Extension for Barber not in the Bucs’ best interest

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, July 12, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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At the conclusion of the 2006 NFL season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber will likely become a free agent. The three-time Pro Bowler has been among the greatest defenders in team history, but extending his contract simply wouldn't be a smart move for Tampa to make. In fact, Bucs' general manager Bruce Allen isn't listening to the defender's requests; he's gone so far as to avoid the phone calls of Barber's agent, Mark Lepselter.

In all likelihood, the upcoming season will be Barber's last with the Buccaneers which, believe it or not, is an advantage for the organization. Knowing that he's in a contract year, Barber, who has made consecutive season-ending trips to Honolulu, will probably step up his play even more, helping Tampa's defensive unit in the process.

Last season, the former third-round pick out of the University of Virginia racked up five interceptions, which is second-best in his nine-year career. He did, however, accumulate a career-high in total tackles, with 99. In 2004, also a Pro Bowl season for Barber, the cornerback tallied 98 tackles and three interceptions. Judging from his statistics, it's easy to see why Barber has become one of the game's most respected defensive backs.

Unfortunately for Barber, the Bucs' front office seems to realize that handing a large contract to a veteran nearing the end of his prime isn't a feasible way to do business. At 31 years old, it's a wonder how much vast production Barber has left in his tank.

These days, defenders who reach the north side of 30 usually see their skills decline precipitiously, especially cornerbacks. In a couple of years, Barber will likely face a move to the free safety position, which is where over-the-hill corners usually go to end their careers. Obviously, paying Barber No. 1 cornerback money to eventually play safety doesn't work for Allen, nor should it.

Since their Super Bowl-winning 2002-2003 campaign, Tampa has waved goodbye to some key defensive veterans, notably safety John Lynch and defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Lynch is a productive member of the Denver Broncos' defense while the fading Sapp is having difficulty clogging the middle for the Oakland Raiders.

Clearly, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin isn't someone who necessarily needs Barber to continue having his units finish near the top of the league. When Barber likely departs at the close of this season, the No. 2 man, Brian Kelly, will step in and continue doing a fine job as one of pro football's top-notch playmakers. Quietly, Kelly has grabbed a quartet of interceptions in each of the last two seasons. Unfortunately for the Bucs, he's hit the 30-year-old plateau, too.

Eventually, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the same kind of youth movement on defense as they have on offense. If the team's future youngsters on D work out as well as the offensive young guns thus far, the Bucs should be a long-time contender in the NFC.

As for Barber, who has been in Central Florida since 1997, he'll have to find another organization to ride off into the sunset with.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on Ronde Barber at Realfootball365.com
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