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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Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Chicago won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Chicago won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Alshon Jeffrey

Here is another guy I have praised the virtue of in the past, but also a guy that deserves discussion once again. He would turn the Bucs’ offense on its ear immediately upon arrival.

Here is a guy that excelled with a number one receiver next to him. In two years alongside Brandon Marshall, Jeffrey racked up over 2,500 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. With Marshall off to New York, Jeffrey showed no signs of slowing down, posting 807 yards in nine games and eight starts. Project those numbers over a full season and it would have been a career season for the young Bear.

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Granted, it will take a significant raise to bring Jeffrey to Tampa Bay. But, he would turn the offense into one of the best the moment he signs on the dotted line. Mike Evans would see single coverage for the rest of his career, and Jeffrey is terrific when he plays second fiddle. Jason Licht would do himself and the team a lot of good if he made Jeffrey the big-ticket signing of 2016.

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