Content Post Let's Talk Free Agency 2024

[slash83]

I know nobody wants to hear defense but isn’t Bucs safety Winfield Jr a FA?

If so I’d let Dugger go and throw money at him, pair him up with Peppers, awesome combo.

 

[JohnJH]

They will, but there is no rush. I believe that we will save over $12M. Jackson might be re-signed a much lower rate, but he will be waived.

UPDATE: the total is $14.375M of savings presuming that that the $2M 2024 bonus isn't guaranteed. So, this will happen early.
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Having $10M-$12M even going into camp isn't that unusual, especially since we have so few contracts that can be restructured to produce cap money when needed. Extensions could happen, but they are relatively rare during camp.

I just checked. The only restructure possibilities total $7.4M. Judon for $2.7M and Bentley for $.9M are fine but only total $3.6M. The other savings are from restructuring Shuster ($2.9M) and Parker ($1.0M).

Thanks! I'd rather have closer the 12 million than Jackson. I'm not even sure if he'll be able to beat out someone that they might draft or UDFA or acquire otherwise.

 

[Love The Drake]

Thanks! I'd rather have closer the 12 million than Jackson. I'm not even sure if he'll be able to beat out someone that they might draft or UDFA or acquire otherwise.

I’d bring JC to training camp if he is healthy he is special.

 

[mgteich]

I’d bring JC to training camp if he is healthy he is special.

I agree.

But that is after waiving him and then signing him. Waiving him gives him an opportunity to see his worth in the early market. I would definitely sign him for camp if he is healthy. A healthy Jackson would be just what we need opposite Gonzo, with Jones at nickel.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

I know nobody wants to hear defense but isn’t Bucs safety Winfield Jr a FA?

If so I’d let Dugger go and throw money at him, pair him up with Peppers, awesome combo.

You mean they guy BB should have drafted instead of Duggar, yeah, I would go after him. Let someone overpay for Duggar, he just is not that good.

 

[PatsFan2]

Saw the mount of $$$$ they have to play with in FA I am saying goodbye to Bengals Tee Higgin in FA. We are going to have to learn to Draft our own now is the time to start. Regarding FA's Calvin Ridley or Gabe Davis sorry @upstater1 might be more realistic for us I am not a huge fan of Pittman Jr. or the older Mike Evans.

 

[VrabelJr]

I know nobody wants to hear defense but isn’t Bucs safety Winfield Jr a FA?

If so I’d let Dugger go and throw money at him, pair him up with Peppers, awesome combo.

We need to pay attention to defense because a strong point can flip into a weakness quickly. We still have a gap at athletic LB, I doubt Guy plays much longer, and will Godchaux stay? Jennings is going to get paid.

I’m ok with Dugger walking because he doesn’t have it between the ears. A smart FS will make the whole secondary better.

 

[Headcase]

Saw the mount of $$$$ they have to play with in FA I am saying goodbye to Bengals Tee Higgin in FA. We are going to have to learn to Draft our own now is the time to start. Regarding FA's Calvin Ridley or Gabe Davis sorry @upstater1 might be more realistic for us I am not a huge fan of Pittman Jr. or the older Mike Evans.

Yep, FA is not going to be the fix alot of people think it is. I think it will be better used replace guys on D with vets (either guys that have left, or can be upgraded) and focus the draft on getting younger more talented on O. Plus we have 25 guys listed as defensive players coming up on FA in '24 and '25, you can't just completely ignore that side of the ball.

 

[BTTA]

Yep, FA is not going to be the fix alot of people think it is. I think it will be better used replace guys on D with vets (either guys that have left, or can be upgraded) and focus the draft on getting younger more talented on O. Plus we have 25 guys listed as defensive players coming up on FA in '24 and '25, you can't just completely ignore that side of the ball.

The FA situation on defense is why the "3 year plan on offense, and keep the defense stable" plan won't work. By the time a rookie QB is ready to win, that defense is gone. I'm sure the Pats coaches and personnel people are tracking that, but we fans need to have adjusted expectation about how the cap and draft capital will be spent. It won't be grossly weighted toward the offense.

 

[50-yard-line]

I agree.

But that is after waiving him and then signing him. Waiving him gives him an opportunity to see his worth in the early market. I would definitely sign him for camp if he is healthy. A healthy Jackson would be just what we need opposite Gonzo, with Jones at nickel.

Don’t overlook what Alex Austin did last year. His numbers were outstanding.

 

[mgteich]

Don’t overlook what Alex Austin did last year. His numbers were outstanding.

surely an all-pro quality starter

Yes, Austin will make the team and probably contribute more than say Marcus Jones, and perhaps even Bryant.

We have Gonzo and Jon Jones as two of the starters, and Marcus Jones as a #5 corner and punt returner. We need another 2-3 CB's, including a starter opposite Gonzo.

Some are fine with Wade, Austin, Bolden, and Bryant competing for 2 jobs including a starter job. Personally, I think that we might do better.

 

[jdlboot14]

Time to talk FA QB - because there's no way they put all eggs in a Rookie draft pick, and Mac is not a mature leader.
With AVP in place, it's fair to suggest they bring in a QB that he's had previous experience with...

The most likely IMO - Baker, Brissett, Dalton, Keenum
I know Baker could thrive here. He's the guy we love to hate, but he's a blue-collar NE type attitude. Problem is, its very unlikely he leaves Tampa after that 1st year success.
The other 3 would be very short term Vets to just give the presumed 1st rounder time.

 

[PatsFan2]

Time to talk FA QB - because there's no way they put all eggs in a Rookie draft pick, and Mac is not a mature leader.
With AVP in place, it's fair to suggest they bring in a QB that he's had previous experience with...

The most likely IMO - Baker, Brissett, Dalton, Keenum
I know Baker could thrive here. He's the guy we love to hate, but he's a blue-collar NE type attitude. Problem is, its very unlikely he leaves Tampa after that 1st year success.
The other 3 would be very short term Vets to just give the presumed 1st rounder time.

Baker ain't leaving Tampa.

 

[jdlboot14]

Baker ain't leaving Tampa.

I said "unlikely"... but it's not a done deal if the Patriots unload a truck of money at his door, and a 4-5 year deal.
Not say they'd do that. But, multi-year & (gtd) money talks.
Especially since Bucs just lost their OC, and hired Coen.

 

[PatsFan2]

I said "unlikely"... but it's not a done deal if the Patriots unload a truck of money at his door, and a 4-5 year deal.
Not say they'd do that. But, multi-year & (gtd) money talks.
Especially since Bucs just lost their OC, and hired Coen.

Sorry.

 

[PatsFan2]

Don’t overlook what Alex Austin did last year. His numbers were outstanding.

Don't forget HBC selection Isaiah Bolden either.

 

[jdlboot14]

Don't forget HBC selection Isaiah Bolden either.

I think Austin was very impressive. Should definitely be in the convo to start opposite Gonzo...
In fact, he had some of Gonzo in him. Long, fluid, seemed like a good nose for the ball and some instincts.

 

[jdlboot14]

Can we make the Fields idea go away - like erase it from the multiverse.
Why trade one failed QB with tons of baggage for another?

If we're going to go to a young athletic (mobile) QB offense, then just start fresh and gamble with Maye or Daniels (or Nix lower).
But no point in paying FA QB money for damaged goods.

 

[Love The Drake]

Can we make the Fields idea go away - like erase it from the multiverse.
Why trade one failed QB with tons of baggage for another?

If we're going to go to a young athletic (mobile) QB offense, then just start fresh and gamble with Maye or Daniels (or Nix lower).
But no point in paying FA QB money for damaged goods.

When you can take 3 and get a generational WR to match with a young Untapped potential QB who athletically rivals Jayden Daniels but is stronger and faster with a bigger arm it’s gotta be in the conversation.

 

[PatsFan2]

Can we make the Fields idea go away - like erase it from the multiverse.
Why trade one failed QB with tons of baggage for another?

If we're going to go to a young athletic (mobile) QB offense, then just start fresh and gamble with Maye or Daniels (or Nix lower).
But no point in paying FA QB money for damaged goods.

I'm mix on Fields you have to give him credit he did make use of his Two Best Receivers DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.