It’s time to start believing in Grimes

TAMPA — The most valuable player for the Bucs is Brent Grimes.

It felt odd typing that line, but it’s time to say it.

In two seasons, the Bucs haven’t won a game without him. This season they are 4-3 when he plays, 0-3 when he doesn’t.

He’s 34 and looks 24. He’s 5-foot-10 and plays like he’s 10-foot-5.

He’s also the NFL’s best bargain. Since 2013 he has broken up more passes than anyone. His 19 interceptions the last five seasons are more than any cornerback not named Richard Sherman.

Sherman has 20 and makes $14 million per year.

Grimes makes $6.5 million. He will be a free agent in six games, if he wants to keep playing.

“I tend not to really think about it until after the season,” Grimes said. “I’m having fun. I’ve just got to wait until after the season and see what’s going on.”

There’s been so many stories about Grimes being underrated that he’s rated. The undrafted free agent from Shippensburg (Pa.) University has made four Pro Bowls and would be a lock for a fifth if the Bucs hadn’t disappeared from the radar.

You won’t hear Grimes complain. He often lets Miko, his wife of nearly eight years, speak for him.

Brent isn’t on social media. Miko plays it with sharp edges, cutting up anyone who suggests Brent is past his prime or that she is the reason he has been held back.

Some of it is NSFW — not suitable for work. Here’s one of Miko’s benign offerings:

“The biggest contract my husband has ever gotten was for four years and $16 million? AND HE IS INCREDIBLE! No cornerback has a better highlight reel than Brent Grimes! NO ONE!”

Miko knows what she is talking about. A former college basketball player who played professionally overseas, her first “date” with Brent was a pickup basketball game. He didn’t just win, he was incredible. They’ve been together since and have a 6-year-old son, Aiden.

Grimes was part of a Bucs defense that forced five turnovers in a 30-20 win at Miami, a team he previously played for. The Brent Grimes revenge tour continues Sunday in Atlanta. Ironically, it was Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith who as Falcons head coach didn’t play Grimes his first three years.

Now? Smith is his second biggest fan.

“He’s an unassuming guy, but on the football field he’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever been around,” Smith said. “... I don’t think you’re going to play a better athlete anywhere. If you want to go do American Ninja Warrior, he’d probably be in the finals.”

These days Smith said Grimes is challenged more by Bucs coaches than opponents. Most quarterbacks know better.

At halftime of the Bucs’ 2016 season finale against Carolina, Miko texted Brent:

“[You] look bored?. Stay ready [because you] know Cam [Newton] ain’t got no sense. Been hit too many times upside the head.”

Minutes later, Grimes intercepted Newton and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown in a 17-16 Bucs win.