2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Thread

[Bootz]

If we want to take the next step we need to get serious about actually making upgrades.

Devin White to KJ Britt is not an upgrade.
Ryan Neal to Jordan Whitehead is not an upgrade.
Carlton Davis to Zyon McCollum is not an upgrade.
Shaq Barrett to JTS is not an upgrade.
Whatever we did at nickle is a joke. I don't understand the hype behind Tykee Smith. He reminds me of Mike Edwards during the Brady years. Makes 1 or 2 plays a month and has bad tape the rest of the time. He's probably the worst tackler on this team and yes I'm including Jamel Dean.

I'd look hard at FA/trade market for the defense. We've talked about Myles Garrett. That likely won't happen. But Justin Reid is a FA for the Chiefs. He had a very good year and is a very good coverage safety. He's also smart enough to understand complex coverage schemes, as he's been in one under Spags.

Another player I'd look at is Charvarius Ward. He loves playing for the Niners but word is he's looking to get out of California because of the tragic death of his toddler occurring there. He's who Jamel Dean thinks he is. Ward plays off but he's very aggressive and isn't afraid to break on the ball. I think he'd be an excellent fit in this defense.

[Doctor]

We've carried $144M in dead cap over the last two years where we average $230M of total cap. Bucs, along with the Packers, were the top 5 youngest teams the last two years.

We've essentially been operating on 66% capacity over the last two years, next year will be closer to 90% depending on where the cap goes. We also have the majority of our key players under contract as well.

I think we'll continue to lean on home grown development despite fans impatience. With that there are some key areas where I think we need to throw money at for a veteran presence. First and foremost, ILB. Its has one of the longer learning curves, so even if we draft talent (which I think we will, that Bama LB is an ideal fit) we still need to elevate that positional play and depth immediately.

I'm a Dennis fan and believer, but the injury history is still very much real. So along with resigning LVD, I'd love to go after Dre Greenlaw. Yes, also some injury history, but also the closest we'll get to plug and play.

If we do want to spend like ballers I think CB is the position to do it. The fact that we scraped by with what we had is a testament to this staff. Ward from SF or Reed from NYJ would be my targets. Alongside the continued development of our young DBs, we could finally get out of survival mode at the position we've asked to do the most with the least.

I think Khalil Mack could also find renewed purpose under Bowles if he doesn't retire.

[13F11B]

We've carried $144M in dead cap over the last two years where we average $230M of total cap. Bucs, along with the Packers, were the top 5 youngest teams the last two years.

We've essentially been operating on 66% capacity over the last two years, next year will be closer to 90% depending on where the cap goes. We also have the majority of our key players under contract as well.

I think we'll continue to lean on home grown development despite fans impatience. With that there are some key areas where I think we need to throw money at for a veteran presence. First and foremost, ILB. Its has one of the longer learning curves, so even if we draft talent (which I think we will, that Bama LB is an ideal fit) we still need to elevate that positional play and depth immediately.

I'm a Dennis fan and believer, but the injury history is still very much real. So along with resigning LVD, I'd love to go after Dre Greenlaw. Yes, also some injury history, but also the closest we'll get to plug and play.

If we do want to spend like ballers I think CB is the position to do it. The fact that we scraped by with what we had is a testament to this staff. Ward from SF or Reed from NYJ would be my targets. Alongside the continued development of our young DBs, we could finally get out of survival mode at the position we've asked to do the most with the least.

I think Khalil Mack could also find renewed purpose under Bowles if he doesn't retire.

I agree with what you are saying. Obviously, we differ on our thoughts on Bowles. However, I am curious on your thoughts about the players who have a closing window. Will David be a liability next year? What young players on defense do you see that will elevate this team next season?

[Bootz]

We've carried $144M in dead cap over the last two years where we average $230M of total cap. Bucs, along with the Packers, were the top 5 youngest teams the last two years.

We've essentially been operating on 66% capacity over the last two years, next year will be closer to 90% depending on where the cap goes. We also have the majority of our key players under contract as well.

I think we'll continue to lean on home grown development despite fans impatience. With that there are some key areas where I think we need to throw money at for a veteran presence. First and foremost, ILB. Its has one of the longer learning curves, so even if we draft talent (which I think we will, that Bama LB is an ideal fit) we still need to elevate that positional play and depth immediately.

I'm a Dennis fan and believer, but the injury history is still very much real. So along with resigning LVD, I'd love to go after Dre Greenlaw. Yes, also some injury history, but also the closest we'll get to plug and play.

If we do want to spend like ballers I think CB is the position to do it. The fact that we scraped by with what we had is a testament to this staff. Ward from SF or Reed from NYJ would be my targets. Alongside the continued development of our young DBs, we could finally get out of survival mode at the position we've asked to do the most with the least.

I think Khalil Mack could also find renewed purpose under Bowles if he doesn't retire.

1st half of this is hogwash.

We spent over $400mil on new contracts last year. Everybody we wanted to keep we kept. In fact the only real release we made was Shaq Barrett and we didn't even net anything in terms of cap space.

Whos exactly being impatient with home grown development other than you? You're the one who always criticizes and condemns the concept of "rookie saviors" and relying on rookies all together. Make up your mind.

Now as far as the rest, dead on. Defense needs an infusion of veteran talent. Especially in the back 7 of the defense. A top corner would allow our guys to move to their proper spots.

[Phantom]

I don’t mind Mack here if we can’t get Garrett. Do you guys?

[Phantom]

I forgot to mention that we definitely need DE.

[Cheb]

If we want to take the next step we need to get serious about actually making upgrades.

Devin White to KJ Britt is not an upgrade.
Ryan Neal to Jordan Whitehead is not an upgrade.
Carlton Davis to Zyon McCollum is not an upgrade.
Shaq Barrett to JTS is not an upgrade.
Whatever we did at nickle is a joke. I don't understand the hype behind Tykee Smith. He reminds me of Mike Edwards during the Brady years. Makes 1 or 2 plays a month and has bad tape the rest of the time. He's probably the worst tackler on this team and yes I'm including Jamel Dean.

I'd look hard at FA/trade market for the defense. We've talked about Myles Garrett. That likely won't happen. But Justin Reid is a FA for the Chiefs. He had a very good year and is a very good coverage safety. He's also smart enough to understand complex coverage schemes, as he's been in one under Spags.

Another player I'd look at is Charvarius Ward. He loves playing for the Niners but word is he's looking to get out of California because of the tragic death of his toddler occurring there. He's who Jamel Dean thinks he is. Ward plays off but he's very aggressive and isn't afraid to break on the ball. I think he'd be an excellent fit in this defense.

I mostly agree with you, though I would add the caveat that I think that most of our "upgrades" were hamstrung by our lack of cap space and (still) paying off that Superbowl credit card, or more accurately the "run it back" credit card afterwards. And I think that Charvarius Ward would be a great pull for the organization.

But I have to take umbrage with your take on Tykee Smith. Dude led the team in turnovers forced (2 INTs and 3 FFs), and played really well for a rookie I thought. The worst tackler on the team? My brother in christ... no. Just no.

[Doctor]

We've carried $144M in dead cap over the last two years where we average $230M of total cap. Bucs, along with the Packers, were the top 5 youngest teams the last two years.

We've essentially been operating on 66% capacity over the last two years, next year will be closer to 90% depending on where the cap goes. We also have the majority of our key players under contract as well.

I think we'll continue to lean on home grown development despite fans impatience. With that there are some key areas where I think we need to throw money at for a veteran presence. First and foremost, ILB. Its has one of the longer learning curves, so even if we draft talent (which I think we will, that Bama LB is an ideal fit) we still need to elevate that positional play and depth immediately.

I'm a Dennis fan and believer, but the injury history is still very much real. So along with resigning LVD, I'd love to go after Dre Greenlaw. Yes, also some injury history, but also the closest we'll get to plug and play.

If we do want to spend like ballers I think CB is the position to do it. The fact that we scraped by with what we had is a testament to this staff. Ward from SF or Reed from NYJ would be my targets. Alongside the continued development of our young DBs, we could finally get out of survival mode at the position we've asked to do the most with the least.

I think Khalil Mack could also find renewed purpose under Bowles if he doesn't retire.

Whos exactly being impatient with home grown development other than you?

Are you serious?

Mauch. Goedeke. YaYa. McCollum. Hall. I think @Bootz buried all these guys as “trash” during their rookie years.

Wrong.

Mauch, was trash last year. Was trash to start the year and has played well the past couple of weeks.

Goedeke was in fact terrible as a guard, something you can't seem to acknowledge despite it being true. We benched him his rookie season and moved him to RT where he's been much better.

Yaya I never said was trash. I said the floor and ceiling are about the same. That's remained true for him. He does some good things but isn't a consistent pass rush threat. But I've liked him being on the field for us.

McCollum I said was unproven, which he was as he sat behind Dean and Davis. Not sure where you get off thinking that means someone thinks he's a bad player.

Hall is trash. A handful of splash plays against the Falcons isn't going to change that. The Bucs seem to think so as his snaps have decreased now in 3 straight games. He's not consistent and has not shown signs of consistency.

You're literally doing it again in this thread with Tykee.

[Bootz]

Whos exactly being impatient with home grown development other than you?

Are you serious?

Wrong.

Mauch, was trash last year. Was trash to start the year and has played well the past couple of weeks.

Goedeke was in fact terrible as a guard, something you can't seem to acknowledge despite it being true. We benched him his rookie season and moved him to RT where he's been much better.

Yaya I never said was trash. I said the floor and ceiling are about the same. That's remained true for him. He does some good things but isn't a consistent pass rush threat. But I've liked him being on the field for us.

McCollum I said was unproven, which he was as he sat behind Dean and Davis. Not sure where you get off thinking that means someone thinks he's a bad player.

Hall is trash. A handful of splash plays against the Falcons isn't going to change that. The Bucs seem to think so as his snaps have decreased now in 3 straight games. He's not consistent and has not shown signs of consistency.

You're literally doing it again in this thread with Tykee.

And I'm not wrong about any one of those players. Point me to where I was impatient? It's called analysis of their reality. You choose not to be honest about where players are in the present and only look at what you think their potential is. Fine by you. I live in reality.

[Doctor]

"I wasn't impatient, I just said these guys sucked which they totally did."

[BJJ34]

Trade up for Abdul Carter. Watch him wreak havoc for 10 years.

[Grahamburn]

Trade up for Abdul Carter. Watch him wreak havoc for 10 years.

He’s a top 5 pick. Maybe move up a spot or three for Pearce from Tennessee?

If Bowles is still here we won’t draft guys like this though.

[Bootz]

"I wasn't impatient, I just said these guys sucked which they totally did."

So they all played well out of the gate?

[mdb1958]

Where is a link to our most recent IR list, I'm trying to remember who we have moved on from.

[BJJ34]

Trade up for Abdul Carter. Watch him wreak havoc for 10 years.

He’s a top 5 pick. Maybe move up a spot or three for Pearce from Tennessee?

If Bowles is still here we won’t draft guys like this though.

Abdul-Carter is a once in a generation player.

Look at Micah with the Cowboys. He’s better than Micah..

[Doctor]

"I wasn't impatient, I just said these guys sucked which they totally did."

So they all played well out of the gate?

Do you need patience when they do or when they don't?

[Bootz]

So they all played well out of the gate?

Do you need patience when they do or when they don't?

That's an mdb answer if I've never seen one before.

Best leave this one alone, Doc. This won't come out the way you hope.

[Doctor]

No, no, no, don't run away.
Let me state the subtext plainly for you.

No, they did not play well out the gate. That why it's called patience.

Do you need patience when they do or when they don't play well out the gate?

"I'm patient so long as I don't have to wait."

[Bootz]

No, no, no, don't run away.
Let me state the subtext plainly for you.

No, they did not play well out the gate.

Right. And I simply pointed out that they did not play well, yes or no?

[Grahamburn]

He’s a top 5 pick. Maybe move up a spot or three for Pearce from Tennessee?

If Bowles is still here we won’t draft guys like this though.

Abdul-Carter is a once in a generation player.

Look at Micah with the Cowboys. He’s better than Micah..

He's "once in a generation" and then you compare him to someone who has been in the league for 4 years and has 52.5 sacks in those years?

[BJJ34]

Abdul-Carter is a once in a generation player.

Look at Micah with the Cowboys. He’s better than Micah..

He's "once in a generation" and then you compare him to someone who has been in the league for 4 years and has 52.5 sacks in those years?

I’m comparing what I’ve seen from both as a PSU fan.

[BucsNBills]

What's the max compensation package that you would feel comfortable with if we made a move for someone like Myles, Micah, or Crosby?

If you're Licht and Cleveland calls and says we can have Myles for our next three #1 picks... Do you take the deal?

[Phantom]

What's the max compensation package that you would feel comfortable with if we made a move for someone like Myles, Micah, or Crosby?

If you're Licht and Cleveland calls and says we can have Myles for our next three #1 picks... Do you take the deal?

lol i wouldn't

This year first and next year, second round will be the deal. It’s more realistic.

[BucsNBills]

What's the max compensation package that you would feel comfortable with if we made a move for someone like Myles, Micah, or Crosby?

If you're Licht and Cleveland calls and says we can have Myles for our next three #1 picks... Do you take the deal?

lol i wouldn't

This year first and next year, second round will be the deal. It’s more realistic.

Yeah three 1s is rich for me as well but Myles is such a rare talent that it's hard to quantify.

[Sooner06]

If we want to take the next step we need to get serious about actually making upgrades.

Devin White to KJ Britt is not an upgrade.
Ryan Neal to Jordan Whitehead is not an upgrade.
Carlton Davis to Zyon McCollum is not an upgrade.
Shaq Barrett to JTS is not an upgrade.
Whatever we did at nickle is a joke. I don't understand the hype behind Tykee Smith. He reminds me of Mike Edwards during the Brady years. Makes 1 or 2 plays a month and has bad tape the rest of the time. He's probably the worst tackler on this team and yes I'm including Jamel Dean.

I'd look hard at FA/trade market for the defense. We've talked about Myles Garrett. That likely won't happen. But Justin Reid is a FA for the Chiefs. He had a very good year and is a very good coverage safety. He's also smart enough to understand complex coverage schemes, as he's been in one under Spags.

Another player I'd look at is Charvarius Ward. He loves playing for the Niners but word is he's looking to get out of California because of the tragic death of his toddler occurring there. He's who Jamel Dean thinks he is. Ward plays off but he's very aggressive and isn't afraid to break on the ball. I think he'd be an excellent fit in this defense.

Just fyi, Justin Reid is a lot of things, but he's not a great coverage S. You can check out his stats on PFR. And I really like JR, he's been a solid player since KC picked him up. but the stats tell the story. This season he gave up his 2nd-worst Passer Rating of his career, 108.4, and for his career he's given up an average 100 PR. Where he excels is vs. the run, and vs. screens/flats. He also has some utility covering TEs in the short zones. But if he has to flip his hips and chase, he's not very good. But he would stabilize S play in TB and be a steady/reliable force in the backfield.


Chav would be a great pickup, imo. He's not the most athletic nor does he have great deep speed, but he's got good length, he's very smart, very sticky and aggressive. And he's always healthy. He's one of the few DBs I've ever seen that can consistently shut DK Metcalf down in the RZ.

[acmillis]

What's the max compensation package that you would feel comfortable with if we made a move for someone like Myles, Micah, or Crosby?

If you're Licht and Cleveland calls and says we can have Myles for our next three #1 picks... Do you take the deal?

Three 1s for a guy that doesn’t touch the ball every play? Yeah, hard pass.

[mdb1958]

Is Cody Thompson gone

[Bootz]

[Snake]

Well…bye.

[mdb1958]

A thing that troubles me. Every year we all have our roster concerns and the same thing happens by their design. We do not go out for new players. It's as if we had no idea of who we would be interested in. We see or think of players on our team who are not getting the job done or hold little value in our thoughts - but I guess Jason and company must think it takes a number of years in our system before you might get it right..

To be fair to Bowles because I don't think he has much time to run around and ask for players. Just what are we doing wrong.

[Grahamburn]

A thing that troubles me. Every year we all have our roster concerns and the same thing happens by their design. We do not go out for new players. It's as if we had no idea of who we would be interested in. We see or think of players on our team who are not getting the job done or hold little value in our thoughts - but I guess Jason and company must think it takes a number of years in our system before you might get it right..

To be fair to Bowles because I don't think he has much time to run around and ask for players. Just what are we doing wrong.

We haven't since 2020 but I don't think it's by design.

[Obsolete]

A thing that troubles me. Every year we all have our roster concerns and the same thing happens by their design. We do not go out for new players. It's as if we had no idea of who we would be interested in. We see or think of players on our team who are not getting the job done or hold little value in our thoughts - but I guess Jason and company must think it takes a number of years in our system before you might get it right..

To be fair to Bowles because I don't think he has much time to run around and ask for players. Just what are we doing wrong.

We havent really had much cap room. Hard to lure good players when shopping on a budget.

[Doctor]

Indeed. The bulk of the defense are guys on their first contract. But that should change some here soon.

[mdb1958]

A thing that troubles me. Every year we all have our roster concerns and the same thing happens by their design. We do not go out for new players. It's as if we had no idea of who we would be interested in. We see or think of players on our team who are not getting the job done or hold little value in our thoughts - but I guess Jason and company must think it takes a number of years in our system before you might get it right..

To be fair to Bowles because I don't think he has much time to run around and ask for players. Just what are we doing wrong.

We havent really had much cap room. Hard to lure good players when shopping on a budget.

I was talking about reserve futures contracts.

[Bootz]

Spytek is gone