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You Be The Bucs' GM: Pick The Linebackers
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Published: February 20, 2009
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Linebackers
Regardless of contract status, impact on the salary cap or position on the depth chart, who do you want to see on the Bucs next season?
Keep or Cut: Quincy Black
Keep or Cut: Derrick Brooks
Keep or Cut: Geno Hayes
Keep or Cut: Adam Hayward
Keep or Cut: Jamall Johnson
Keep or Cut: Cato June
Keep or Cut: Barrett Ruud
Keep or Cut: Rod Wilson
Keep or Cut: Matt McCoy
OK, Bucs fans. You be the general manager.
The NFL free agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. on Feb.27. For seven straight days, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com will feature one position each day. We'll provide an analysis and list the players to consider: Tampa Bay Buccaneers under contract for 2009, and Bucs and notable NFL players scheduled to become free agents.
The Bucs are roughly $40 million under the projected $123 million salary cap, so they have money to spend.
What would you do?
LINEBACKERS
Tampa Bay's three leading tacklers in 2008 were starting linebackers, but Barrett Ruud, Derrick Brooks and Cato June each struggled down the stretch as the Bucs were shredded on the ground during their stunning December collapse.
Ruud is an established force in the middle and new defensive coordinator Jim Bates can't wait to work with an emerging star who won't turn 26 until May. Brooks was effective on the weak side until late-season injuries hampered the future Hall of Famer. He led the Bucs with seven tackles for losses, but 14 NFL seasons have taken their toll. June is playing out of position on the strong side and hasn't been an impact defender since signing as a free agent from Indianapolis two years ago.
Quincy Black registered a team-high 24 tackles on special teams, but the former third-round pick is still itching for his first pro start. Geno Hayes made his mark as a rookie with a blocked punt and return for a touchdown against the Panthers in October before the former Seminole standout suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The Bucs would like to gauge June's effectiveness on the weak side before his contract expires after the 2009 season and there are several potential free agent linebackers that would be attractive to the Bucs.
Bucs Under Contract For 2009
Quincy Black: Special teams standout anxious to start.
Derrick Brooks: Perennial Pro Bowler broke down in December.
Geno Hayes: Turned in some good rookie moments.
Adam Hayward: Bucs like his upside.
Jamall Johnson: Former CFL player was signed in January.
Cato June: Tired of playing out of position.
Barrett Ruud: Emerging leader is on the brink of Pro Bowl status.
Rod Wilson: Youngster has potential in the middle.
Bucs Potential Free Agents
Matt McCoy: Played in five games last season.
NFL Potential Free Agents
LeRoy Hill, Seahawks: Experienced and only 26, he posted 81 stops in 2008.
Michael Boley, Falcons: Made 90 tackles last year and has been an effective blitzer.
Channing Crowder, Dolphins: This speedy former Gator is only 25 and could flourish in Buc scheme.
Angelo Crowell, Bills: Coming off knee surgery, but productive when healthy.
Zach Thomas, Cowboys: Can still play at 35 and has history with Bates in Miami.
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'You Be The GM' Categories
Tuesday: Quarterback
Wednesday: Defensive line
Thursday: Offensive line
Friday: Linebackers
Saturday: Running backs
Sunday: Defensive backs
Monday: Receivers/Tight ends
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