The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Ten Players the Buccaneers Must Explore in Free Agency

By Alan Schechter

Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer general manager Jason Licht introduces Dirk Koetter as the new head coach at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer general manager Jason Licht introduces Dirk Koetter as the new head coach at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) looks across the line during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) looks across the line during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Weddle

The Bucs also need help at safety. None of their safeties ranked higher than 59th, according to Pro Football Focus. Eric Weddle ranked 12th. He’s a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and a two-time first team All-Pro. He may be 31 years old, but Weddle has stayed productive, not showing any signs of slowing down.

So, why would he even be available at this point? His relationship with the Chargers has fallen apart. The problems were well-documented, culminating when the Chargers fined Weddle $10,000 for watching his daughter perform in the halftime show at a game. Clearly, the relationship is at the point of no return. Eric Weddle will be available for signing.

It will take a few bucks, as Weddle is an $8 million man. But, having a veteran at the backend of the defense as a leader is something invaluable. Not only is Weddle a veteran, he is still a productive player, and an investment in him would do the Bucs a lot of good.

Next: Rodney McLeod

Home/Bucs Free Agency