By Kyra Hallett
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded cornerback Aqib Talib to the New England Patriots Thursday. This comes as no big surprise. When Greg Schiano was named the head coach in the offseason, it became evident that he does not put up with anything. Soon after his hire, the team released cornerback Tanard Jackson and many thought that Talib would soon follow, including me.
Both Jackson and Talib had been suspended several times in the past and have been in trouble with the law.
Talib’s last incident, where he tested positive for Adderall must have been it. He was suspended four games and would not return till Week 10 but the Patriots have a bye that week so he wont be back till Week 11.
The Bucs must have really wanted to get rid of Talib because the team got nothing in return for him this season. The Patriots gave the Bucs a 2013 fourth-round pick in exchange and the Bucs will also send a seventh-rounder back to the Patriots.
Talib’s contract was up in 2013 and he would have become an unrestricted free agent.
The Bucs started the season deep in cornerbacks but it seems to becoming more slim. The Bucs may lose Eric Wright to a suspension due to Adderall use also but nothing has come out yet. He also injured his Achilles in Minnesota and has not been practicing. Myron Lewis was inactive last game with rookie Leonard Johnson getting most of the snaps in the nickle package. That leave Brandon McDonald, E.J. Biggers and recently claimed Danny Gorrer. The Bucs claimed Gorrer off waivers from Seattle Wednesday.
The team has struggled in defending the passing game and the loss of Talib could hurt. The one bright star in this dim time is Johnson.
Johnson has shown his strength and skills, getting his first interception versus the Vikings.
I have mixed feelings about this move. I am glad the Bucs cut ties with Talib but he has helped the team in pass defense but he can’t help the team being suspended. It is going to be one of those situations where you will have to wait and see how things work out. If the other Bucs cornerback can step-up and help keep the team in the games, then it will be worth it in the long run.
