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5 Receivers the Buccaneers Need to Consider Now

By David Harrison

Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and quarterback Jameis Winston (3) celebrate touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Buccaneers, 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) and quarterback Jameis Winston (3) celebrate touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Buccaneers, 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Roddy White, Free Agent

Ok, you knew this was coming so try not to act quite so surprised.

A lot has been said in social media and bar conversations about Roddy White coming to the Buccaneers, so here’s my take:

First things first, in June of 2016 Roddy White told ESPN the following,

“I’m considering playing for a winner, but if I’m not I’m fine just where I’m at right now,”

With the Bucs at 3-3 nearing the midway point of the year, I’m not sure White would consider them one of those winning teams he’s looking for, and honestly I don’t know if his approach is really a good one for a young team anyhow.

I’ve never spoken to White, but his words tell me he’s looking to latch on to a ring winner and scoop his up on the tail-end of the journey. After spending 11-years in the NFL playing for the Atlanta Falcons who seemingly always sat on the verge of greatness without ever getting over the hump, his words hint at a man ready to retire but looking for his LeBron to get him a ring rather than being the X-Factor on a contender.

The Bucs aren’t in this position, and they need a player looking to become an impact rather than benefit from the impact of others.

Must Read: Week 8 Fantasy Football Advice

As to White’s playing ability, he blames his struggles in his last year with the Falcons on Kyle Shanahan and his role in the offense for his struggles.

While 2015 was statistically the worst he’d had since becoming a real impact player in 2007, White’s production and abilities had been suffering for a few years by the end of 2015, and even though he can’t carry the load of a top receiver any longer it didn’t seem he was willing to accept it.

With Julio Jones quickly taking over as the top receiver in Atlanta, White wasn’t the go-to guy anymore and simply doesn’t appear to be willing to play second fiddle unless the first chair is filled by a Super Bowl ring.

Beyond attitude and motivation, here’s the real reason White isn’t the right fit for Tampa.

Zero plays of 40+ yards since 2012 and three straight years of sub-12 yards per catch season.

White simply can’t get up the field and pressure the deep part of coverage any longer. The reasons Nate Washington makes sense even at 33 years of age, are the attributes missing from the 34-year old White.

Roddy doesn’t seem to want to play for the Bucs, and honestly he brings no value to the roster anyway.

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