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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 /
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) is introduced before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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