Will the Bucs make a big splash in free agency?

[alldaway]

Or will they nimble a bit like they did in 2009 too pacify the fanbase in the short term?  Most people were stoked with Ward, Crowell, and Lefty and then the trade for K2.  But none of the signings were for major signing bonuses, so don't expect the Bucs to give a big signing bonus out to players or lure players asking for big signing bonuses.

[sharp2325]

I think we will sign a few guys. Not sure if they will be splash players like VJax or anything. But it will be fun to watch once FA opens.

[SunnyD]

Are you saying signing a big name free agent without a big signing bonus doesn't qualify as a "big splash"?

or are you saying we won't be able to hire any big name free agents without dishing out big signing bonuses?

[Samari28]

Yeah a belly flop

[Benchwarmer#1]

Will the Bucs make a big splash in free agency? 

...Nuttier than a Squirrel turd.

[SnookAU]

Always hear this "big splash" crap every off season.  Who are the big free agents?  Most of the big names will be franchised or signed long term by their current teams.

[OneTruth]

you mean like the Eagles did last year?

[dalbuc]

Always hear this "big splash" crap every off season.  Who are the big free agents?  Most of the big names will be franchised or signed long term by their current teams.

They may not sign a name that makes people go "wow" because like you said most of those guys get franchised or have deals done beore FA hits but much like last year (albeit to a lesser degree) there will be guys. The spalsh might be signing 5 guys worth $20m instead of 2 guys worth 20m

[CaptainStagger]

Always hear this "big splash" crap every off season.  Who are the big free agents?  Most of the big names will be franchised or signed long term by their current teams.

This is just inaccurate, I have been hearing "build through the draft, and add pieces when we are close"

Who are you listening to??

[TheChronicHotAir]

Always hear this "big splash" crap every off season.  Who are the big free agents?  Most of the big names will be franchised or signed long term by their current teams.

This is just inaccurate, I have been hearing "build through the draft, and add pieces when we are close"

Who are you listening to??

That's just the most recent version of "The Plan"  3.6

According to Dom, we tried to DRAFT Haynesworth, Derrick Ward, Byron Leftwich, Winslow Jr....



And after the game where we got SLAUGHTERED by the Texans, he came out and said: "the plan ALL ALONG was to use years 1-3 drafting and start adding Free Agents 'Year 4'" (but if you look at '09, that's not true)

[Ft Myers Buc Fan]

I'm optimistic we will sign at least one "big name" FA either at WR/LB/CB but I will believe it when I see it

[alldaway]

Are you saying signing a big name free agent without a big signing bonus doesn't qualify as a "big splash"?

or are you saying we won't be able to hire any big name free agents without dishing out big signing bonuses?

Why would a tier 1 FA sign with the Bucs without a big signing bonus? 

I am even skeptical the Bucs can sign tier 2 FA's without giving out a big signing bonus.  Koenen who was the splash last off season received $6.5 mil in guaranteed money.  That is peanuts in today's NFL where double digit guaranteed is the starting point.

[GameTime]

Why would a tier 1 FA sign with the Bucs without a big signing bonus? 

I am even skeptical the Bucs can sign tier 2 FA's without giving out a big signing bonus.  Koenen who was the splash last off season received $6.5 mil in guaranteed money.  That is peanuts in today's NFL where double digit guaranteed is the starting point.

are tier 1 FA's really the way to championships? 

[jerseybucsfan]

I don't remember anyone being ''stoked'' with getting Byron Leftwich.

[alldaway]

Why would a tier 1 FA sign with the Bucs without a big signing bonus? 

I am even skeptical the Bucs can sign tier 2 FA's without giving out a big signing bonus.  Koenen who was the splash last off season received $6.5 mil in guaranteed money.  That is peanuts in today's NFL where double digit guaranteed is the starting point.

are tier 1 FA's really the way to championships?

Yes.

Because tier 1 FA's tend to be young, good players in their prime, and can give you more bang for your buck.  Tier 2 and tier 3 guys are either not as good (but young) or good (but too old).