Buccaneers: Grading the 2016 Free Agent Class
By Bailey Adams
![Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; The Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag is held over the field before the first quarter of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; The Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag is held over the field before the first quarter of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bb38f81a1fd6f376155b9b6e70aa835c3317ca48938c858dc9ef41124017ff1e.jpg)
Brent Grimes (Grade: A-)
The Bucs had severe needs in their secondary heading into the 2016 free agency period. They looked for their answer in the form of ex-Dolphin Brent Grimes. The four-time Pro Bowler signed with Tampa Bay on a two-year, $13.5 million contract. It turned out to be a solid investment for general manager Jason Licht and his front office, as Grimes turned in a good first season with the team.
It’s fairly safe to say things didn’t start out in the greatest of ways, with some early struggles and the built-in controversy that came with his wife, Miko. However, Grimes found his footing. He finished the season with 57 tackles (51 solo), four interceptions and a league-best 24 passes defended. His pick six in week 17 against Carolina sparked Tampa Bay and eventually led to a 17-16 win and a 9-7 record.
Going forward, it looks like he’ll still be a major part of the Buccaneer secondary, at least in 2017. He figures to be a leader on the team’s defense this season, while also helping young cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III come into his own. For the deal that the Bucs gave him, they got a great return. The 33-year-old veteran is still a solid player and has been around for a while now, which makes him a valuable guy to have on the roster in the future.