Yasinskas..... Bucs Free Agency Primer

[michael89156]

NFC South: Free-agency primer

 March, 8, 2012

 ESPN
By Pat Yasinskas
 


Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET




Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key free agents: K Connor Barth (franchise tag), CB Ronde Barber, RB Earnest Graham, LB Geno Hayes, S Sean Jones, DE Michael Bennett (restricted) and RB LeGarrette Blount (exclusive rights).
 
Where they stand: The Bucs begin coach Greg Schiano’s tenure in a unique situation. They’ve got a ton of cap room and need improvement in lots of areas. But they’ll deal with what they have between now and the start of free agency. A decision on Barber probably will come very soon. Schiano has indicated he’d like the veteran back, but Barber could choose to retire, which also would create a major need at cornerback. That position also could be an issue later in March when starting cornerback Aqib Talib is scheduled for trial on an assault charge. Talib could go to prison or face a suspension from the NFL, but his fate will be unknown at the start of free agency. Hayes didn’t have a great season last year, but he has upside, and the new staff might want to keep him. The Bucs are likely to let Graham walk because of his age. A return by Jones is possible at a reasonable salary, but the Bucs still need to look to upgrade at safety.
 
What to expect: The exact amount will depend on how many of their free agents are brought back, but the Bucs are likely to have somewhere around $50 million in cap space at the start of free agency and that will put them near the top of the league. After barely dipping into free agency last year, the Bucs were able to carry over extra cap room, and general manager Mark Dominik has publicly said the team plans to be more active in free agency. But fans need to keep that in perspective. The Bucs aren’t going to suddenly return to the days when Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen regularly shelled out money for big-name players in their 30s. The Bucs started a youth movement three years ago, and there are some parts in place. Now, it’s time for them to supplement those parts. They’ll be active in free agency, but they’ll be focusing on players still in their 20s. They’ll also be focusing on improving the supporting cast of quarterback Josh Freeman, who they believe can become great. Look for them to add a speed receiver, perhaps someone like Mario Manningham (Giants) or Eddie Royal (Broncos). The Bucs also want to improve at running back, where Blount is a one-dimensional power runner. They could look for a pass-catching specialist or opt to look for a complete back who could even replace Blount as the starter. On defense, the Bucs probably will try to upgrade at linebacker. If Barber and/or Talib aren’t back, the Bucs will have to make a move or two at cornerback and probably wouldn’t hesitate to pay big money to someone such as Cortland Finnegan (Titans).



http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/32002/nfc-south-free-agency-primer-2

[The Anti-Java]

50 mil?  I thought it was more like 70mil.

[Foedus]

Rumored to be 67M but we have now signed and tendered a few. 67M-zuttah 3.85M-Bennett 2.67M-Dotson Parker and Blount 2M?=58.48M but since the official cap number doesn't come out till tomorrow, does anyone know for sure?

[TBayXXXVII]

 
Look for them to add a speed receiver, perhaps someone like Mario Manningham (Giants) or Eddie Royal (Broncos).

So they've officially given up on Benn?

[alldaway]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

[ShotsDownfieldBucs!]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

I fear you may be right. V-Jax and Finnegan? If it sounds too good to be true...

[JasonOfthetower]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

The only thing I'll say is the mantra for the past few years is "We're going to focus on buidling through the draft". Dom essentially shut the door on free agency. This season the rhetoric has been very different from One Buc Palace.

If there's a lot of people disappointed - its for good reason. The Bucs told them this year would be different.

Proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

[Morgan]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

that's for sure

[Hate]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

Only if they think we can go out and buy any player we want. Most fail to realize that it takes two....AND that many free agents will use our cap surplus to boost their payday with another franchise.

[Boid Fink]

I think some people are setting themselves up for an epic disappointment.

Only if they think we can go out and buy any player we want. Most fail to realize that it takes two....AND that many free agents will use our cap surplus to boost their payday with another franchise.

Absolutely true. However, the Bucs should be able to lure three or four quality FAs based on the ability to outbid. And at this point, in which the Glazers have left this team neglected, it will take such an undertaking to right this ship. Win and they will come at fair market value. If we par with more attractive bug market teams, they will lose out.

[BucBalla85]

They should be able to outbid but do the FA actually want to come here? Plus its still no guarantee that the Glazers want to get into bidding wars.

[3rd String Kicker]

They should be able to outbid but do the FA actually want to come here?

Simply put, No.