The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers Free Agent Outlook Part I

By James Yarcho

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) works out prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) works out prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs /

Chris Conte – Safety

Despite somewhat improved play throughout the season, Chris Conte ultimately lost his job to injury. Once he was sidelined, Keith Tandy stepped in and earned a spot in the lineup for the rest of 2016.

Thanks to that, Tandy will have first dibs at competing for the starting role again this off-season with whatever players Tampa decides to sign in free agency or draft. The popular choice for Bucs fans is Eric Berry should he hit free agency, which makes a lot of sense. However, with as athletic and intelligent as Tandy is, he could switch to free safety should Berry be the guy.

Related Story: Should Conte Be Re-Signed?

So where does that leave Conte? Probably on another roster.

If Conte isn’t going to start, he also won’t want to accept the contract of a backup when there will be other teams willing to pay him a little more and give him playing time. Tandy remains the only safety on the roster, so expect the Bucs to sign/draft at least two, maybe three more to carry on the 2017 roster.

Much to the delight of Buccaneers fans, Conte won’t be one of them.

Verdict: Not Retained

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