Let it be said from the outset that talented but troubled cornerback Aqib Talib is still most likely gone from Tampa Bay after the lockout is permanently lifted and teams conduct their business as usual. After numerous legal run-ins, including a most recent arrest in Texas for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Talib has most likely worn out what little welcome he had left with head coach Raheem Morris. Yet the Bucs activity in the NFL draft show at least leave a bit of light for the possibility of Talib’s return.
To this point in the draft, the Bucs have yet to seek any help in the defensive backfield, even as they’re choosing defensive players. Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers have been added along the defensive line and linebacker Mason Foster shores up the middle. Yet cornerback remains a need even before Talib’s issues with Ronde Barber’s age a concern. Aside from Talib and Barber, no defensive back had more than one interception (Talib had six).
A recent article from Tom Balog posits that the Bucs’ addition of Adrian Clayborn brings a “Rambo” feel to the defense, and perhaps signals a move away from the character-first approach of the recent past. Certainly Clayborn and Talib are miles apart in comparison of legal issues, but given the lack of help from the NFL Draft, it makes sense to at least question the assumption Talib is gone.