The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t a finished product by any means. They are, however, inching closer and closer to contention. Believe it or not, there are still some free agents available that can lend a helping hand in 2016.
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The Buccaneers signed some impact free agents like Brent Grimes, Robert Ayers, Daryl Smith, and J.R. Sweezy. They retained one of the biggest free agents on the market in Doug Martin. Last month in the draft, they continued beefing up the defense with guys like Vernon Hargreaves III and Noah Spence, getting some more help on offense with Caleb Benenoch and Danny Vitale, and got their sure-footed kicker – albeit controversially – in Roberto Aguayo.
So what else can they do before the season to continue to help improve this team and make it a contender sooner rather than later?
Here’s a few guys still looking for jobs on the free agent market that can add a little help.
Next: Roddy White
Roddy White – Wide Receiver
Yes, I am fully aware that White is 34 years old and coming off three consecutive seasons under 1,000 receiving yards. In 2015, he had his worst season since his rookie year, posting only 506 yards and three touchdowns on 43 receptions.
Having said all that, it should not shock anyone to see White end up on this team come training camp. He’s obviously very familiar with Dirk Koetter and Mike Smith and would fit into the offense immediately. Also, he would not need to fill the role of “number two receiver”. At this point in his career, White probably realizes he isn’t an every down player anymore.
Do you all remember last season when Vincent Jackson went down? Jameis Winston was down to Donteea Dye and Adam Humphries as his options after Mike Evans. Adding a guy like White, with his experiences, knowledge of the system, and leadership gives Winston a reliable option. Not to take anything away from Dye or Humphries, but you can never understate the value of a veteran presence on the field, especially if we are so unfortunate as to see Jackson go down again.
I know some will argue Kenny Bell is returning, and we are all excited to see what he can do. That, however, is part of the problem. We don’t know what he can do because he missed his rookie season. I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly comfortable putting all my eggs in the Kenny Bell basket quite yet. I have high hopes and high expectations for him, but let’s not anoint him the next big thing quite yet.
Next: Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin – Wide Receiver
Second verse, same as the first. Is there any receiver that’s been more clutch in the postseason as of late? Yes, the 49ers whiffed on the postseason last year, but as a member of the Baltimore Ravens and 49ers, Boldin has made some big time plays in big time situations. In 14 career playoff games, Boldin has 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns on 63 receptions. There are players that don’t get that in a full season and Boldin has done it in the playoffs alone.
No, his playoff numbers aren’t the only ones that matter. However, the 35 year old receiver can still get the job done. With the quarterback situation in San Fran being a pure dumpster fire last season, Boldin still managed nearly 800 yards and four touchdowns.
Just like White, his veteran presence and experience will do nothing but continue to help Jameis develop and give him another reliable set of hands. Although it doesn’t have quite the same ring as “Third-and-Ike”, “Third-and-‘Quan” could easily become a favorite phrase of Bucs fans if Boldin finds his way on to this team.
Next: Dwight Freeney
Dwight Freeney – Edge Rusher
Traditionally a 3-4 outside linebacker, Freeney can still get his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end. He would also add an element of versatility to Mike Smith‘s defense, falling under the category of players that can play multiple positions, something Smith has repeatedly said helps his scheme.
At 35 years old in Arizona, Freeney played eleven games and still manages eight sacks as well as three forced fumbles. This guy still has plenty to offer and can add more depth, experience, and production to the Bucs’ defensive line. Robert Ayers is able to move inside to tackle and be productive, which could allow the Bucs to have Ayers, Freeney, Noah Spence, and Gerald McCoy on the line at the same time in passing situations.
The formation possibilities are endless with this team if Freeney is brought in. The various looks and exotic blitz schemes would be something to marvel at after how putrid the pass rush has been in recent years. Freeney says he wants to play for a contender. One can contend that the Bucs could fall into that category if Freeney joins the party. At some point, Freeney may decide to go a team on the cusp, like Tampa, if none of the top tier teams come knocking.
Next: Randy Starks
Randy Starks– Defensive Tackle
The Former Titan, Dolphin, and Brown finds himself job hunting in May. He had a down year for the Browns in 2015, playing fifteen games and getting only fifteen tackles and one sack. Granted, he moved from defensive tackle to defensive end in Cleveland, but he could certainly provide the Bucs with some desperately needed depth at tackle.
Starks is a rotational guy, but has been good for four to six sacks a year during his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. An underrated player to some extent, Starks would likely be available for a very reasonable price.
It was frustrating to see the Bucs pass on the defensive tackles in the draft given the severe lack of depth at the position. As good as Gerald McCoy is, he has had his injury woes. If McCoy were to go down again in 2016, who is there to fill in? William Gholston? Akeem Spence? There isn’t a lot there to stay above water, so a rotational guy that can give you a few games in a pinch would be greatly beneficial.
Next: Kwon Alexander: A Beast In The Making
What free agents would you like to see the Bucs take a shot on? Sound off in the comment section and let us know of anyone out there you’d love to see in the pewter and red!