Tampa Bay Bucs Have Mike Tolbert on Their Radar

Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Tribune put down Mike Tolbert on a short list of players the the Bucs could pursue. Here is what they had to write:

San Diego running back Mike Tolbert may be entering his prime as well, but that’s just one of several reasons the Bucs likely will have an interest in luring him to Tampa. The Bucs badly need a third-down back, as well as a back who can hit the right hole with authority in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Tolbert, 26, has proved in his four seasons in the league to be solid in all those areas (he ran for 490 yards with a 4.0 average and eight TDs last season, and caught a career-high 54 passees with two more scores).

A back who can work effectively in any situation, Tolbert would be a good complement to LeGarrette Blount and eliminate any need the Bucs might have to reach for a running back during the draft.

A short-yardage and goal-line back? I think I had more trust in Jacob Hester in that role last year. Tolbert does some good things, but if there is any type of bidding war that comes for Tolbert, then we should just move in another direction.

Things that Big Mike can do (except dance), can be done by Jacob Hester OR some undrafted free agent back. I would love to have his leadership and experience back in the locker room, but we have to focus on Vincent Jackson and Nick Hardwick first in free agency.