Alshon Jeffery to Buccaneers?

Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

With the season almost coming to a close, free agency rumors are beginning to loom already for the teams that won’t be in the playoffs this season and are looking for ways to improve their team. As far as the Buccaneers go, a big objective for them this offseason is going to be to find a true playmaker for their new franchise quarterback, Jameis Winston. Every great offense in the NFL has at least one player on the offense that needs to be game planned for and worries defensive coordinators a ton. The Bucs have some players on offense now that could turn out as great playmakers such as Doug Martin (2nd in the NFL in rushing yards) and Mike Evans (two straight 1000 yard seasons), but adding Alshon Jeffery this offseason could really help the Bucs take the next step on offense and become one of the teams that consistently puts up 30 points a game.

Since entering the league, Alshon Jeffery has proven to be one of the best receivers in the NFL when healthy by making defensive coordinator’s cringe at the sound of his name. Although Alshon is rarely single covered due to his playmaking ability, he still finds way to gash defenses while also coming up with jump balls almost every time due to his freakish athletic ability. The only problem for Alshon has been his lack of being able to stay healthy. Many players have had problems with this but some have found ways to fix this issue with different conditioning regimens and learning how to take care of their body the correct way. If the premier wide receiver could find a way to do that, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a perennial pro bowler year after year.

Now lets take a look how Alshon Jeffery would fit in with the Buccaneers. The Bucs philosophy on offense is simple, establish the run and work play action passes off of it to stretch the field. This game plan plays right into Alshon’s strengths as he is 6’3″ with a 4.48 forty yard dash time. He has made a living stretching the field out and burning teams with his speed and size. Now take that with the fact that he will have another threat on the other side of the field in Mike Evans and you can see how this could be a matchup nightmare any way you look at it. I could only imagine the damage that this young trio made up of Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, and Alshon Jeffery could do to teams week in and week out. The excitement is evident and would instantly put the Buccaneers in the top 5 offenses in the NFL next season in my opinion. All of this is very possible as the Bucs have a ton of money they need to spend this offseason due to the salary cap so look for the Lovie Smith to look to his old team for help and go grab their star this offseason!