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Buccaneers’ Free Agent Decision Report: Gosder Cherilus

By Alan Schechter

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) uses an oxygen mask to help with the heat during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) uses an oxygen mask to help with the heat during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) blocks during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) blocks during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Cherilus Should Stay

An offense is only as good as its offensive line. A good offensive line cures a lot of problems, while a bad one makes things look worse than they are. You have a quarterback like Jameis Winston that still spends time in the pocket, at times unsure what to do with the football. Even forgetting that, he does like to make plays with his legs. The offensive line has to be strong.

There is no substitute for depth on the offensive line. It’s especially good to have players with starting experience. Gosder Cherilus has started 116 out of 131 career games. To have a former first round pick sitting on the depth chart in case of injury, and for a fresh body, can be quite valuable.

Don’t forget, Cherilus was a serviceable player in the past. He started 13 games in his first year with the Bucs, as well as 29 out of 29 games with the Colts. He may not be a guy that moves around the line a lot, but he is a right tackle specialist that has the ability to jump in if the starter gets hurt.

Over the past two seasons, per Spotrac, Cherilus made $3.5 million per year on average. It isn’t as if Jason Licht would have to break the bank to bring him back. It might not be the worst idea to bring him back at somewhere just above the league minimum and let him compete for a spot.

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