Why grabbing Faine makes sense

You probably wanted Randy Moss, but it looks like you'll have to settle for Jeff Faine. I know what you're thinking: a center?

It's not sexy, but the Bucs' first move of free agency -- which we brought to you first in the wee hours of this morning -- is a sensible one. Let's start with the obvious: the Bucs, who haven't actually signed Faine just yet, will be getting the best free agent available at a position that is critical to their success. Remember, with John Wade becoming a free agent, the Bucs didn't have a proven center on the roster. And for those who have suggested Dan Buenning was an option -- that's technically true -- he's a guard and hasn't played center before. What if the projections were wrong and he struggled to make the transition?

As far as the value of this contract, we're not sure of the specific numbers just yet. But we've learned Faine will be the highest-paid center in the game. That means a lot of cash, specifically guaranteed money. You could make a case the Bucs overpaid. Maybe they did.

But here's the thing: to get the top free agent at any position, you have to be willing to pay the price. To the Bucs' credit, they at least spent heavily on a position that was one of their greatest needs. This isn't the Redskins of recent years stockpiling big-money free agents just for the hell of it. This was a calculated move that could pay off handsomely.

The only thing left is to see how this all plays out. No one is accusing Faine of being an All-Pro. But he is an upgrade, so at least Tampa Bay is going in the right direction.

Comments

[Tom]

I agree 100%! Picking up Faine is fantastic. We pretty much solidified our O-Line for many years. These guys are extremely young and the game is won in the trenches. Also, we have picked up a very good player from a division rival.

This team is committed to winning. Some teams, like the Chiefs, are so cheap that they won't offer a guy like Jared Allen a long term deal.

Great move Bucs!!

[Str8BucIn]

We have a anchor for this young line. Now we can focus on bring in some speed at WR and CB, as well as hunting for some depth at LB and DL.

[Matt]

Are you kidding me? Just because someone is the best at his position during the free agency period FOR THAT YEAR, does not mean you should make him the highest paid at his position. I agree that we needed help at Center (with Wade leaving), but I don't agree with throwing money at any position. This deal makes sense only if the price is right.

[ryan callahan]

this is an awesome move. Our offensive line has gone from a very bad line a few years ago to a very great line. i mean think about it. Luke Petigout/Donald Penn at LT, Aaron Sears at LG, Faine at C, and then Trueblood and Joseph on the right. This will be a good line for years to come.

[Ben Ice]

Jeff Faine (Center, 6-3 291, New Orleans Saints, acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns for a 2nd round pick in the 2006 draft)

Being strong up the middle isn't just a baseball axiom. Faine gives the Saints a very good center to go with Brees at QB and McAllister and Bush at running back.

Faine is obviously the so called "quarterback" of the offensive line, and when I watch him play there's no doubt. He is a leader and communicates to his line well, which with this new group is vital.
This is from an old Scouts.com review of when he was signed by the Saints in 2006, and talks about how he handled his job.

Big bonus and surprised no one has mentioned that he is a local boy from Seminole High who played three years at Notre Dame
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He did a great job getting to the 2nd level to block the linebackers versus the Falcons and showed his excellent feet. His ability to play fast and quick helped the Saints slow down a pretty good defense. Jeff does a nice job of using his hands and toughness to win the street fight in the trenches. The

[Kevin in North Carolina]

I like the move a lot...John Wade played admirably, but this move is an upgrade, so our line should be even better next year...Now, if we have so much cap money, then we need to sign Asante Samuel (CB) and Justin Smith (DE) then draft Jonathan Stewart (RB) in the 1st round...Jonathan Stewart is going to be a stud...Anyone who watched the USF bowl game should know...We can pick up some extra receivers in the draft and maybe get lucky...Bucs are looking good so far...

[Stephen Blackehart]

Samuel's already gone, to the Eagles.

[Elliott Richardson]

Personally I love this deal. As mentioned by Ryan above it gives a young talented Offensive line across the board except for Luke (who is still talented). We could still further cement the line by signing 1 or 2 cheaper veteran linemen as insurance and leadership while grooming a LT to eventually replace Luke.

For the rest of free agency it would be great to land a WR like DJ Hackett. I know he has been injury prone but he has excelled in Seattle when he has played. He's fluent in the west coast system and fit in nicely with his size and speed. Even though Randy is available I would not want to see him signed. While he is far and away more talented then DJ he still comes with risks that are compounded with an exponentially higher cap number. He could potentially blow up or not be used to his potential due to the lack of the 'big arm' that he had in New England. I love Jeff Garcia but his game is not launching it downfield (like his Detroit stint), but rather quick, precise decisions (like San Fran and now here). So even though Randy looks like a sexier option you could potentially get the same production (in OUR system) from DJ Hackett with the same amount of risk, at much less the cost. If you're concerned that we would lose the Red Zone target in Randy, we could always sign Troupe who would be a mismatch similar to Watson. Again, Troupe and DJ could be had for much less than Randy and combined be as effective in different facets of the passing game.

[shakai]

You know i understand what the Bucs are doing and i agree with it. The Bucs obvious need to upgrade in WR AND QB for the future but to adddress the need for a o-linemen was a great move not to mention jEFF mAINE WAS part of the number 1 offense a year ago.(hint,hint)