Buccaneers: Grading the 2016 Free Agent Class

Daryl Smith (Grade: C)

With Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander leading the Bucs’ linebacker corps, it’s not too hard to forget about the other players in the group. That was the case in 2016 for veteran Daryl Smith, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Tampa Bay last offseason. He had an okay season, with 35 tackles (28 solo) and an interception, but there never seemed to be a time that he made a major difference.

That’s not to say Smith wasn’t worth it. Sometimes when you hardly notice a guy, it’s a good thing. He wasn’t bad, but he also didn’t make a major impact. His veteran presence was likely a factor in signing him, especially considering the youth of Alexander. If Smith was able to help him along, then it’s hard to say that he wasn’t worth the one-year deal that he received. He played under defensive coordinator Mike Smith in Jacksonville, so the familiarity helped. There weren’t many memorable moments for the (almost) 35-year-old in a Buccaneer uniform, but he provided value to a young defense easing its way into yet another new system.

While the team likely won’t re-sign him this offseason, Smith was a good piece to have for what was somewhat of a transitional year for the franchise, as it ushered in a new head coach and defensive coordinator.