Junior Galette is not worth the Bucs’ time or consideration
There’s a reason why Junior Galette is still waiting by the phone four days after getting released by the New Orleans Saints. It’s something every young adult could learn from. Plain and simple, you do not burn bridges.
Were the Saints in the wrong for letting go of Galette less than a year after re-signing him to a four-year, $41.5 million extension? Who knows, but more importantly, who cares. From the moment he was released, the 27-year-old should’ve remained cordial. Thank the organization for the opportunity and show your appreciation for the fans at the very least. This approach is a well-worn technique, but it is the best way to go about matters.
"After seeing what Junior has done in the last couple of days, how could he possibly gain the trust of any organization?"
What you don’t do is chastise your former team for
making “the worst call they’ve ever made”
or
allegedly go on a rant bashing the entire Saints organization
. Even though Galette has maintained that the social media matter was not his doing, the incident created a ripple effect throughout the NFL.
Does one franchise want to take a chance on someone who could potentially become hostile if the relationship goes sour? Is it necessary to sign someone who will jump at the opportunity to bash his former team in the local papers? The answer on both accounts should be a resounding “no.”
From the moment the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jameis Winston with the first overall pick, analysts, commentators and everyone else expressed concern over his character and maturity. Winston repeatedly stressed that he needs to gain the organization’s trust. It was something he said over and over and over again to the point that it became nearly nauseating to hear. However, the sentiment was true. After all the transgressions he had in college, Jameis needed to make that his top priority.
After seeing what Junior has done in the last couple of days, how could he possibly gain the trust of any organization? The NFL is a fraternity of sorts. Word gets around very easily. Perceptions are made almost instantly. From the moment Galette made those remarks, what he has done on the field, albeit impressive, becomes overshadowed by character concerns.
Over the years, the Buccaneers have constructed a roster of talented, upstanding players. If extension talks break down between the organization and Lavonte David, do you see the linebacker “pulling a Galette” and venting his frustrations in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times? If the Bucs pulled off a trade involving Vincent Jackson, do you see him going on Twitter to rip the franchise or personnel? The Bucs have constructed a positive locker room environment. Bringing the five-year pro would just throw a wrench into what Jason Licht and Lovie Smith have worked to create.
At some point, one organization will take a chance on Galette. However, the Bucs shouldn’t even bother. In fact, they should politely decline.
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