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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Deone Bucannon — the original Moneybacker for the Arizona Cardinals — on Thursday. Could, or should, Bucannon end up with the reuniting with defensive coordinator James Bettcher for the New York Giants?
Bucannon to the Giants has already gotten the seal of approval from one well-known Giants linebacker.
Dear @deonebucannon20 I normally don't do this, but the #NYGiants could use a few good men.. Backer to Backer, you're that Good Man.
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) October 9, 2019
Disclaimer: I have no influence on the dynamics of how the team selects players nor do I Deone's health status..
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) October 9, 2019
But I, as a pure "Fan" of @deonebucannon20 , I need every @Giants fan to tweet @deonebucannon20 and let him know we need him! And tell him Carl sent you
Linebacker has long been a weakness for the Giants. They lost impressive rookie Ryan Connelly to a season-ending injury vs. the Washington Redskins, and due to injuries to Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis started David Mayo and Nate Stupar against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Cardinals created the Moneybacker role for the 6-foot-1, 211-pound Bucannon when Bettcher was Arizona’s defensive coordinator. A safety-sized player, he brought athleticism and coverage skills as well as strong safety-style aggression to an inside linebacker role.
Bucannon, 27, had three outstanding seasons for Bettcher in Arizona. Now in his sixth year, he isn’t what he was. He started only six games for the Cardinals a year ago and made just 38 tackles, playing in a different defensive scheme. He made just one tackle in five games, none of which he started, for Tampa Bay.
Still, considering the state of the Giants’ linebacking corps and the overall issues displayed by one of the league’s worst defenses to date, might it make sense to see if reuniting with Bettcher in a defensive scheme originated with him in mind might rejuvenate his career? The Giants did reportedly have interest in Bucannon during the offseason.
The Giants are listed by Over The Cap as having $2.961 million in cap space. If Bucannon would accept the minimum salary of $805K the Giants could perhaps simply swap him with Stupar, who is currently making that veteran minimum salary.