The Day Tampa Bay Stood Still
Wednesday February 25, 2009. A lot of people are making quite a fuss about what happened at One Buc on that day. About how four veterans were shown the door. Including one gentleman who no one, anywhere, in the whole wide world thought would ever have to be shown the way out.
Derrick Brooks; along with Warrick Dunn, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Cato June were all dismissed by the Morris Administration. Galloway I get; he’s the best player on the field, until he’s not. Then he’s the biggest liability. Ike Hilliard is a solid possession guy, but he must have some huge cap number coming up that isn’t in line with his duties and responsibilities. On the other hand; Michael Clayton still wears the red and pewter. Warrick Dunn proved to be useful during the Great Running Back Death March of 2008, but again it must be a salary cap move. Cato June? I forgot he was even still on the team to be honest.
But Derrick Brooks? Really? He didn’t have enough in him as a leader and mentor to keep around until his contract ran out? Next Year! On the other hand, the New Boss had to do this now. While the NFL’s personnel calendar said so, it was also neccessary to make a move like this while the post-Gruden good-feelings were still in full flame.
I don’t agree with letting Brooks go at this juncture. If he had say 3 years left on his deal, sure it makes good business sense. But with just one year left, and already $55 million under the cap with him on the roster, this doesn’t sit well with me.
If the defense turns out to be better, then come next February I’ll gladly take my lumps. But I don’t have much confidence that will be the case.
