The Pewter Plank
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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 /
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Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruce Irvin

We talked about the Bucs’ need for a pass rusher off of the edge. They need a guy that can get into the backfield any time he wants, and has the ability to close a game with a sack. Mike Smith brings with him a 4-3 base defense, and a guy who would fit into this role is Seahawks’ linebacker Bruce Irvin. Here is a player that would add immediate value to Smith’s defense.

He has posted 22 sacks over four years, average a little over five per season. As a rookie, he posted eight, with only one down year in 2013. He has averaged six over his last two seasons, and he doesn’t start every game. Give Irvin the chance to stay on the field every down, and he will wreak havoc on the quarterbacks of the NFC South.

Irvin does have an option with the Seahawks, so he isn’t an unrestricted free agent. They may have to compensate Seattle for his services, but if they can pull something together, it would be worth it. He only made a touch over $2 million last season, so with a reasonable raise, the Bucs might just have their guy.

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