Playing Wright Sunday could cost the Bucs 1.5 mil

[michael89156]

DECEMBER 28, 2012


Here's why the Bucs might opt not to play Eric Wright



Before we begin, here’s a disclaimer: This is only speculation. Reasonable speculation, that is.
 
We told you earlier today about coach Greg Schiano’s cryptic answers regarding cornerback Eric Wright and whether he’d play in Sunday’s season finale now that he’s served his four-game NFL suspension. All week long, Schiano has said he’d do whatever was best for the team, whatever that means.
 
Today, he remained noncommittal on whether Wright would play, although Wright has practiced all week and appears healthy.
 
Now, here’s something else to consider. You probably recall reading a few weeks ago that Wright’s suspension allows the Bucs to void the guarantees in his contract, namely the $7.75 million salary he is due to earn in 2013. That would allow the Bucs to release him after this season and owe him nothing.
 
If the Bucs are even remotely considering this, they’d be very wary of Wright sustaining an injury on Sunday.
 
Language in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement includes an enhanced injury-protection benefit that guarantees a player a maximum of $1.5 million in future earnings if a contract was in place at the time of the injury and that injury prevents him from playing at the start of the following season.
 
Under the old CBA, players could recoup only a maximum of $300,000 under this benefit. But now, players can recover up to $1 million for the season immediately following the injury and up to $500,000 for the second season following the injury, provided the player was under contract for those seasons at the time of his injury. Wright currently is signed through 2016.
 
Is any of this being discussed in the corner offices at One Buc Place? That’s hard to know. And it's not a slam dunk that the Bucs part ways with Wright because, well, they can barely round up enough cornerbacks to play as it is.
 
But don’t think for a second the Tampa Bay brass isn’t fully aware of this and considering all possibilities.
.


Posted by Stephen Holder at 7:27:17 pm on December 28, 2012

[DeltaBuc5]

Ok. Bench his ass please...

[DEBUCSOWN]

Agreed. Really hope he doesnt play

[Benchwarmer#1]

Wasn't the last time Schiano said " we'll do what's best for the team," right before Talib went to the Patriots?

[TheChronicHotAir]

So, if he DOESN'T play, it's a dead giveaway that he's a GONER, right?

[The Anti-Java]

So, if he DOESN'T play, it's a dead giveaway that he's a GONER, right?

Agree, or if they are thinking about a restructured contract in the offseason, no way they take a chance on him getting hurt Sunday.

[BucDaFackUp]

So, if he DOESN'T play, it's a dead giveaway that he's a GONER, right?

....or he's just "not in football shape" 

[Boid Fink]

Gawd, Dom better learn right now the folly of his ways.

He needs to TERMINATE Eazy E 's horrible contract, and let this real life clown who isn't even that good, to hit the market. Hopefully to a team the Bucs play.

[tripblood]

Send Eazy E back to Compton

[The Anti-Java]

I will be shocked if he plays, too risky.

[bucs63]

The guy has been so injury prone all along I wouldn't be surprised he sustains a mysterious whiplash type injury on his first play.

[Bucs N Beers]

The guy has been so injury prone all along I wouldn't be surprised he sustains a mysterious whiplash type injury on his first play.

Exactly. He'll pull his back, or his Achilles again and we'll be on the hook. Take a seat Eric, enjoy being inactive on game day and don't let the door hit ya. I was originally an advocate for restructuring Wright because the DBs are just so bad. But I guess I woke up on the correct side of the bed today and don't want him back for any reason.

[TheChronicHotAir]

I say "SIT HIM" and try to restructure.

Pass Rush is our REAL PROBLEM on D. We've all seen it, right?
Other team's QB's have ALL DAY to throw the ball. Even when we blitz, we generally don't get to the QB...

[The Anti-Java]

Probably not even active for the game, and they will say he is not in game shape.

[BucsFan4090]

Heads up- Roster moves on Saturday: Bucs activate CB Eric Wright from the reserve list and waive CB LeQuan Lewis.

From Bucs Facebook feed.

Why? Just....why?