Derrick Ward (1 Viewer)

[Weiner Dog]

link:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/02/...igns-with-bucs/

 

[Fighting Noles]

4 Year 17 Million Deal....

 

[Deranged Hermit]

link:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/02/...igns-with-bucs/

How many RB's do they need?

 

[flranger]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

 

[DenverBroncos]

Another dreaded RBBC hurting all fantasy values.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Yeah, from one RBBC to another.

 

[duece2626]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Ward owner?

 

[Fighting Noles]

With Dunn gone & Caddy hurting, Ward only has Graham to contend with. Nice spot to land in for fantasy IMO....

 

[fruity pebbles]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

 

[flranger]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Ward owner?

Geesh, is there ever a positive comment on this stinking board. Thanks for your contributions.Considering he had 1409 combo yards last year with 41 catches behind Brandon Jacobs (mind you, 2 TDS but the Bucs have no Jacobs to steal all the goal line love) how does the above numbers seem out of reach for you?Am I out of line here? I guess your upset because Deuce got flushed.

 

[The Man With No Name]

 

[Football Jones]

I like it a lot. This could be an outstanding offense (even with McCown at QB) & Ward is totally underrated. The pieces are definitely in place. With a good QB, the Bucs have the potential to be the best young offense in the NFL (comparable to Denver, maybe better).

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

 

[Fighting Noles]

This is a new regime (post Gruden) & even the old one only "rewarded" Graham with a 4 year, 10 million deal (that mainly has only roster bonuses - NO GUARANTEED money) after a pretty productive 2007 season. They then went out and added Dunn. I don't think it's unrealistic to think Ward could succeed here for a few years IF (& that's a decent size if) he can stay healthy (although Graham is coming off an IR year)....

 

[flranger]

Ward will pound it out behind the Bucs line.

5.1 career avg per carry. 5'11", 233lbs. What does that make his BMI? That is probably the real question.

What's not to like?

5'10", 237lbs, 4.9 career avg per carry. Anyone remember this free agent from last year that went to a terrible team? I think he turned out ok.

 

[Onions]

I am in no way comparing Ward to Michael Turner, but...

Last year, when Turner signed with the Falcons, a majority of people on this board thought it was going to be a huge negative for Turner's fantasy value.

We all saw how that played out.

Yes, Ward has to contend with E. Graham for playing time, but perhaps he'll be the primary RB.

 

[Birdie048]

Last reports I read was that Caddy would be 100% after the start of the season. Going into Week 1 with Graham as RB1 and little to no depth (Clifton Smith?), they needed a RB to add to the roster. Graham was a nice surprise early, but he is 29 yr old as an undrafted player. He does not have the heavy wear & tear like most RB's (only 400 carries in 5 seasons at TB).

TB needed RB help. I see RBBC growing again in RB. Graham could be the Short Yardage / Goal Line RB with Ward getting 65% of the touches. If Ward does not "excel", I think you will see more Caddy mid-season.

I would not be surprised to see them draft a RB late Day 1.

I see that this signing hurts them all (Graham, Caddy & Ward).

 

[SPM]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

Everything offends you.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

This is a great signing for the Bucs, and with the addition of Winslow gives them a really potent offense (potentially). The best thing Gruden/Allen left behind is that offensive line...now they have some real weapons around it.

Excited to see the offense...the defense worries me though.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

Keep looking, offense is easily found if you try.

 

[cstu]

Last reports I read was that Caddy would be 100% after the start of the season. Going into Week 1 with Graham as RB1 and little to no depth (Clifton Smith?), they needed a RB to add to the roster. Graham was a nice surprise early, but he is 29 yr old as an undrafted player. He does not have the heavy wear & tear like most RB's (only 400 carries in 5 seasons at TB).

TB needed RB help. I see RBBC growing again in RB. Graham could be the Short Yardage / Goal Line RB with Ward getting 65% of the touches. If Ward does not "excel", I think you will see more Caddy mid-season.

I would not be surprised to see them draft a RB late Day 1.

I see that this signing hurts them all (Graham, Caddy & Ward).

Common sense says that Caddy is getting cut.

 

[Chachi]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

Why so much drama?

 

[chook]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Grow a pair dude.

 

[Couch Potato]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

Keep looking, offense is easily found if you try.

I looked all year in Cincinnati and Cleveland and didn't find any.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

The thing that gets me is the age for both TB RBs. Why sign a RB that will be 29 this summer when you already have a guy the same age? I would think that the Bucs will draft a scat back. If not, it might show some faith in Clifton Smith. This looks like a RBBC to me, and a productive one for a year or two.

Also, I am anxious to see how the contract is broken down and how much is due in years three and four.

 

[Birdie048]

Common sense says that Caddy is getting cut.

It's possible, but why are they talking about him if that's the thought???I think he will be back early... maybe it's just wishful thinking... I do own Caddy & Graham!

But not Ward.

http://www.nflplayers.com/user/content.asp...43&pid=2947

Cadillac Williams Still Driven

Cadillac Williams has been down this road before. The good news is he knows the way back.

Williams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2005 first-round draft pick, suffered his second torn patellar tendon in as many seasons in the fourth quarter of the Bucs’ 31-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 28.

The first time around, he served as an inspiration to his team by battling back from what is often a career-ending injury to his right knee. This time, it’s the left knee that is damaged, but Williams plans to follow the same route he did in his first recovery.

Williams, 26, injured his left knee on a 28-yard run into Oakland territory. The play was eerily similar to the one Williams broke off in Week 4 of the 2007 season when he tore his right patellar tendon at Carolina.

Torn patellar tendons are considered devastating knee injuries. Williams was placed on injured reserve in Week 5 of the 2007 season and faced a long road to recovery. Some thought he’d miss the entire 2008 season, but he proved those doubters wrong.

He started training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, but there was a buzz about him and the progress he was making in recovering from knee surgery. The team had seen how hard Williams had worked in rehab throughout the offseason, training camp, preseason and during half of the regular season. On Nov. 23, it was time for Williams to show the rest of the NFL that he was back.

Williams made his return against the Detroit Lions and slowly worked his way back into action in then-head coach Jon Gruden’s offense, which saw Williams rush for more than 1,000 yards and win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2005.

The 5-foot-11, 217-pound Williams wanted to put an exclamation point on his impressive comeback, and he did just that in the regular season finale against the Raiders. Williams turned in the best game of his season, rushing 12 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He added a career-high five catches for 37 yards, including a career-long 25-yarder.

But Williams’ fairytale ending to the 2008 campaign turned into a nightmare when he suffered the second knee injury. That injury deflated Tampa Bay’s sideline and the fans at Raymond James Stadium. After the game, Gruden and his players acknowledged that seeing Williams go down in such horrific fashion played a role in the 10-point lead the Bucs gave up to the Raiders in the fourth quarter.

“It’s probably the most sickening feeling I’ve ever had as a head coach,” Gruden said after the game. “If you just knew what he did to get to where he was in the game, scoring two touchdowns and playing his best football since his rookie season, and to have it come down to this, it’s certainly scary. It’s both knees now and it’s going to be a long road back for him.”



But there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Williams, who learned one day after Tampa Bay’s season ended that his left knee injury wasn’t as severe as the right knee ailment he suffered one year earlier.

“It’s torn, but it’s not the severity of the last one,” Williams said. “It’s more of an off-the-bone tear, so this process should be much easier.

“If it is the way it was explained to me, it’s like the Mark Jones tear. After six or eight weeks he was rolling. I’m just hoping for the best.”

Jones, who was a punt returner for the Buccaneers in 2007, sustained a torn patellar tendon in Detroit on Oct. 21, 2007. However, Jones was able to return to action at the start of the 2008 season after signing with the Carolina Panthers.

Williams has undergone surgery and is on an all-too familiar road to recovery again. He’s determined to return to action, and with a little luck, he hopes to be ready to participate in Tampa Bay’s 2009 training camp, which will begin in July.

“We’ll see. That’s definitely what I’m hoping for—to get into training camp and compete and see what happens,” Williams said. “It’s tough. I was getting a few carries here and I was starting to feel like my old self in my right knee, which is now my good knee. It was feeling good. It was just a freak accident. Right now I have no luck. I’ve got a lot of bad luck.”

- Jim Flynn, Red Line Editorial

 

[saintfool]

TB needed RB help. I see RBBC growing again in RB. Graham could be the Short Yardage / Goal Line RB with Ward getting 65% of the touches. If Ward does not "excel", I think you will see more Caddy mid-season.

more and more teams are RBBC. graham and ward provide a nice 1-2 punch. ward will see plenty of touches because of his pass catching ability.

 

[Buckna]

Eh... things just got even murkier in TB. Color me as one who doesn't think Ward is all that much of an upgrade over what they've already got (and the dollar size of the contract doesn't show much confidence either.) If one of Ward or Graham can get the lions share of the carries then there is some value, but this is looking like a fantasy situation to avoid with Dunn & Caddy also still in the mix.

 

[Fighting Noles]

The thing that gets me is the age for both TB RBs. Why sign a RB that will be 29 this summer when you already have a guy the same age? I would think that the Bucs will draft a scat back. If not, it might show some faith in Clifton Smith. This looks like a RBBC to me, and a productive one for a year or two. Also, I am anxious to see how hte contract is broken down and how much is due in years three and four.

Jeff - Per Schefter on NFL.Com, it looks like 6 Million Guaranteed Year 1, 9.25 over two years & 13 million over 3 years....Just the basic details for right now.

 

[Bri]

this isn't an easy place to walk on eggshells, please keep that in mind

 

[chook]

The thing that gets me is the age for both TB RBs. Why sign a RB that will be 29 this summer when you already have a guy the same age? I would think that the Bucs will draft a scat back. If not, it might show some faith in Clifton Smith. This looks like a RBBC to me, and a productive one for a year or two. Also, I am anxious to see how hte contract is broken down and how much is due in years three and four.

Yet another sign that the Bucs' window to win is now... all they need is a competent QB. That Cutler deal would have made them major contenders in the NFC with Ward & Winslow also on board.Not sure if there's any way they can still land the disgruntled Bronco, but something tells me McCown won't be under center for Tampa come week 1 regardless.

 

[Fighting Noles]

Eh... things just got even murkier in TB. Color me as one who doesn't think Ward is all that much of an upgrade over what they've already got (and the dollar size of the contract doesn't show much confidence either.) If one of Ward or Graham can get the lions share of the carries then there is some value, but this is looking like a fantasy situation to avoid with Dunn & Caddy also still in the mix.

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

The thing that gets me is the age for both TB RBs. Why sign a RB that will be 29 this summer when you already have a guy the same age? I would think that the Bucs will draft a scat back. If not, it might show some faith in Clifton Smith. This looks like a RBBC to me, and a productive one for a year or two. Also, I am anxious to see how hte contract is broken down and how much is due in years three and four.

Jeff - Per Schefter on NFL.Com, it looks like 6 Million Guaranteed Year 1, 9.25 over two years & 13 million over 3 years....Just the basic details for right now.

Thanks. The low amount of guaranteed money is encouraging for Buc fans, same for the $9.25M over the first two years. He will turn 31 before entering year three, which is worrisome for that salary. I really liked what I saw from DWard the last couple of years, but he still has struggled with injuries. imo, it will be difficult for Ward to hold up under a few 250-touch seasons.

 

[Bri]

The thing that gets me is the age for both TB RBs. Why sign a RB that will be 29 this summer when you already have a guy the same age? I would think that the Bucs will draft a scat back. If not, it might show some faith in Clifton Smith. This looks like a RBBC to me, and a productive one for a year or two. Also, I am anxious to see how the contract is broken down and how much is due in years three and four.

IMO Ward is the perfect complimentary back in today's NFL. He's big but can do the third down role thing or the feature back thing and even the GL thing if need be(although this is more a hunch).Jacobs got plenty of carries with Ward also getting his share. They could still get a scat back like Ahmad Bradshaw or since Graham can play FB, they can use him there at times too. Ward's versatility is really worth noting here IMO.

 

[Bri]

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

caddy needs to go meet Earl Campbell before he decides to play again

 

[Romulan]

Good for the Bucs! Very nice moves (besides M Clayton imo) Now get Warner for 2 years and we got ourselves a great team!

 

[Buckna]

Eh... things just got even murkier in TB. Color me as one who doesn't think Ward is all that much of an upgrade over what they've already got (and the dollar size of the contract doesn't show much confidence either.) If one of Ward or Graham can get the lions share of the carries then there is some value, but this is looking like a fantasy situation to avoid with Dunn & Caddy also still in the mix.

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

Sorry I missed a cut that occurred 5 days ago. Still doesn't change that you have two old guys with cheap contracts and similar skills competing for carries. Ward was so highly thought of last year that no one signed him as a FA and he had to go back to the Giants for less than his original offer when he opted out to be a FA. This signing sounds like a band-aid, not a newly annoited starter or a player with any job security.

 

[Raider Nation]

Fantasy-wise, let somebody else draft Ward too early. Draft Graham late and hope Ward suffers from the increased workload.

From an NFL standpoint, I like the signing a lot.

 

[KoolKat]

As a Ward owner...thank god it's not the Bengals.

 

[The Man With No Name]

It's possible, but why are they talking about him if that's the thought???

I think he will be back early... maybe it's just wishful thinking... I do own Caddy & Graham!

But not Ward.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Same here, in 2 leagues. This is the final year of Caddy's contract, so if he ends the season healthy he may be playing elsewhere until retirement.

 

[bucsbaby]

Good signing imo. Looks like the Bucs are putting things together one piece at a time. I like it. First, get rid of the over-the-hill vets. Then bring in some playmakers on offense that were sorely lacking last year. Now we just need a QB and DT as our biggest needs. Maybe a few other pieces on defense. Liking things so far...

 

[waybackwhen]

Don't underestimate this signing FFL guys, the Bucs have a very good YOUNG offensive line. I would say this is similar to the situation that Chester Taylor came into MN prior to AP's arrival. It would not surprise me at all to see 1400 combined with 40 catches and maybe 8TDs.

Did Graham die?

Not funny but even moreso considering the news today in the Gulf.

Didnt even think of that but if you're that easily offended so be it.

Good one. Question whether I should or shouldn't be offended and deflect the attention off your lack of class. This response says more about you than the first response, IMO. Have a nice season.

Keep looking, offense is easily found if you try.

Yikes, me thinks Ramblin is tryin a little too hard to be righteous.

 

[bentley]

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

caddy needs to go meet Earl Campbell before he decides to play again

What in the world does Earl Campbell have to do with two knee injuries? Maybe he should talk to Terry Allen instead.

 

[Couch Potato]

Good signing imo. Looks like the Bucs are putting things together one piece at a time. I like it. First, get rid of the over-the-hill vets. Then bring in some playmakers on offense that were sorely lacking last year. Now we just need a QB and DT as our biggest needs. Maybe a few other pieces on defense. Liking things so far...

I guess I'm holding out more hope for Luke McCown than most. To me he looked pretty good in his limited chances in 2007. I think he can get the ball to Winslow and Bryant and make things happen. I don't know who is still out there in free agency that can take the job away, except maybe Leftwich, and in that case I'd prefer giving McCown his shot.

 

[Couch Potato]

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

caddy needs to go meet Earl Campbell before he decides to play again

What in the world does Earl Campbell have to do with two knee injuries? Maybe he should talk to Terry Allen instead.

The guy to look to for patella tendon tears is Buckhalter, who also had it happen twice. Once he got past the 2nd one though, he's been solid.

 

[bentley]

Dunn got CUT last week & most reports I've seen have Caddy likely on the PUP to start the year (like 2008)....

caddy needs to go meet Earl Campbell before he decides to play again

What in the world does Earl Campbell have to do with two knee injuries? Maybe he should talk to Terry Allen instead.

The guy to look to for patella tendon tears is Buckhalter, who also had it happen twice. Once he got past the 2nd one though, he's been solid.

Fair enough. I just failed to see how Earl was relevant.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

Good signing imo. Looks like the Bucs are putting things together one piece at a time. I like it. First, get rid of the over-the-hill vets. Then bring in some playmakers on offense that were sorely lacking last year. Now we just need a QB and DT as our biggest needs. Maybe a few other pieces on defense. Liking things so far...

I guess I'm holding out more hope for Luke McCown than most. To me he looked pretty good in his limited chances in 2007. I think he can get the ball to Winslow and Bryant and make things happen. I don't know who is still out there in free agency that can take the job away, except maybe Leftwich, and in that case I'd prefer giving McCown his shot.

Barring a miracle trade for Cutler, McCown will be the starter.He probably has as much physical talent as anybody, but his decision making is really bad. Hopefully all the talent the Bucs are putting out there helps ease him into the job.

 

[Fighting Noles]

How would you Buc fans compare Derek Anderson to McCown? In terms of trading for him....