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Buccaneers’ Free Agent Decision Report: Gosder Cherilus

By Alan Schechter

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) uses an oxygen mask to help with the heat during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) uses an oxygen mask to help with the heat during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) rushes past Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) rushes past Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Cherilus Should Go

In taking a look at the other side there is the age-old question. What is better, quantity or quality? Is it better to bring in a lot of guys on the offensive line, or pare it down to only the best players to fight it out for a position. That question is at the heart of the debate regarding Gosder Cherilus.

There is a reason he only started three games in 2016. Demar Dotson beat him out for the right tackle position. And did we all watch that game against the Cowboys? I don’t know about all of you, but for me, Cherilus earned the nickname “turnstile” that night. When the Bucs still had the outcome of that game in doubt, Cherilus was awful. He made David Irving look like J.J. Watt, allowing him to get in Winston’s face on seemingly every play. Fans were calling for the return of Dotson a lot more enthusiastically than they expected to.

Yes, it’s important to have depth at the position. But, Cherilus is 32 years old. His downturn in his play was stark. Could it have been an aberration? Sure, he could bounce back and play well again. But he might not. His play against Irving may just have been a sign that his play is in that continuous slide that happens to players after age 30. Should Licht take the chance of bringing a guy back that could bring absolutely nothing to the table?

His money might be better spent on younger players that add quality depth.

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