I had an interesting conversation with my neighbor across the street yesterday. He is speculating with all the recent moves in the past year or two that the Glazer family is setting up the franchise for a sale. The Mayfield and Vea contracts not being renewed. Evans leaving and LVD retiring saving money. Other key player contracts up for renewal. Bowles possibly a lame duck going into this season. A lot of question marks for the future of the franchise. I countered by pointing out how committed the Glazers are to the Bucs, referring him to the "Raise the Flags" documentary which revealed how emotionally invested they are in the team and the community. I don't know. Just throwing it out to the RB for discussion fodder.
i don't see the correlation
LVD retired because he was washed and played a shit ton for a career. They repurposed his money on other linebackers
The Bucs tried to retain Mike Evans so it wasn't a money thing there. They also spent a lot on draft capital in recent years on the WR position
Vita Vea is 31 years old. Unless the DT's are a freak of nature (Aaron Donald), this is usually around the time they start to break down. Given Vea's physic, i think they are just being cautious on the approach. Personally, they should see if they can extend him a year or 2 at most. They don't necessary have his replacement waiting in the wings. If he wants Jaelen Carter type money than they really should trade him albeit it hurting Bucs chances this season.Â
and Baker, i've discussed at nauseum. Had a down year by all respects and is still under contract. Baker wants to be in Tampa and Bucs want him in Tampa (as of today) however Bucs are being smart as they navigate the way forward. If he has another down year, Bucs have another losing record, Bucs get a new head coach, do they really want to handcuff themselves to a middle of the pack QB in which they are committing $200M+ to over the next 4 years. They are being cautious and given Baker is level headed about it, not necessary a bad thing for him to have another prove it year.
So....not saying the Glazers won't sell, just saying, this offseason moves has no correlation to it in my opinionÂ
They repurposed his money on other linebackers
Correct. They are and have been spending money.
The only place they didn't spend is paying the HC to go away after the needless extension last offseason and horrendous collapse to finish the season.