Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It's Time to Let Go of Ronde Barber

This article was hard to write. It really was. How in the world am I supposed to say that it is time for a legend to retire?

I had to look at everything in play before I decided that it was time for Ronde to let go.

Before people jump straight to the comments, let me say this—I will always appreciate Ronde and what he did for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. I still remember his earliest games and his impact.

In fact, my fondest sports memory is when Ronde intercepted Donovan McNabb in the 2002 NFC Championship Game for a touchdown to seal it for the Bucs.

Man, those were the days.

Alas, those days are gone. Time has not been kind to Ronde. Age is something that no football player can fight the effects of, and Barber is no exception. As of now, I would be surprised if we could get two more years out of him.

You see, stat-wise, it seems like we should keep him. That is, of course, if you are looking at them on the surface.

According to the efficiency rating by Pro Football Focus, he ranked poorly against the run and pass. So poorly that he allowed over 500 yards and four touchdowns. This just isn't the Barber that we are used to.

It comes into question whether or not Barber is a liability for the Bucs. His remarks don't help his case either. Back when the front office was deciding what to do with Raheem Morris, Barber told the Tampa Tribune that he would consider leaving the Bucs if Morris was fired. 

Well, Raheem was fired and Ronde is still here. But is that a good thing?

Barber was obviously not happy with the team, which would cause some tension around the locker. If he is not fully committed, I don't see a reason why we can't move on. 

"But Clint!", you might say, "Barber has always been a leader of this defense. If we got rid of him now, who will the younger guys look up to?"

Actually, Barber was never really a leader of the defense. I know, it might shock some, but that is the truth.

Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp were the leaders during the early 2000s. Barber was a fantastic player, but wasn't the front-runner. Saying that he would provide veteran experience to the younger guys is misleading.

If the Bucs let go of Barber, it won't be the end of the world either. There are plenty of cornerbacks on the market right now that could fill the void left by him quite nicely.

One would be Cortland Finnegan, who really does want to come to Tampa, according to sources. The only downside with him would be the money, of which he demands a lot.

The Bucs might be willing to dole out the big bucks (It's a pun!) but even then, they still have other options.

Those options might be people like Tracy Porter or Terrell Thomas. Both are decent options that could hold the Bucs over until their next great cornerback. Yep, it is that time again.

Morris Claiborne seems like the most logical pick for Tampa right now considering their straits. Claiborne has big time potential and could fill the hole of Barber and then some.

I really like the Bucs' options right now.

I said it before and I will say it again. Barber is a legend in Tampa Bay and will not be forgotten. His influence on this team is enormous and his number will certainly be retired. 

But as of now, it is time for the Bucs, their fans, and even Ronde himself to just let go. It's for the good of everybody.