2024 Bucs Thread - Offseason and 2024 Season

[Eckstein197]

Well an unfortunate way for the season to end with the loss to Detroit but the team did way better than the public thought they would/most Bucs fans would consider pre season. Winning the division and winning a playoff game when you came in with what were low expectations, that’s a successful season. Still trying to navigate the post Brady world, this was a really good season for the team.

Lot of questions going into the offseason though, it’ll be interesting to see where we go from here. We had a ton of dead cap this past year and a lot of that is off the books, though some still remains. Looks like we have about 48 million in cap space that most Bucs people have said they can get to 60 million fairly easily. That’s a decent amount of cap but certainly not a ton.

According to Greg Auman on Twitter, we have 18 guys slated for free agency. They are

Antoine Winfield JR, Mike Evans, Baker, Lavonte, Devin White, McLaughlin, Aaron Stinnie, Will Gholston, Triner, Wolford, Gaines, Edmonds, Feiler, O’Connor, Ryan Neal, Gill, David Moore, Skule

Along with 2 RFA in Delaney and Leverett

So first things first, the number 1A and 1B priorities will be resigning Winfield and Evans. Winfield bare minimum will be tagged but ideally he signs a long term contract. And Evans needs to come back, he’s the heart and soul of the offense and he needs to stay in Tampa, I fully believe he will be back

The next big priority is resigning Lavonte if he wants to continue playing. I know he’s discussed retirement in years past, he’s still playing at a high level but I wouldn’t be shocked if he hung up his cleats. That would be a massive loss for this defense if he doesn’t return.

Before we get to the big WC priority, when it comes to the other free agents, most of them are lower end depth pieces. I’m sure both RFAs will be brought back, I definitely think resigning McLaughlin is an underrated part of the offseason. An awesome season and you need a reliable kicker. Other than that they’ll resign guys like Stinnie and Gholston as depth pieces but none of them are that crucial in the grand scheme of things.

One guy that is definitely gone is Devin White. Britt basically replaced him down the stretch and vastly out performed him. White is gonna go to another team and I wish him the best. An up and down career in Tampa to say the least. Other than White, not sure who else is for sure gone, maybe Edmonds?


The Wild Card priority is resigning Baker. I think that’s what the team will do, where they’re drafting in the draft they aren’t gonna be able to trade up and snag an elite QB prospect, and there’s not a ton on the free agent market. I’d rather just resign Baker to a 2 year contract with a team option, or a 3 year deal that worst case you can get out after 2 if it goes poorly. I think Baker will want to stay because he wants some continuity and he seemed to like it in Tampa and like playing under Canales. Another year of continuity and growth from the OL and the team is in a good spot offensively (and bring back Mike of course). I think resigning Baker helps keep Evans as well as they had a really strong connection this season

Another thing is we gotta hope Canales stays. I think he will but he is generating some HC buzz.

When it comes to the draft and filling holes in this team, I think the early part of the draft should be spent on defensive help. The pass rush struggled immensely at times this year and the emergence of Diaby certainly helped, but Shaq is only getting older and JTS is just too streaky.

I think if Lavonte comes back, they will certainly go pass rusher in the first round. If Lavonte is gone, I think LB or pass rusher is about 50/50 for that first round pick, depends on how the board falls. And then spend the second rounder on the other position.

If Lavonte comes back, you still gotta spend a round 2 or round 3 pick for LB depth, especially with Devin white leaving

Also side note, shout out Licht and co for an awesome 2023 draft. Kancey was a stud, Diaby as a third rounder was a steal. Mauch played a ton and is providing to be a really good guard. Even Trey Palmer showed flashes of great play as a 6th rounder. Licht is continually showing he’s one of the better GMs especially in the draft in the league

[Chris Lyle]

Draft focus has to be defensive help at least early on. Will be interesting to see how FA's shake out, but I think Evans has to be a must, like you said Winfield is right there. Lavonte is going to be up to price tag and obviously what he decides to do.

The big question is what to do with Baker. I think you have to bring him back if you can get it a decent deal.

[boxbuster7]

They should keep Mayfield

[majestik101]

Franchise Tag Baker
Keep Evans
Keep Antoine Winfield Jr


See ya

Devin White (hit the bricks, don't let the door hit your ass)
Shaq Barrett (showing his age)
Russell Gage (bust)
Ryan Neal (inconsistent)
Matt Feiler (old)
Jamel Dean (great when healthy, but can't stay healthy a full season)

Probably retiring

Lavonte David (Future HOF'er)
Shaq Barrett (thanks for an amazing career)
Ryan Jensen (same)

[Eckstein197]

Man I feel so bad for Jensen, gets paid and then suffers a career ending injury. Freaking blows

[Siberian13]

Think they should move on from Mike Evans. He’ll be 31 and they do need to think of the future. Great career though. Maybe he takes a home town discount? I realize he can produce next year

[majestik101]

Originally Posted by Siberian13

Think they should move on from Mike Evans. He’ll be 31 and they do need to think of the future. Great career though. Maybe he takes a home town discount? I realize he can produce next year

Jason Licht and the Glazers won't let him walk. He's the most unselfish wide receiver in the NFL currently. Very humble dude, very appreciative of the franchise and happy as can be in a Bucs uniform.

He'll re-sign with the Bucs on a three-year deal, put up maybe 2 more 1,000 yard seasons, hopefully gets to play in another Super Bowl and retire as a top 5 Buccaneer and will be a first ballot HOFer when all is said and done.

[Siberian13]

Originally Posted by majestik101

Jason Licht and the Glazers won't let him walk. He's the most unselfish wide receiver in the NFL currently. Very humble dude, very appreciative of the franchise and happy as can be in a Bucs uniform.

He'll re-sign with the Bucs on a three-year deal, put up maybe 2 more 1,000 yard seasons, hopefully gets to play in another Super Bowl and retire as a top 5 Buccaneer and will be a first ballot HOFer when all is said and done.

Oh yeah most teams resign these guys when you know it’s about to come to an end. They did it with Julio too and it wasn’t pretty. Just feel like you have to make tough decisions to keep your franchises going. But the fans want him so they will probably make sure he comes back. Hopefully it’s a team friendly deal

[ArmyDC]

What kind of contract are they going to give Baker?

[Floridacardguy]

Originally Posted by ArmyDC

What kind of contract are they going to give Baker?

Saw a report that Baker will ask for $40million a year which is laughable

[majestik101]

Originally Posted by Floridacardguy

Saw a report that Baker will ask for $40million a year which is laughable

The report that you dreamt last night? I'm not seeing any $40M report.

If you're referring to what Richard Sherman and Shannon Sharpe blurted out a few days ago, that Baker should seek $40-$45 million a year, those are opinions by talking heads who get paid to create click-bait, not "reports".

[Floridacardguy]

Originally Posted by majestik101

The report that you dreamt last night? I'm not seeing any $40M report.

If you're referring to what Richard Sherman and Shannon Sharpe blurted out a few days ago, that Baker should seek $40-$45 million a year, those are opinions by talking heads who get paid to create click-bait, not "reports".

Regardless, he's not worth anything close to that

[majestik101]

Originally Posted by Floridacardguy

Regardless, he's not worth anything close to that

Who said he is? What a world you must live in where your hatred of Baker makes you imagine things that don't exist. Gumdrops falling from the sky and the clouds are made of cotton candy.

[Chris Lyle]

Originally Posted by Floridacardguy

Regardless, he's not worth anything close to that

Anyone with any sense knows he is not worth $40 mill and I have no idea where you got this from... We all know to you he isn't worth $1, but can we at least try to have some sort of source that is somewhat reliable or does that not matter to you?

[Derekbauer]

Tag this year was what $32.5 million?

Salary cap increases by a good chunk. So the tag probably goes up to $35 million for a QB.

Baker getting a 2 year/$80 million dollar contract isn’t the craziest thing. He knows he’s at least getting tagged so stretching another couple million to come to a 2 year agreement may be beneficial for both sides.

I’m not saying he deserves it but QBs are grossly overpaid it’s the standard of the NFL the way the cap is structured.

[Scottish Punk]

Originally Posted by Derekbauer

Tag this year was what $32.5 million?

Salary cap increases by a good chunk. So the tag probably goes up to $35 million for a QB.

Baker getting a 2 year/$80 million dollar contract isn’t the craziest thing. He knows he’s at least getting tagged so stretching another couple million to come to a 2 year agreement may be beneficial for both sides.

I’m not saying he deserves it but QBs are grossly overpaid it’s the standard of the NFL the way the cap is structured.

Correct, the QB market is irrational. I can easily see Baker getting a 3 year 120 million dollar with like 90 guaranteed. Is he worth that much, no. QB market is thin and teams are disparate to find any competent QB so you aren't doing the spin the wheel on the second stringers.

Lions are going to overpay for Goff as well. His price tag just went up over these past two weeks. He will get an "elite" or close to elite contract even though I don't think anybody would argue he is in the top 5 QB category.

[Floridacardguy]

Originally Posted by Chris Lyle

Anyone with any sense knows he is not worth $40 mill and I have no idea where you got this from... We all know to you he isn't worth $1, but can we at least try to have some sort of source that is somewhat reliable or does that not matter to you?

Ah still salty. Better luck next year. Hope he comes back for one more year of entertainment, or maybe he's onto his 5th team in 4 years

Bucs better get it right because this year, the Falcons are going to have a real coach, and a quality QB in an already stacked offense. It's their division to lose

[Derekbauer]

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

Correct, the QB market is irrational. I can easily see Baker getting a 3 year 120 million dollar with like 90 guaranteed. Is he worth that much, no. QB market is thin and teams are disparate to find any competent QB so you aren't doing the spin the wheel on the second stringers.

Lions are going to overpay for Goff as well. His price tag just went up over these past two weeks. He will get an "elite" or close to elite contract even though I don't think anybody would argue he is in the top 5 QB category.

Exactly. It’s why the teams with middle of the road QBs past their rookie contract rarely stand a chance to win a SB.

Lions would be an exception this season if they can pull off the upset but even then they will be a heavy underdog in the Super Bowl. Then as you said they will grossly overpay Goff and cripple themselves down the road.

The flip side is you don’t want to be the GM/owner who lets a QB walk after he lead you to a playoff win and sparked excitement in the fan base.

[Chris Lyle]

Originally Posted by Floridacardguy

Ah still salty. Better luck next year. Hope he comes back for one more year of entertainment, or maybe he's onto his 5th team in 4 years

Bucs better get it right because this year, the Falcons are going to have a real coach, and a quality QB in an already stacked offense. It's their division to lose

Not salty about anything... there you go again... not sure how you think it's the Falcons division to lose, but ok. Bucs have some decisions to make and the qb market is going to make that decision pretty interesting. As others have said qb's are going to get money they aren't worth. Not just Baker.

[Eckstein197]

Originally Posted by Floridacardguy

Ah still salty. Better luck next year. Hope he comes back for one more year of entertainment, or maybe he's onto his 5th team in 4 years

Bucs better get it right because this year, the Falcons are going to have a real coach, and a quality QB in an already stacked offense. It's their division to lose

To be fair, the falcons offense is “theoretically” stacked. They’ve spent premium assets on players but we have yet to really see them make any kind of a leap. Obviously part of that is coaching but let’s be real, if they do bring in Belicheck, it’s not like he’s some kind of offensive mastermind considering he’s had a bottom 5 offense in the league for a few years now

Also unless they’re getting Cousins, the falcons will have a worse QB than Baker. There’s not a ton out there unless they want to make a trade for a QB who’s fallen out of favor with their team

[Eckstein197]

Originally Posted by Derekbauer

Tag this year was what $32.5 million?

Salary cap increases by a good chunk. So the tag probably goes up to $35 million for a QB.

Baker getting a 2 year/$80 million dollar contract isn’t the craziest thing. He knows he’s at least getting tagged so stretching another couple million to come to a 2 year agreement may be beneficial for both sides.

I’m not saying he deserves it but QBs are grossly overpaid it’s the standard of the NFL the way the cap is structured.

I think the tag makes sense if you can resign Evans and Winfield before the tag deadline

There’s a few ways this could go, Danny Dimes got 40 million after 1 good season and we all see how that blew up. Geno got 25 a year for 3 years after his good season

If Baker truly wants to stay and enjoy being here, I would hope he would take a 2 year 60ish or 3 year 90ish

If he can be around 30, that’s fine enough value for having a QB that’s on a new deal.

[Eckstein197]

Originally Posted by Siberian13

Think they should move on from Mike Evans. He’ll be 31 and they do need to think of the future. Great career though. Maybe he takes a home town discount? I realize he can produce next year

He just put up his best season in the last 5 years and arguably a top 3 season for his career. He’s not going to fall off the cliff randomly, Bucs aren’t looking to tank and rebuild. Bringing him back is key

[Derekbauer]

Originally Posted by Eckstein197

I think the tag makes sense if you can resign Evans and Winfield before the tag deadline

There’s a few ways this could go, Danny Dimes got 40 million after 1 good season and we all see how that blew up. Geno got 25 a year for 3 years after his good season

If Baker truly wants to stay and enjoy being here, I would hope he would take a 2 year 60ish or 3 year 90ish

If he can be around 30, that’s fine enough value for having a QB that’s on a new deal.

Unless your Brady it’s hard to pass up on money.

Bakers agent isn’t going to take anything less than the tag salary per year (35 million we’ll say) unless they commit to 3 or more years guaranteed.

And if you’re the Bucs are you going to sign him for 3 guaranteed years?

Giants only committed to Jones for two years but they had to pay him the $40 million or he would’ve never taken the deal. Obviously they wish they would’ve just tagged him for one year and 32 million but if he would’ve had another good season it would’ve cost them even more money long term.

It’s a cat and mouse game with agents involved.

My guess is baker gets 2 years at 35-40 mill a year.

If the Bucs really believe then maybe he gets the 3 year 90 mill guaranteed but I wouldn’t bank on it

[Derekbauer]

Just to add to that above

Geno was 32 when he signed that deal

Baker is 28

Jones was 25

All with varying factors as well. Hard to compare them.

[Floridacardguy]

Originally Posted by Chris Lyle

Not salty about anything... there you go again... not sure how you think it's the Falcons division to lose, but ok. Bucs have some decisions to make and the qb market is going to make that decision pretty interesting. As others have said qb's are going to get money they aren't worth. Not just Baker.

Because the top 3 weapons on the Falcons are better overall than the top 3 weapons on the Bucs. The D was better. They will bring in a a Cousins or someone similar (and they will be better than Baker) So with all of that and a competent coach, yeah, the Falcons will be superior and it will be their division to lose.

What have I been saying all season- Baker can not carry his team. He can NOT take the team on his back and win big games. I told you that, and he proved it. So your choice is to cross your fingers and hopefully he overcomes something he has not been able to in his 1st six seasons, or you make a play for a better QB. And God forbid Evans leaves- would that make Baker better? Of course not, he gets even worse