2012 Free Agency: Michael Bennett should be re-signed
by Sander on Feb 14, 2012 4:40 PM EST
in Free Agency
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a number of free agents, but none of them (outside maybe Legarrette Blount) warrant a new contract - except for defensive end Michael Bennett, that is. There wasn't much to enjoy about the 2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the DEs at least provided some light. Adrian Clayborn had a solid first season in the NFL, but it was Michael Bennett who really stood out.
While Bennett has always had the talent, he never produced steadily. He was undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2009, and the Buccaneers picked him up on waivers after the Seahawks cut him. Since then Bennett has steadily increased his role on the team, and he really took off this season. While his numbers aren't spectacular - 4 sacks and 39 combined tackles in 14 games - Bennett's steady play deserves some recognition.
While Bennett was pretty good as a pass rusher and made some wow plays at times (his 7 quarterback hits ranks second on the team), he most stood out in run defense. He notched a whopping (and team-leading) 12 tackles for loss and his 39 tackles were second among the Bucs defensive linemen, despite missing 2 games and being absent for parts of other games with injury.
Michael Bennett has gone from a raw, undrafted player with few accolades to a well-rounded and reliable defensive end. That's why he deserves a new contract, and why it would be terribly stupid of the Bucs to let him walk. While they do have Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers to play defensive end, having another quality player at the position is no luxury. Especially so because Bowers can't be counted on: he showed flashes of good play, but he was also out of his gap or shut out of the play with some frequency.
Of course, the Bucs don't need to offer Michael Bennett a long-term contract right now. He's a restricted free agent, which means the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can offer him a one-year and fairly cheap tender. That's not a smart move for two reasons: other teams could poach Bennett by signing him to a contract, though they would have to give up a first-round pick and the Bucs would get the chance to match that contract.
More importantly, re-signing Bennett would still be relatively cheap at this point. His numbers aren't eye-popping and the Bucs could lock him up for the long term with a reasonable contract. That won't be the case if they tender him and he has a real breakout season. That could certainly happen, as the defensive end has the talent to do very well in this league.
There won't be a lot of re-signings at One Buc Place this offseason, but Michael Bennett's re-signing needs to happen before free agency starts on March 13th.
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They better resign him, he was definetly a bright spot on a very bad defense.
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Feb 14, 2012 4:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Keep him..
as a solid rotation guy, but I want Bowers to hopefully earn that starting spot in Camp..
I Think ...
Bennett should be clayborn primary back up .
And we should sign
M.Williams/C.Campbell with Bowers as the back up .
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 5:29 PM EST reply actions
It would be dumb to have 6 highly paid players on the DL.
Oderint dum metuant
by jBen05 on Feb 14, 2012 5:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Not If ...
You Leading The League In Sacks & Winning
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
QB's can only take so much lol
I love it
Check out my skate video, where I break my face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmfM5XZaFR0&feature=related
by Titankillah on Feb 14, 2012 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Tell that to the giants...
by flash_kiley on Feb 15, 2012 12:47 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
The Giants don't have 6 highly paid players
They have three, and one of them is likely leaving pretty soon because they won’t give him a new contract.
Note that the Bucs have two highly paid players on the defensive line in Clayborn and McCoy
Re-signing Bennett would add a third. Bowers and Price aren’t cheap, either.
Both lines, offensive and defensive, are places you want to invest in...
as “building fom the middle out” makes the rest of the team better. It’s won in the trenches and we have been neglecting the offensive side of the line.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Main Reason Being ...
We Get A Leader In The Rotation , Who Knows How To Get To Th Qb Already .
You Keep Bowers Healthy , With Role Mostly Being A Pass Rusher .
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
If our secondary improves
Our line will LOOK like it has 6 highly paid players. As it is they have to get to the QB in -3 seconds in order to get a sack as opposing receivers are basically open out of the gate.
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
Plus Our Offense Is Behind The Offenses In The Division So You Gotta Find Other Ways To Win ...
If We Can Sack Bree’s , Newton , & Ryan , And Control The Ball Its A Winning Formula For The Division .
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 5:39 PM EST reply actions
Yeah But It Would Be ...
Relentless & Consistent
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
I agree Sander....
IMO assuming we do the right thing and resign Bennett we’re set at DE. However, I think DT is much more of a need as we all saw this past season; we even had to resort to signing Albert Worthless/Hayneworth. McCoy and Price both seem to be a bit “injury prone”. I’d much rather we signed a true run stuffer like Miami Dolphin Free Agent NT Paul Soliai and let Roy Miller back him up. That would allow us to let Price back up McCoy at the 3tech position. I always thought Price was better suited to play 3 tech more so than NT. In that scenario we would keep a premium pass-rushing DT on the field at all times
Price is a better 3 technique, it would just be a waste of talent having him on the bench
Clayborne, Price, McCoy, Bowers are going to be the starters and they should be. They’re all high picks that can excel at the tasks they are given. Anyone brought in will be backing them up. If the DT’s are injured again this year, decisions will need to be made as far as their replacements. Players can have a rough few seasons adjusting to the NFL as far as dings and scrapes. Kellen Winslow had a very rough start and missed a ton of time. Here in tampa with the right routine he hasn’t missed a game in three years.
Gene Deckerhoff is a saint.
I still think Frank Okam will continue to grow into a role.
He is a man beast and at times even plays like it. Right now we have invested so much on the line he hasn’t had a true chance to shine.
Good point
Check out my skate video, where I break my face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmfM5XZaFR0&feature=related
by Titankillah on Feb 14, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Let's be Frank; Frank Okam that is.
A beast for sure. He deserves more playing time along with Roy Miller giving McCoy and Price great backup. Pushing the pocket into the lap of the QB is a good thing. This has to be a breakout year for Frank. With better coaching let’s see it happen.
Frank Okam would be an excellent fit in the 3-4.
He helped out in stopping the run at times but i agree he shouldnt warrant any extra playing time.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
Roy Miller hasn't shown much either...
he has played progressively worse since his rookie season and just gets pushed out of the way now. Time to cut bait and move on. Dontari Poe would be a viable replacement option, but he would have to likely come in the 3rd Round and we have greater needs for that pick.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
i agree.
Miller is a bust. Backup guy only. Easily replaceable.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
i actually liked haye for that one year he did something with us.
he got cut twice this year. but an interesting guy.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
Miller is a backup guy at best.
He shouldnt get anymore playing time than what he already gets.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
I think Miller has had ample time to improve...
and he has steadily regressed instead. Nothing special and if he were gone – no one would really notice. Not a great measure of a player.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
You can try to blame the system...
but he was losing individual battles on the field.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah only two can be on the field at a time, but with 4 above average pass rushers you are able to put fresh bodies towards the quarterback on every down.
I’m not saying it’s a necessity, but it’s a good problem to have if we can get it.
by flash_kiley on Feb 15, 2012 12:50 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
HOU has basically resigned to the fact he won't be back...
and his Julius Peppers sized contract is too rich for us. We need 4 players for that kind of money – not one.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Not meaning to switch sides but....
What do you think about Josh Johnson as back up QB worth it or not with Luck.RG3,Tanerhill and mabe even Peyton out there?
I wouldn't want him
He couldnt make it at denver,chicago or kc I would rather go with mabe late round Russell Wilson if he didnt sign ith the rockies if he dont go earlier
I would gladly take Orton if he were willing to be a backup at a reasonable price.
Veteran backups are usually a far better idea than getting a late round player in the draft, because if your starter gets hurt it provides you with insurance so your season doesn’t go down the drain. Throwing a late round rookie into the fire is a pretty likely way to say that the rest of the season doesn’t matter.
I would look for Orton or maybe Jason Campbell if he’s willing to play backup. I think both would be solid relief options were anything to happen to Freeman. Both have had struggles in their careers, but both have also had some good success too. Orton for one has made a career of accuracy and good decision making, and that’s something I would want from a player backing up and mentoring Freeman.
God no
He is all used up, for that matter why not call up Favre. Some people need to stay retired because its for a reason. lol
He wouldnt be good
as a water boy, hes done. Remember when we played the Vikings he was the starter, Made OUR defense look good! LOL
Kyle Orton
His worst games are when he is looking down the barrel or under pressure nobody thru more picks or took more sacks then Orton and he does not have the footwork of Josh Johnson. He can at least run for 6.1 yard per carry with a 60.9% average passinf while Orton with 58.7% with Broncos and 8picks and 60.8 with 2 picks with KC I would resign Johnson
Johnson won't WANT to return.
Know why? Cause he wants to have the opportunity to start somewhere. He won’t get that here in Tampa. So the idea of resigning him is purely academic at this point.
Orton is a reliable veteran who may not be a great player or a flashy signing, but would be a good veteran presence on the team who could step in if anything happened to Freeman, and it wouldn’t automatically mean the end of our season.
Johnson is a real athlete, but he’s not a good QB.
Definitely wasn't saying get Mario.
Sorry to get that confused. Was saying resign Bennett and sign someone like Calais Campbell or someone else who can rush the passer. I don’t want Mario, his salary could be used to get two or three starters in other positions.
by flash_kiley on Feb 15, 2012 12:19 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Calais Campbell will also be fairly expensive.
Not Mario Williams expensive, but still more than we would probably be willing to invest in a defensive line that already has 4 top picks on it.
If we tender him and another team signs him
do we get their 1st round pick, or do they just lose it?
We would receive that pick.
Draft picks don’t evaporate unless it is a punishment by the league (2007 Patriots).
Gene Deckerhoff is a saint.
If thats the case
I would tender him. He is a good player, and a solid backup but if we can get that much value for him then yes that would be the best idea even though that is very unlikely.
Oh absolutely would take it- I'm not sure he'd go for much higher than a 5th round tender though.
Gene Deckerhoff is a saint.
Ask Yourself These Two Questions ...
Can Our Offense Score With Other Offenses Let Along Our Division Offenses ?
Ok Then Ask How Do You Beat Those Offenses ?
by RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 on Feb 14, 2012 6:14 PM EST reply actions
Instead of debating strategy we should look at reality-
Tampa won’t sign a big name defensive end, or defensive lineman for that matter, because they have two first round picks and two second round picks invested in sect of the defense.
If they sign a bigger name free agent it would be wise to put talent elsewhere on the field. Having 4 hall of fame DE’s with a shoddy secondary leaves 2 great elite players on the bench. Not to mention it wins fewer games than having 4 great starters constantly on the field.
Gene Deckerhoff is a saint.
Heck, we dont need an offense.
We can load up just on defense and let them play offense too…. We need help on both units!!!
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Feb 14, 2012 8:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We should so resign bennett
by Carlitin1988 on Feb 14, 2012 6:15 PM EST via Android app reply actions
RFA is different this year from years past
Used to be the highest tender for a RFA would require a team to give up a 1st and 3rd round draft choice to take the guy away. This year, the highest tender is a 1st round pick only. Now, the interesting thing is do we tender both Bennett and Blount with 1st round pick tenders? If so, it is possible another team takes that player. If some team were to nab Blount and give up their 1st round pick, we could then pick Richardson at 5 and still get a LB or CB with the pick for the RFA. If we keep Blount, but Bennett is taken, we can get Claiborne at 5 and still get a LB later in rnd 1 with the extra pick. The LB would be much more valuable to the team than a backup DE. Yeah, I’d love to have the depth at DE to rotate guys that all are capable, but I’d rather have a LB that can fill gaps and tackle.
They wouldn't, placing a tender is very close to ensuring the players return.
Gene Deckerhoff is a saint.
It's much more likely with RFAs this year
than in years past when it took two draft picks in many cases. Not saying that Blount or Bennett would go anywhere, just that by placing the tender offer we’re guaranteed either the player or the pick. More likely players to be snatched away from their teams would be guys like Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh. The problem with this system is that teams that did well last year (pick near the bottom of the round) are in a much better position to pull these players away from their team. The Bucs won’t, no way they’d give up the 5th overall pick. But the Ravens might think about giving up the 29th overall pick. Especially if it would hurt a division rival.
talked to a friend tonight
And said I would give up our first round pick in a heart beat for mike wallace. Dude is the fastest wide receiver in the game and is only 25 years old. We would have a legit number one that Williams would be the perfect compliment too. The fifth overall pick is high but if you think about it he is a top 5 WR in the NFL and any team would be happy to have him as their fifth pick in the draft.
by NutterBuccer_99 on Feb 14, 2012 9:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
new york giants
You all do realize the giants just won a super bowl with three pro bowl caliber DE on their rosters and another DE turned linebacker as well. You can never have too many pass rushers especially when some can play multiple positions.
by NutterBuccer_99 on Feb 14, 2012 9:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions
"DE turned linebacher' sounds interesting!!
With Bennet’s quickness what are the chances of him being turned into a linebacker? I’d like to see the blitz packages such a move would make.
Millard thinks he can
When joebucsfan interviewed Keith Millard a while back our old d line coach, he was asked about switching to a 3-4. Obviously we are not doing that but he did say he believes that Bennet would make a great outside backer in a 3-4. Bennet is a gifted athlete who is coming around as a player, this year could be a break out year for him if he stays healthy. Plenty of snaps to go around for him, Clayborn, and Bowers. Every team shuld have three De and three Dt who are capable of starting, called good depth. Something every great d line has.
by NutterBuccer_99 on Feb 14, 2012 9:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Just thinking both Bennet and George Johnson can be LB/DE's too.
They’d make for a great rotation and with Watson and Mason rotating the D would always be fresh. We just need to find that MLB like Keuchly, but the CB needs suggest we’ll go for Claiborne instead. Then it’s ’let’s hope’ for an MLB in FA.
If I'm not mistaken Blackburn is #93, so yeah Dline history = MLB
He’s got beef for up the middle and decent coverage. If Bennett could do this, it’d be a huge gain.
Check out my skate video, where I break my face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmfM5XZaFR0&feature=related
by Titankillah on Feb 14, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Michael Bennett at the very least is solid depth
but could push Bowers to start. I think it’s a no brainer that we resign Bennett for roughly 3-4 years 14-18 million with about a third of that guaranteed. I love the idea of Blount playing this year on a contract year but will be heated if he leaves for nothing but a conditional draft pick.
Good luck Rah. Bring us Mo Claiborne and replace Geno, Quincy, and Sean Jones!
Good read
Thansk for that. I like Bennet I think he can develope well here. Especially since he now has coaches that will really guide him further along. He should be a sleeper next year and a force for many more to come. Great assessment on the guy.
i like Bennett. Hard worker, good solid guy for depth which is needed. It would be dumb for the Bucs to let him walk.
But then again the Bucs did let Caddy walk so…….i dont know.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
Caddy
I wans’t broken hearted over, we could have held on one more year but wasnt sad to see him go.
I think we could have used him last season...
and he didn’t even sign for that much. We reward Clayton and cut loose Cadillac. Sometimes, we don’t make no sense…
by Cracker Ball on Feb 15, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Sometimes though
Its time to let go, Let em give you an example. This year could be the last year Barber plays, but IF we get 3 quality starting capable corners. Thanks for the great career barber but its time. With Caddy he did recover and played in a capacity here that helped to catch out of the backfield but the value wasnt worth the signing and I agree with that. Now if he agreed to a short term 1-2 years with little cap space used up then yes. But what he was asking from us wasnt worth it and he was gone, and I submit this to you. What did he do where he went? The thing is RB’s have low shelf lifes and Caddy, especially afer injury, expired in Tampa and maybe elsewhere.
With caddy its different because he wasnt as old as barber and he was effective in his role.
He could have gotten at least a 1-2 year deal for cheap. it wasnt that we lost him to someone else because he wanted more money, but it was just that the bucs were stubborn with this youth movement and got rid of him
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
I agree sometimes you have to let go. If Barber wanted to come back i say yes because we need CB's but majority of the time we have to let go as long as we have a good transition.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
let him come back
If he cant make it what better DB coach could you want… how many years did he play for Kiffin.
maybe a good point
Way too many Tampa 2s out there.
i was and our offense suffered because of it.
and he signed to the rams for dirt cheap. but they instead wanted to gamble on kregg lumpkin as the 3rd down back
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
No, they gambled on Ernest Graham as the 3rd down back
and they were winning that battle until he went down.
From my understanding Graham was to be the FB
Lumpkin was to be the 3rd down back but was so terrible that Graham took the spot and then went down and forced Lumpkin to be a Lumpkin.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
I could be wrong and if so I stand corrected.
Thats what I thought the situation was in the beginning of the offseason in 2011.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
I did a little research.
This was again before the season started.
http://www.pewterreport.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7206:&Itemid=15
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
That's about how I remember it, I think
Doesn’t matter, pretty irrelevant debate. Neither Lumpkin nor Graham will be here next year imo. Definitely not Lumpkin, and 90% not Graham.
If they could bring Caddy back to provide some leadership
I don’t see a reason not to. He knows his role is going to be reduced regardless, and this way if we do find a 3rd down back in the draft we don’t have to throw him in there unless he’s ready. Caddy would also provide good injury insurance, provided he were willing to come in at the right price (similar to the dirt cheap contract he signed with St. Louis last year).
Agree
with the Blumpkin pic as that was a Blumpkin in and of itself, but letting Caddy go it simply was time.
My notion is if you going to let someone go at least have a person that you are sure of to replace him
The Bucs have done that way too many times.
ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!
I wish we had something like the nascar package
by Carlitin1988 on Feb 15, 2012 1:55 PM EST via Android app reply actions
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