Alright folks. Offseason banter time...Lovie, his staff, or the organization have connections to 3 of these 4 players. Hardy will likely avoid the franchise tag due to the panthers cap situation and the amount of money tied up in their D-line. Peppers will be asked to take a pay cut or be cut. I think he makes close to 17 million this year, no way they can keep him at that price. Allen is going to test the market. Bennett, obviously, is looking for big money. So here are my questions:Who is most likely to come to Tampa?What will the contract be?Is that person different than who you want?Have at it.
Who is most likely to come to Tampa?Julius PeppersWhat will the contract be?4 Years, 19 guaranteed, 40 million totalIs that person different than who you want?Yes, I would want Hardy because of his age and him being in his prime, but I think it will be too much money
Allen or Peppers would be the most affordable. For me Bennett might be the best fit because of his familiarity with the organization. I think Lovie Smith and Leslie Frazier would be able one or two to come to Tampa.I'm guessing Bennett and Peppers are wearing whatever colors the Bucs are going to wear this season.
Bennett is the only one on here that interests me. Allen and Peppers do nothing to enhance this franchise. Hardy will not play here.
Peppers is old. Allen might fall off THIS season. He is at that precipice in this stage of his career, IMO. He might suddenly become a five or seven sack guy in a Cullen heavy rotation, and that doesn't require the heft his contract will undoubtedly demand. Bennett will chase the cash so that rules Tampa out, IMO. He will ask for far too much based on his recent past. I love MB. But Dom dropped the ball by letting him walk while tripping on punters and safety salaries. Hardy intrigues me because he is an elite pass rusher. And young. So The Kraken, despite a huge salary demand, might make some sense as they an count on him for a long while, and premiere pass rushers are a gold commodity. But then again, Cullen likes a rotation. I am going to say Kraken. Just a fling some poo guess. And a wish.
Tom Pelissero of USA Today mentions that after speaking to people at the Combine, he “wouldn’t be surprised at all if the market for Jared Allen includes the Buccaneers.”Pelissero admits that he’s connecting a few dots here, but adds that Tampa Bay will close to the same scheme he played in while in Minnesota and Leslie Frazier “loves him.”This isn’t exactly the first time we’ve heard this idea proposed, however, it’s notable that others at the Combine believe this could be something to watch in the coming weeks.On Friday, Allen’s agent, Ken Harris, mentioned that he had a “very positive, constructive” meeting with the Vikings brass Thursday and would love to be back next season. Allen is expected to keep the Vikings informed of the offers he receives from teams in free agency.Allen, 31, has played for Frazier for the past six seasons and fits an obvious need for the Buccaneers at defensive end. Allen has been an extremely productive player during his time in Minnesota, and although his 2013 season wasn’t as good as years past, he still manged to tally 11.5 sacks, 52 tackles and two forced fumbles.Jason La Canfora recently listed the Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots, 49ers, Colts, Falcons and Packers as teams to watch for Allen in free agency, although there are some questionable fits there.Pro Football Focus has Allen rated as the No. 34 among qualifying 4-3 defensive ends. We have him listed as the No. 40 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.Allen...2 years $20 million with $10 million guaranteed. Would prefer Hardy, but do not believe he will fit Licht's "value" definition
Peppers has no explosion left........Allen can bring it occasionally but not consistently so if it were between the 2, I'd pick Allen.I just don't think Bucs will be in the market for either Bennett or Hardy.Final answer: Jared Allen.
Bennett is the only one on here that interests me. Allen and Peppers do nothing to enhance this franchise. Hardy will not play here.
Why do you say that?
Peppers is due a huge salary this year and Bears may choose to tell him take a pay cut or there's the door due to his age and falling production. Could see him heading to the Bucs.
Justin Tuck
To shore up the qb position, lovie will move up and take the qb he likes (bortles, tb, or manziel).To shore up the de problem I expect them to chase after allen, and sign him.I also expect lovie to replace the ol with a bunch of "nobodies" who will play better than their predecessors.
None of the above.Michael Johnson. He looks like one of those value signings Litch talks about.
None of the above.Michael Johnson. He looks like one of those value signings Litch talks about.
Maybe as a rotational guy?I'm not against it, but I'd rather have a strong core, and a vet.A lot of these "connections" that we see every day in the nfl media, are fluff. However, allen does have some friends here (minus penn), so the connection is holding some weight. The trouble isn't money or friends, it's the question, "can the bucs win now with lovie?" Because a lot of these older players in fa elect to "go out strong" on a team like the pats.So in this instance, I'd be trying to bring in both anyway. Get both..pay em. Get one..still got something..
None of the above.Michael Johnson. He looks like one of those value signings Litch talks about.
Maybe as a rotational guy?
I think he would be better than any DE we have now. He was playing well enough in 2012, to get franchise tagged. In 2012, he had 52 tackles, 35 solo, and 11.5 sacks. He also had one interception and one force fumble He had an off year in 2013, but I think the talent is there, And I don't think he would be looking for mega dollars.
None of the above.Michael Johnson. He looks like one of those value signings Litch talks about.
Some team is going to overpay for the overrated Johnson. 2012 was more a sign of Geno Atkins becoming a force than his actual skill. He won't represent any value.
