The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Free Agents The Buccaneers Should Consider in 2017

By James Yarcho

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet held by a player at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet held by a player at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 9
Next
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) laughs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter after he retuned an interception for a touchdown in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) laughs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter after he retuned an interception for a touchdown in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Thoughts

Don’t expect a crazy spending spree this season. The Buccaneers have contracts coming up for Mike Evans (entering his fourth year with a fifth year option, but Bucs can extend him this off-season) and Charles Sims. With the roll over not spent this year, the Bucs will need to lock up Jameis Winston, Ali Marpet, Donovan Smith, and Kwon Alexander. So yes, the Bucs have a ton of cap room and likely more to come with off-season cuts, but they aren’t going to be spending it all.

Also, just because a player is listed doesn’t necessarily mean I personally want that guy or not, they’re just some names that make sense right now that the Buccaneers are likely taking a look into whether they would fit on the team. I wouldn’t be surprised if they signed one guy off this list nor would I be surprised if they follow last year’s formula and sign guys later on.

The Bucs aren’t going to solve every issue in free agency, just like they won’t solve every issue in the draft. It’s finding the right balance – the right fits – to build on the culture and chemistry they developed in 2016.

Next: Bucs' 2017 Opponents Provide Major Tests

Monday we will bring you some free agents to avoid like the plague. The Buccaneers have something special brewing and this off-season will make or break if that something special is real or was just a mirage.

Home/Bucs News