The Buccaneers Should Sign Roddy White

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This may be an unpopular opinion, but the signing of

Roddy White

could make a lot of sense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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For a team that was decimated by injury at the receiver position, the Buccaneers haven’t done anything to increase the depth, or experience, at the position. Mike Evans is the number one guy, followed by Vincent Jackson, then a grouping of players with more to prove than they’ve actually accomplished.

So why not kick the tires on Roddy White?

Yes, he’s an aging player whose production has been down the past few seasons. However, he’s a veteran presence with postseason experience and can provide leadership to go along with Jackson’s. If there are any people that know White and his ability to contribute, it’s Dirk Koetter and Mike Smith.

In 2015, the Bucs had to rely on Adam Humphries and Donteaa Dye to pick up the slack after Kenny Bell was placed on IR before the season, Vincent Jackson missed games with a knee injury, and Louis Murphy suffered an ACL tear.

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) catches a pass during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) catches a pass during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

It was as if the Bucs were relegated to signing guys at tailgate parties outside Raymond James Stadium just to have enough receivers to dress for a game.

Roddy White is no spring chicken. At 34 years old, he’ll turn 35 during the season, White doesn’t have too many years left in the NFL. However, this isn’t a long term solution. White is more like the perfect insurance policy. He can get sporadic playing time while giving Winston another reliable target. Say what you will about White’s decline over the past few years, but the guy still has great hands and will catch the ball. It just seems difficult to catch the ball when Matt Ryan wasn’t throwing it to him,

The Bucs’ roster is not a finished product by any means. There will be cuts, some of which will likely take us by surprise, as well as claiming guys released from other teams. It seems obvious they will target at least one defensive tackle that doesn’t make a final roster, so why wouldn’t they give a chance to a player they already know well, and who already knows what Koetter likes to do on offense?

Next: Should Charles Sims Get More Touches This Year?

When you really start to think about it, Roddy White to the Buccaneers isn’t really that crazy.

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