I realize the team is 44 million dollars under the cap, and it needs to spend 28 million just to get above the cap floor. But, patience grasshopper. I have full confidence that the front office and Bruce Allen are conducting business in a responsible manner. Buccaneer message boards are all on fire because the Bucs failed to sign every high profile free agent this season in the first 24 hours of free agency. Message boards are a virtual shouting match, made up of mostly teenagers and 20-somethings who exchange insults and play video games believing their outcome will somehow result in reality in the real world.
So, right out of the gate for the 08 free agency period, the Bucs sign Jeff Faine. I thought was a great addition. This addition helps to solidify the OL, something which has been a problem in Tampa for a long time. And we all understand, it all starts up front. The Bucs follow that signing up with adding John Gilmore, a large blocking tightend from Chicago, and the the online groans start. The chorus online of "where's the playmakers?" "where's asante samuel? lance briggs? randy moss?"
I assume that reasonable fans will have seen the progress which has been made with this team in regards to the salary cap, and at the same time understand that simply because the team is well under the salary cap, does not mean that the front office needs to be spending money like drunken sailors.
I read a few posts online today regarding the signing of Jimmy Wilkerson, a defensive end. Due to the fact that most everyone has never heard of him, many posting online sounded as if individuals wanted to get in their car, park it atop the Skyway Bridge and jump, next season is lost, Bruce Allen has no idea what he's doing. These comments are from the same folks which thought all would be lost if Monte Kiffin did not resign his contract in January. If everyone thought all was lost if Monte moved on, while he resigned, I'm certain he had input into the signing of Wilkerson. So, stop the car, get off the Bayway or 275, return home. Things will be just fine.
I have alot of faith, albeit blind, in the front office to make the correct decisions. The video game players and message board posters need to go back to their games, and leave reality to those who are in charge, trusting their judgment. Myself, I'm disappointed that we didn't land Henderson or Stallworth, but there is a reason for that. There might be something big right around the corner.
