OUTSIDE LINEBACKER QUINCY BLACK
Black, 27, is entering unrestricted free agency after playing his fourth NFL season. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Black was a third-round pick of the Buccaneers in the 2007 NFL Draft.
2010 SEASON
Last season, Black was on pace to have his best year before a broken forearm ended his season in Week 14. He totaled 88 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Black also missed two other games due to an ankle injury. If Black had stayed healthy he likely would have been the team’s second- or third leading tackler for the season.
Buccaneers head coach and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris added a 3-4 defense and a 3-3-5 defense and used less nickel packages in part to keep Black on the field for all three downs and use him in a variety of ways and especially as a pass rusher.
CAREER UP TO THIS POINT
Black started out his career by being a backup linebacker and core special teams player in 2007 and 2008. In his second season Black led the Bucs with 24 special teams tackles, which tied him for the third largest total of special teams tackles in one season in Buccaneers history.
In 2009, Black broke into the starting lineup and started 16 games. He recorded a career-high 93 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Black almost passed those numbers in five less games last season.
WHY HE COULD RE-SIGN
Black definitely has supporters at One Buc Place that would like to see him back. He is popular in the locker room and with the coaching staff. Tampa Bay has the desire to re-sign their young starters that are entering free agency. The Buccaneers want to reward players like Black that work hard, have their best football ahead of them and are high character individuals off the field. Thus, there is a desire on the part of the Bucs to have Black re-signed.
While Black could leave in free agency, he still went to the Bucs’ player-organized mini-camp at the end of June to work out with his teammates. There, he told Pewter Report that Tampa is home and indicated that his preference is to re-sign with the Buccaneers. If the Bucs offer Black a contract that is competitive with what he sees from other teams, Black could easily chose to remain in Tampa Bay.
Morris loves the flexibility that Black provides in his diverse skill set. Due to Black’s ability to rush the passer and be a quality pass defender, Morris added the 3-4 and 3-3-5 sets to keep Black on the field. Morris used the defenses throughout the 2010 season in passing situations and the Bucs are planning on having those schemes as part of their 2011 defense. Morris strives to cause confusion for offenses and quarterbacks and Black is a player that meshes well in a variety of roles.
WHY HE COULD DEPART
Tampa Bay has fortified the Sam linebacker position with the drafting of Mason Foster this year and Dekoda Watson in 2010. They could let them compete for the starting spot, and re-sign backup Adam Hayward to compete at the position as well.
As a result, the Bucs would like Black back but only at the right price. They will not overpay for him. That stance could lead Black to sign elsewhere as he is expected to have suitors in free agency.
The San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are three teams that are rumored to have interest in Black. The flexibility that Black offers allows him to fit other defenses that are not based in the Tampa 2 like the 3-4 defense and other 4-3 systems. It would not be surprising if a team, or teams, make a strong push at re-signing Black in free agency. They could outbid Tampa Bay for his services.
PREDICTION
Pewter Report’s prediction is that Black will leave Tampa Bay in free agency.
PREVIOUS PR PREDICTS
LB Adam Hayward
G Davin Joseph
DE Stylez White
DE Tim Crowder
WR Maurice Stovall
LB Barrett Ruud
TE John Gilmore
RT Jeremy Trueblood
RB Cadillac Williams
COMMENTS
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