That is some lazy writing.
yeah, that spreadsheet looked like it took no effort and Josh Q is known for his lazy work ethic. ;-)
By the way, its a series of video breakdowns
Whiteheadreceives another shot at the safety starting opposite of Winfield.
Whitehead is the Buccaneers PFF's Most Disappointing Free Agent for the Bucs
Whitehead returned to Tampa Bay and was the only external player on the team given a multi-year contract. Unfortunately, he played only 12 games. Tampa Bay will likely aim to improve their secondary this offseason, and Whitehead could be on the chopping block."
No reason to bring Whitehead back on his current contract when there is zero dead cap. Frankly, I don't see him drawing a lot of interest around the league and sadly for him I think he'll be brought back on basically an unguaranteed vet minimum. His only saving grace is that he's a Bowles guy. He may end up on the Bucs at the end of the day, but I wouldn't count on him as the starter. In fact he could be here in training camp and get cut at the end.Whiteheadreceives another shot at the safety starting opposite of Winfield.
Whitehead is the Buccaneers PFF's Most Disappointing Free Agent for the Bucs
Whitehead returned to Tampa Bay and was the only external player on the team given a multi-year contract. Unfortunately, he played only 12 games. Tampa Bay will likely aim to improve their secondary this offseason, and Whitehead could be on the chopping block."
If Bowles was fired I would agree that an overhaul on defense would take place. But that is not the case and Bowles has in place his hand picked players.
Dennis was not cut when he was injured and it is clear he is seen as a starter. Whitehead was an All Pro safety for the Jets so he isn't going to be discarded after one down year, because people think team building is Madden. Same with Winfield Jr having a down year.
LVD had a very good season in 2024 and the Bucs would easily extend him an offer if he wants to return.
To take it a step further the Bucs have 2023 NCB starter Izien under contract and they can move T. Smith to safety as a starter opposite of Winfield Jr.
So, again this idea that the Bucs are gong to overhaul the defense is just wishful thinking and not aligning with reality.
Bowles has in place his hand picked players.
Dennis was not cut when he was injured and it is clear he is seen as a starter
Starter? You must mean by attrition? he couldnt even beat out Britt.
Bowles -- "He's definitely in competition. I mean, K.J. [Britt] is our starter, obviously, but we look for SirVocea [Dennis] to play quite a bit this year in a lot of packages that we have."
SVD is 5th round LB who could only platoon and then was injured again. I like him, but "hand-picked?" Wouldn't that be 5th overall Devin White, right? Not 5th round SVD. Britt and SVD were to platoon this year to cover for Bowles "hand-picked" guy.
Whitehead was an All Pro safety for the Jets
?
Whitehead, Dean, and David are cooked. Nothing more than depth at this point + leadership.
Whitehead, Dean, and David are cooked. Nothing more than depth at this point + leadership.
Lavonte is cooked? Even if he isn't playing at his usual all pro level he still has a place and is an asset.
If Bowles was fired I would agree that an overhaul on defense would take place. But that is not the case and Bowles has in place his hand picked players.
Dennis was not cut when he was injured and it is clear he is seen as a starter. Whitehead was an All Pro safety for the Jets so he isn't going to be discarded after one down year, because people think team building is Madden. Same with Winfield Jr having a down year.
LVD had a very good season in 2024 and the Bucs would easily extend him an offer if he wants to return.
To take it a step further the Bucs have 2023 NCB starter Izien under contract and they can move T. Smith to safety as a starter opposite of Winfield Jr.
So, again this idea that the Bucs are gong to overhaul the defense is just wishful thinking and not aligning with reality.
i mean Bowles himself said the players werent executing so i do expect some changes
Guarantee to return as starters (5)- Kancey, Vea, Diaby, McCollum, and Winfield
Likely to return on 1 year deal (1) David
Likely to sign in free agency/Trade - (2) Edge Rusher, Defensive End
Likely to draft in top 2 rounds - (2) ILB, CB
Logan Hall still under contract to compete for defensive end job with free agent addition. Expect Bucs to cut Dean and Whitehead but if they dont, they are in the mix for starting gigs. Tykee Smith under contract to compete for safety job or stay at Nickle.
Whitehead, Dean, and David are cooked. Nothing more than depth at this point + leadership.
Lavonte is cooked? Even if he isn't playing at his usual all pro level he still has a place and is an asset.
maybe as a player/coach
just to give some perspective I believe SVD had a better overall and much better coverage grade from PFF. That’s not saying SVD is great it’s saying that LVD’s physical skills have brought him down to pretty average.
he’s obviously very experienced and smart but that only goes so far. We were probably the worst middle to short coverage team in the league.
2.5 years doesnt makes sense when you cant change a roster half way in the year lol
Whitehead, Dean, and David are cooked. Nothing more than depth at this point + leadership.
Lavonte is cooked? Even if he isn't playing at his usual all pro level he still has a place and is an asset.
Next year, imo, he will be a massive liability.
Love the dude but he's old... We saw it this year.
Not saying he can't be serviceable I'm saying we cannot expect much from him, especially in coverage.
especially in coverage.
And that is his primary role. It is what he was the best at for years
Huge fan, but man the simple eye test should say hes done
Only one persons view, but
"Tampa Bay has been inconsistent at linebacker and needs youth in that position group, as longtime standout Lavonte David will turn 35 later this month. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is a young, ascending prospect who not only excels at the second level but can generate pressure with the pass rush on late downs."
especially in coverage.
And that is his primary role. It is what he was the best at for years
Huge fan, but man the simple eye test should say he's done
How much can be attributed to having to cover up for Britt/other ILB who were barely NFL practice squad level talent. Clearly he's past the point where he can cover up others deficiencies ( I.E Devin White).
SVD looked like he was clearly on his way to becoming the full time starter, he looked good in coverage for the short time we saw him. If he can stay healthy and be serviceable, I think we'll see a better version of LVD.
Honestly- the entire defense looked completely lost in coverage in the middle of the field, this wasn't just a LVD problem.
How much can be attributed to having to cover up for Britt/other ILB who were barely NFL practice squad level talent.
That’s a really good point. You might be right that. some of it could be that.
