The champion team run a good hiring plan in the ‘free agency’ of their own staff
TAMPA, Fla. – Now that the confetti has settled after the victory of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Super Bowl LV, work begins to try to repeat in 2021 already with more clarity on the financial status of the league for the new year.
The NFL announced Thursday that the minimum wage cap will be 180 million in 2021, up from 175 in 2020. The wage cap is not over yet, but as a reference, it was set at 198.2 million in 2020, and with new television deals in the future, NFL owners seem more inclined to borrow from future years rather than risk a major drop in the limit, which would significantly affect free agency.
With approximately $ 30 million in salary cap space, the Ships’ highest priority is to sign theirs, even when other outside free agents express their desire to play with the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Tom Brady. It will not be financially feasible to bring them all back, or give them all what they want. They will have to restructure some current deals, probably borrow from future years, and rely on Brady’s ability to convince his teammates to make sacrifices for the common good. They will be able to retain several of their important players.
Here’s a look at their top free agents and an idea of where they’ll end up.
pillars
Lavonte David, supporter
Considered the ‘heart and soul’ of the Bucs ’wardrobe, many in the organization feel that David, a second-round selection of the Bucs in 2012, should never wear another uniform. Coach Bruce Arians noted before the Super Bowl that David “would go nowhere.” His teammate Devin White also pointed out that he would not play without, and together they have formed possibly the best tandem of internal supporters in the league.
David was second on the team in tackle (117) and tackle in loss (14) behind White. Even after nine seasons, at 31, David plays at a high level. He earned $ 10,750,000 last season. That number went up, but … when?
Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks is the highest paid domestic supporter in the league, averaging $ 18 million a year, and is 30, but his contract is delayed. Wagner’s maximum number was $ 14.75 million last year, but by 2022 it jumps to $ 20,350,000.
The Ships don’t usually structure contacts that way, but Wagner’s treatment is a clear example of how to borrow from the future to capitalize on a small window. If the Bucs did that, it would be to capitalize on the second year of Brady’s two-year contract.
Shaquil Barrett, supporter
Barrett said to ESPN he planned to return in 2021. But he is also looking for a big payout after playing under the franchise label in 2020 after his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Bucs failed to reach a long-term deal. He wants long-term stability for his family.
Barrett, who had an outstanding season in 2019 with 19.5 catches, was third on the team in 2020 in catches (8) and tackles for loss (12.5). If the Bucs franchise labeled it two years in a row, they would owe him 120% of what they paid him in 2020, nearly $ 19 million in 2021, which is roughly what is projected at its market value.
Chris Godwin, open receiver
It would be hard to imagine a scenario in which the Ships allow Godwin to leave. Selected in the third draft round of 2017, he enjoyed a great year in the Pro Bowl in 2019, finishing with 1,333 yards in reception, the third-highest amount in the league, despite losing two games. This season, 24-year-old Godwin totaled 840 yards-seven touchdowns in 12 games.
Some have asked how the Ships will be able to pay both Evans and Godwin. But Evans expressed his willingness to accept salary cuts and restructure to keep the band together. He has already restructured his contract several times.
“We know he’s ready, but I hope we do everything in our power to keep him going,” Evans said of Godwin after the Super Bowl. “He’s an amazing player and teammate. If we don’t have Chris Godwin, it’s going to be so hard for me and the team.”
Arians said on Thursday about Godwin: “He loves being here. It’s hard to go and go to another system just for money. But he’s not bad at paying two No. 1 receivers – that’s for sure – when they’re as good as the our two numbers 1 “.
Godwin may get a franchise tag. The cost of labeling it would be about 16,500,000, while its market value is estimated at about $ 17 million a year. Evans ’cap is $ 16.6 million in 2021. A long-term deal could structure Godwin to be more friendly with the cap.
in doubt
Rob Gronkowski, wing closed
Former Gronkowski teammate and ESPN analyst Rob Ninkovich predicted that Gronkowski will not play in Tampa next season, which would be a surprise based on everything that happened over the past year. Gronkowski left his retirement specifically to join Brady, one of his best friends. He found a coach at Arians that allows him to be himself, something he didn’t have in New England, and he said he appreciates it. He also spent the entire season and postseason without losing a game and has given credit to Arians for helping him stay healthy by giving him “veteran rest days,” something he hadn’t had before.
Gronkowski is also now very close to his mother, Diane Walters, who lives in Fort Myers. Money and praise are not necessarily the driving force behind Gronkowski, who retired with $ 54 million before the Bucs changed their rights and earned $ 10 million with the Bucs last season, and has dozens of support deals. . At this stage of your life, it is about balance, personal fulfillment, enjoyment, your family and your long-term health. For these reasons, it’s hard to imagine playing anywhere other than Tampa Bay. However, they have already exercised the fifth-year option on OJ Howard for 2021, and owe Cam Brate 6.5 million in 2021, although he has agreed to accept a pay cut sooner. Concessions will have to be made here.
Antonio Brown, open receiver
The Bucs gave Brown a great chance by bringing in his organization and it was worth it, giving a big boost to his offense in a year when his wide body of receivers was plagued with injuries. He even led the Bucs with 49 goals in the last seven weeks of the regular season.
Despite losing the second half of the playoff game against the New Orleans Saints and the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury, Brown’s two innings tied for fourth place in the league. postseason. His versatility in the game of short, intermediate and deep passes provided another dimension to the offense.
Brown said right after the Super Bowl how grateful he was for Tampa Bay to embrace him and for a return in the year that would “mean everything.” He spent the season with Brady, a mentor. He was given a stern warning that if 1 voice was wrong, he would leave. But he committed to the concept of first team, stayed very focused on practices and avoided being a distraction.
Will it continue to go in the right direction without the structure of a season? The trial for his civil lawsuit for sexual assault has been moved to December 2021, which could affect his availability if the Bucs bring him back next season. These are two questions that will need to be answered, but Brady will advocate for his return. Another one-year deal laden with incentives could work like the one he had last year.
Ndamukong Suh, another defense
The 11-year veteran continued to play at a high level in 2020, accounting for 7.5 catches mostly in Vita Vegi’s absence while earning 8 million. Given that he earned $ 9,250,000 in 2019, he has shown he is willing to accept less, and considering Vegi’s injury history, they will need someone with high durability there. The Bucs would love to have Suh back, 34, if they can get it at the right price.
They may not return
Leonard Fournette, runner
Fournette has said on numerous occasions that playing as a substitute was a big challenge for him. He eventually took on this role before Ronald Jones, who led the team with 192 carries against 97 by Fournette, suffered a finger injury and was placed on the reserve list / COVID-19. Fournette took over, leading the NFL with 448 yards of scrimmage — four touchdowns in the postseason. But the only way Fournette stays is with a change in the runner hierarchy, and that doesn’t seem likely. He played with a one-year contract worth two million.