Buccaneers on the hot seat March 2nd, 2014 By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com 
New coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht have made it pretty clear the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to have significant turnover this offseason. That's what you would expect from a new regime taking over a team that went 4-12 last season. Smith already has singled out the offensive line for not playing up to its pay grade last year and he and Licht have talked about how there's going to be competition across the roster. With that in mind, let's take a look at five guys that could be on the hot seat. I'm talking about guys that could be released and guys that will have to fight for their positions. Tackle Donald Penn. His cap figure (more than $8 million) is the highest of any lineman. Penn, who turns 31 in April, is not getting younger and the Bucs could be in the market for an upgrade at left tackle. Guard Davin Joseph. He's just behind Penn with a $6 million cap figure. Joseph didn't have a great season last year and his age, 30, could work against him. Defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. He won't be a salary-cap casualty and will make it until at least training camp. But it's pretty obvious the Bucs are going to be adding some defensive ends. The light really has to come on for Bowers to be on the opening-day roster. Middle linebacker Mason Foster. He's been fairly ordinary and it remains to be seen if he's a fit in the new defensive scheme. At very least, Foster will have some competition in training camp. Wide receiver Mike Williams. His off-field activities have been in the headlines and that hasn't made the new regime happy. Williams has $6.4 million in guaranteed money owed to him over the next two seasons. But it's not like Williams is a superstar and the Bucs might be willing to dump him and take the cap hit.
If I had to just pick one, its a tough call between Mike and Bowers. I would go with Bowers.
Donald Penn. No way the Bucs will pay him considering that his level of play has dropped off the past 2 seasons.
Joseph is cut bait to me. I'd be surprised to see him on the roster march 10th
Outside of Foster. It wouldn't shock me if all of them were gone come August.
Foster's not goin' anywhere, but yeah, the others are all on the short list. Too many FA's out there this off-season who are noticeably better players...
No Brainer .... Mike and The Cave Man Gang.
Mike Wiliams - he has highlighted himself and we are only...what, about a month and a half into the the offseason.My previous selection would be Penn and Joseph. They both can be asked to restructure their contract, right....or is it too late for that?
Tackle Donald Penn - To me, he has the hottest seat. His play has declined. For him to regain his high level of play, he HAS to lose the weight and keep it off. As he gets older his knees, legs, hips, and back cannot perform at the same level with all that weight. If he doesn't show up in top shape, I don't want him any more. Guard Davin Joseph - His seat isn't hot, it's toast. One of the worst guards in the league last year. Need to upgrade. Defensive end Da'Quan Bowers - his seat is hot, but he'll have a year to prove himself under this defensive staff. He has too much physical ability. If he can't perform under Lovie, Frasier and Cullen then he'll be trade bait before the deadline or we let him walk after the year. Another guy that needs to show up in tip top shape. Middle linebacker Mason Foster - Why is he on this list? Sure he's not the best MLB in the league but he played pretty well last year. His worst case scenario is a move to SLB. Wide receiver Mike Williams - His troubles are off the field. When he is healthy he is a very solid #2 receiver. Lovie is from the Dungy mold. Mike will be given a warning and a second chance. Mike's seat is hot, but it's off the field hot. Needs to show up healthy with his head on straight and he will be fine. EDIT: I hate the idea that we should restructure Penn/Joseph and keep them around. They sucked last year. If we pay then less money does it make them less sucky?
Exactly. Clean slates. But Williams is a goner if he screws up again. Under Lovies watch. Until then he isn't going anywhere. When was that house party incident? Didn't he settle it?At least he paid his bill. Unlike Mike Bennett.
Joseph will be asked to take a cut. Or be cut. Same with Penn. Or they will dump him flat out because he isn't that good. Surprised Koenen wasn't the first guy mentioned...
All #CMG has to do is return his play to previous levels. Same with most of the player's on that list (assuming they get that chance). DaQuan has to go places he's never before been at this level. Good luck. Another hook thread tho. Answer clearly Mike Glennon. No other responses win at anywhere near Dolorous Jason levels.
Hahaha!Blue not required.
All #CMG has to do is return his play to previous levels. Same with most of the player's on that list (assuming they get that chance). DaQuan has to go places he's never before been at this level. Good luck. Another hook thread tho. Answer clearly Mike Glennon. No other responses win at anywhere near Dolorous Jason levels.
LOL.Winning so much more than Boid....
Charlie Sheen takes winning lessons from Dolorous Jason. DJ mentors him out of pity.
