended up not playing at a high level. I think, however, that he would be willing to bet on himself in that way. I certainly would.

There’s more to White’s take, and you can click through above to read the whole thing.

Revis has proven to be a master negotiator. The guy has won two holdout battles with the Jets in six years. He’s not afraid to dig his heels in.

If the Bucs are going to make this trade before the NFL Draft, then there’s really limited time to have Bucs doctors thoroughly examine Revis, and have the Bucs brass negotiate a 2014-and-beyond contract with Revis’ agent.

The Jets are going to have to budge soon. There’s only so much the Bucs can do — or offer — without permission to work with/study Revis.

Is Dream O-Line $3 Million Away?

April 9th, 2013

dominikA couple of weeks ago, Joe wondered what a great fit durable, veteran right tackle Eric Winston could be for the Bucs. The guy is a very good player and hasn’t missed a game since 2006.

Joe was of the mind that Winston, who was purged in Kansas City’s overhaul, would be a significant upgrade to Demar Dotson and likely could be had cheap, or at least for less than the $4 million Jeremy Trueblood fleeced Tampa Bay for last season.

But now it’s clear that Winston, per Winston himself (via ProFootballTalk.com), will gladly accept a one-year deal for $3 million.

Winston said on Sirius XM NFL Radio that he knows he won’t get the kind of money he got last year from the Chiefs, when he signed a four-year, $22 million contract that included a $4 million signing bonus. The Chiefs cut him to avoid paying a $4.9 million base salary for 2013, and now Winston is just hoping some team will pay him more than $3 million in salary this year.

“In the $3-4 million range is something that I think is more than fair for a starter who has played pretty well throughout his career,” Winston said.

C’mon, New Schiano Order, get Winston to One Buc Palace for a workout. A move like this could immediately take the Bucs offense to a new level. It’s worth a closer look.

A team angling for a win-now transaction like trading for Darrelle Revis should be looking to complement that with other win-now moves that don’t mortgage the future.

Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik has only drafted one offensive lineman in four drafts — a fifth-rounder who didn’t pan out — for a reason. So Joe doesn’t see how signing Winston would get in the way of his philosophy.

The Bucs And Darrelle Revis

April 9th, 2013

Joe’s good friend, the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, the great Mike Florio, breaks down various angles of a Darrelle Revis trade in this NBCSports.com video.

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

As The Clock Ticks, Bucs Gain More Leverage

April 9th, 2013

OK, before Joe gets going here, there is a new angle to what Joe has been banging on his keyboard for weeks now:

For every tick of the clock, the tighter the vice squeezes on Jets general manager’s John Idzik’s jewels. He has no leverage. He has but one team to trade cornerback Darrelle Revis. And if Revis walks away from the Jets after next year (he has an out in his contract with the Jets after the 2013 season), the Jets might get a third round pick in compensation.

As the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, the great Mike Florio, said yesterday on Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports Network, the way the NFL factors compensation is a complex maze of calculations that aren’t exactly predictable. As Florio pointed out, the Chargers got zero compensation for losing Vincent Jackson to the Bucs.

As Joe’s dad used to day, “It’s one thing to be stubborn and quite another to be stubborn and dumb.” If Idzik wants to be stubborn and dumb and roll the dice, Revis could leave the Jets high and dry.

If you were a thinking front office type, wouldn’t you be motivated to try to get any draft picks from Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik, not stomping your feet and saying, “I want the No. 13 pick or you can take a long walk on a short pier,” which Idzik is reported to have told Dominik.

Now many speculate the trade of Revis to the Bucs will happen the week of the draft or on draft day, which homeless-mistaken, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munchingcoffee-slurpingfried-chicken-eatingoatmeal-lovingcircle-jerkingbeer-chugging, cricket-watchingscone-loathingcollege football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading Peter King of SI.com wrote is 16 “interminable days” away. That very well could happen but it’s hardly a rock solid deadline.

Surely, if the Bucs don’t trade for Revis before the draft, Dominik will draft a cornerback, maybe two, perhaps three. If Dominik were to make a trade for Revis after the draft, not that he may need to, Dominik would likely use one of those corners as a cog in such a swap.

Joe finds all the Revis news that popped yesterday to be interesting. There was virtually zero news for days if not weeks. Part of that is because Dominik, fingered by one as a mole, and all football personnel are in lockdown mode preparing for the draft. So busy are they, Joe learned the Bucs ordered meals to be delivered to One Buc Palace.

It sure smells to Joe like Revis’ agents are getting antsy as hell, which is why so many people had Revis news yesterday.

In certain circles, this is called a “plant.”

“His Agent Should Be Telling Him That By Now”

April 9th, 2013

Pat Kirwan says Darrelle Revis won’t get paid anywhere near the money he wants and asserts that Revis is controlling the trade winds.

Former Jets linebackers coach and personnel executive Pat Kirwan, who currently is one of the busiest guys in NFL media, working for SiriusXM NFL Radio, CBS-TV and CBSSports.com, when he’s not writing football books, is one of Joe’s favorite insiders.

Kirwan packs a lot diverse knowledge into his takes. So Joe took note when Kirwan said recently on 770 AM in Fort Myers that Darrelle Revis won’t get paid outrageous money by the Bucs and the Jets should not trade him.

Kirwan asserts that Revis is in the driver’s seat, far more than Bucs or Jets management.

“Darrelle Revis controls this,” Kirwan said. “He’s going to manage that control by not accepting a new contract extension unless it’s the place he wants to go.”

Kirwan went on to explain that Revis wants $1 million per game and remains misguidedly convinced he can score that kind of money.

“He’s not going to get it, and his agent should be telling him that by now,” Kirwan said. “The market has changed and it’s changed permanently. Deals are down. There are so many one-year deals right now. You look at next year, you’re going to have 450 to 500 hundred free agents, plus another 150 free agents off one-year deals.”

The market will be flooded next season and team executives, Kirwan said, have told him they don’t want to pay Revis until they see him perform at a Pro Bowl level again.

Kirwan said the Bucs absolutely shouldn’t part with first-round picks, if they make a move for Revis. As for the Jets, Kirwan thinks they shouldn’t trade Revis.

The deal is “stuck in the mud until the Jets lower want they want, and they shouldn’t because they don’t have enough star players,” Kirwan said.

Joe’s written repeatedly that the Bucs would be insane to pay Revis anywhere close to the $16 million annually he’s seeking when the top free-agent corners on the market this season commanded $6 million, especially with Revis coming off a major injury. There’s no logic to that.