Ten Players the Buccaneers Must Explore in Free Agency

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; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) chases Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Muhammad Wilkerson

We have talked about this guy before, but he is good enough that it deserves repeating.  As much as the Jets’ fan base loves him, there is no guarantee that he will be back in the green and white.  He is going to command a big contract, the Jets are already very deep at defensive line, and they have other pieces that must be dealt with, such as Chris Ivory/Bilal Powell and Ryan Fitzpatrick.  The rumor is that the Jets will attempt to tag and trade Wilkerson, but the potential is there that he simply will be able to walk.

Wilkerson has improved every year, culminating in a 12 sack performance in 2015.  He has rapidly become one of the best defensive ends out there not named J.J. Watt.  He’s a rising star in the prime of his career, and if the Jets don’t want him, the Bucs’ could do a lot worse.

There are reports that the Raiders and Browns are monitoring the developments regarding Wilkerson.  The Bucs should do the same.

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