Tampa Bay Buccaneers going after Doug Free
by Sander on Jul 26, 2011 10:43 PM EDT
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This could be the big outside free agent signing for the Bucs this season: an offensive tackle. According to Jason Cole of Yahoo! the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys are 'in a dogfight' over Cowboys LT Doug Free. The Dallas Cowboys lack cap space, while the Bucs have the most cap space and most cash to spend of any team in the league. The Cowboys cut a number of players earlier this season to clear some cap room, but if the Bucs are willing to spend there's basically no way the Cowboys can compete.
The Bucs need help on the offensive line in a major way. Re-signing Davin Joseph would be one piece of the puzzle, but Doug Free could be the other piece of the puzzle. With Donald Penn at LT the Bucs have a decent left tackle, but James Lee is a below-average but not bad starting right tackle.
Doug Free on the other hand is one of the best right tackles in the league, and can also play left tackle. Before the 2010 season, Free was the Cowboys' starter at right tackle and one of the best run-blocking tackles in the league. In addition he was a very good pass-blocker at RT, so good in fact that the Cowboys decided to move him to left tackle for the 2010 season after they released Flozell Adams. He was inconsistent as a pass blocker, but got better as the season went on.
If the Bucs do sign Doug Free he should step in at right tackle and be a quality starter from day one. There is even a small chance that Free pushes Donald Penn at left tackle, though that seems unlikely. While the Cowboys used him at left tackle last season, their first-round draft pick Tyron Smith is expected to be their long-term starter at that position.
Signing Doug Free would be a major boost for the Bucs' offensive line, will significantly help the Bucs' running game. Free is miles better than Trueblood and significantly better than Lee at pass blocking. In addition to all that, he's also 27 years old and has plenty of good years ahead of him.
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Wow what a steal if we get Free…and Lee could be a great swing tackle on both sides.
by Marlon The Okayplayer on Jul 26, 2011 10:46 PM EDT reply actions
Good point about Lee
He’d be a very solid backup. But with Free’s ability to play LT, we’d basically just need him to backup the right side, which is perfect. Free is a major upgrade at RT and great LT insurance in case of a Penn injury, too. And 27 years old…he’d fit perfectly. Bookends!
by Smoke a Blount on Jul 26, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Best part about this?
He is still young. Only 5 seasons in the league and has his best football ahead of him. Lets hope this is fruitful and not just a rumor. Lock him and Davin up and our O-line could be a fearsome unit.
I like it
I really would like a starting RT and LG from this years Free agency.
Larsen was a sufficient LG
And had come to the team less than 4 weeks before he started. He should be better after this off season of work. No need to look at LG. Focus on RT and C on O-line.
Hardman will compete as well
He did surprisingly well at RG last season. Plus there’s that tattooed up insane-looking guard that spent the year on the practice squad
Very true.
Tho I like what I saw from Larsen more so than from Hardman last year. But you never know. If we get Free, my only concern longterm will be C. Faine is injury prone and Zuttah is a great swing backup, but leaves some to be desired as a starter.
I think Doug Free surprised a lot of people last year...
and is almost the equal of Donald Penn. A mammoth guy with a surly attitude. A great pick up for us if we can make it happen. RT will be set for a very long time. I don’t care for the Cowboys, but I do hear a lot about them here.
Also wouldn’t mind seeing Marion Barber split time with Blount. The guy is a beast.
As a part-time player...
he would still have plenty to offer us. He is still a punishing runner, but DAL wants to go with youth and has to drop below the salary cap. Marion Barbers release is more about $$ than any unhappiness with him.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 26, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Please, no Barber.
We need speedy change of pace backs. Not Blount look-a-likes. We have Allen Bradford for that.
I really really really hope this happens!!
If we get him an resign Davin this is unit will go from ok to a strength for the team. Boy do i hope this happens an we get him.
We don't have anybody that has earned "Doug Free" kind of money
that is currently a free-agent. Davin Joseph is the closest…
by Cracker Ball on Jul 26, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If the Giants are after him...
…that’s a pretty good indication that he can ball. Seen him quite a few times and have traditionally had a pretty damn good pass rush during that time. Says a lot IMO.
by Smoke a Blount on Jul 26, 2011 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Want to. Have to!
How are the Bucs planning to spend $40mm + or whatever it is? We should go ahead and sign Freeman to a new deal.
I read somewhere
that teams cant redo contracts not in there last year.
by RidersOfDoom on Jul 26, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
In years past
I would’ve said no way because of the Glazers’ iron grip on their wallets. But now we have to spend up to 99% of the cap. Go get this guy.
But you guys were so confident you would get him?
lulz
Don’t underestimate Jerry. He gets what he wants.
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
When you write statements like:
The Cowboys cut a number of players earlier this season to clear some cap room, but if the Bucs are willing to spend there’s basically no way the Cowboys can compete.
you kind of bring it on yourself
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
I didn't write that.
But regardless, it was unnecessary for you to join juts to say Dallas kept Free when I already stated it. Your comment was very confrontational for no reason and I doubt any Bucs fans from this site would have done the same if the roles were reversed. Stick to your own teams site if all you are going to do is stir the pot. You should be more worried about how your team will get under the cap. Good luck to The Cowboys. We will see you during the season.
Douchy Cowboys fan...
see what I have to put up with here?
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
You must have wronged the gods in a previous life, CB.
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
Possibly...
I wouldn’t mind so much if I could remember what I did.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
It was directed at Lezzie the Cowboys troll...
as I live among them here in Texas.
Bucs – good, Cowboys – bad.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I appreciate the thought...
and I do make it a couple of times a year. Hopefully Dec. 17th so I can tell Doug Free to “suck it” in person.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh?
Don’t underestimate Jerry. He gets what he wants.
He must want to be at the bottom of the NFC East this year.
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
How can they sign somebody to THAT kind of contract...
and be over the salary cap by so much?
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently he was their #1 priority
They’re cutting Marion Barber, Roy Williams, a LG and a kicker to free up that cash.
Not sure how their gonna be able to fill out their roster without cutting even more, but then again, I’m not an accountant nor do I really know how all of that works…
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
They still have to sign their rookies...
which is more coin they will have to come up with. More cuts in store for them?
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Roy Williams- BWAHAHAHAHA
I focus on money my hands touch
If that right there don’t add up
I gotta let you know your math sucks
You don’t ever talk to a calculator
You don’t get caught with an ounce of paper
Every convo is about a favour
They can cut about 44 mill off the books this FA, starting with Terance Newman, Davis, and Gurode.
I focus on money my hands touch
If that right there don’t add up
I gotta let you know your math sucks
You don’t ever talk to a calculator
You don’t get caught with an ounce of paper
Every convo is about a favour
Davis And Williams
have been given their Pink slips already……ANd I think that They are wanting to restructure Newman’s deal….
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 27, 2011 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
And cutting Leonard Davis just doesn’t make a lot of sense. He was their best lineman (he plays his position better than Free does), so even though his pricetag was fairly high (6 mil) you’d think they would have restructured his contract instead of cutting him.
Davis needs to be willing to restructure his contract for that to happen
But Cowboys sure got themselves in a salary cap mess
what?
He was their best lineman (he plays his position better than Free does)
umm Free graded out as a top 5 LT and a top3 RT….Davis grades out closer to the bottom……..
plus dallas is moving to a “smaller”, more agile line, (think zone blocking scheme), and Davis just isn’t either of those anymore…..
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 27, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
I hope that is not true. we need to get a good mean OT an resign Davin
Quote from Shefter's twitter.
Adam Schefter
“Dallas reached agreement on a four-year, $32 million deal that included $17 million in guaranteed money with OT Doug Free.”
Well Fudge...
only I didn’t say fudge.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
No no no...
still some very good RT prospects out there like Jared Gaither or Tyson Clabo
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
There is a strong possibility
The team doesn’t sign for a O-linemen. The may be more interested in DB help with Aquib still in limbo.
That would be terribly unfortunate.
We need help in both areas…
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
We will have to spend this $50 million on somebody...
so I suspect we are not done – but I don’t like the teasing.
by Cracker Ball on Jul 27, 2011 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Free is of the market...
It’s official. At least we know now that upgrading the O-line priority. Free obviously took less $ to stay in Dallas. Oh well, it is what it is; that’s his lose. As long the most overrated QB in the league (Tony Romo) is still under Center they won’t win crap; Philly is the beast in that division. At this point, I’m hoping we can get Colon, Brown, or Clabo.
by ctd1977 on Jul 27, 2011 12:39 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I forgot about...
Gaither. Hopefully he’s fully recovered from back surgery, if that’s even possible. The most dreaded injuries of athletes especially football players are neck, back and knee injuries. These type of injuries are career killers; you’re usually never the same after one of these injuries.
by ctd1977 on Jul 27, 2011 1:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Off Topic
McNabb to Minnesota
Might see him week 2
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
thats what happens
When your a dallas fan and you have a very sorry qb an your team has to cut half of the o-line just to sign one guy. Good job dallas not really. The Bucs will get someone else that will be a stud for us I am sure of this.
Yo Dallas, how's your secondary?
I focus on money my hands touch
If that right there don’t add up
I gotta let you know your math sucks
You don’t ever talk to a calculator
You don’t get caught with an ounce of paper
Every convo is about a favour
as A cowboy fan that joined recently
Though really only to comment on Adrian Clayborn,(who as I pointed out then I wanted Dallas to draft) I sincerely apologize for Lissyyy….
Doug Free obviously took less money to stay in Dallas, so Honestly I doubt that he ever really considered leaving…..
As for this:
your team has to cut half of the o-line just to sign one guy.
we cut Two players…Davis and Colombo, who were our two worst players on the O-line…
And Our secondary is fine thank you…just need a couple of decent safeties……
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 27, 2011 1:33 AM EDT reply actions
OOKKK!!!
So why if your a dallas fan are you here on a Buccaneers blog? Is it that your team is so bad that you want to jump on the bandwagon?
not Bandwagoning
just offering some genuine respect
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 27, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
as A cowboy fan that joined recently
Though really only to comment on Adrian Clayborn,(who as I pointed out then I wanted Dallas to draft) I sincerely apologize for Lissyyy….
yep.....
yeah I really liked AC….in fact you guys got two players I was wanting in Clayborn and Bowers…..I thought for sure Dallas would take him at 40…but we took Carter instead….ohh well….but I am not looking forward to facing ya’ll this year….that D-line is scary……
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 27, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
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