Buccaneers Free Agent Outlook Part I
By James Yarcho
Daryl Smith – Linebacker
This is an interesting one. Daryl Smith was one of the free agents the Buccaneers signed last season on a one year deal. Now, Mike Smith’s defense doesn’t call for three linebackers very often, so Smith’s playing time was limited.
Despite that, Smith did see some action and was certainly one of the veteran leaders of the defense. At 34 years old and having played thirteen seasons, there’s no telling if Smith even wants to come back for another run. If he did, would he want to sign a minimum deal with a Super Bowl favorite or continue helping build something special in Tampa?
Quite frankly, no one is sure.
If Smith does decide he’s not done playing, the Buccaneers should certainly attempt to bring him back. The ability to not have him be an every down player is to his benefit at this point and his voice is one the Bucs surely want in the locker room. He signed here to be reunited with Mike Smith so there’s a decent chance he wants to return to be with the staff that he came to work with in the first place.
The decision really rests on Smith’s shoulders based on whether he wants to play or if he’s ready to hang them up.