Buccaneers: Grading the Notable 2017 Free Agents

Grading the Buccaneers 2017 free agent class.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

Jason Licht and the Buccaneers mean business. At least all evidence this off-season leads one to believe that. They may have finished 9-7, but they are not resting on their laurels. Licht knows that the time to win is now, and if you look at the moves that have already been made, that is exactly what they are trying to do.

The Bucs have made the offense even more potent than it was, added a piece on defense, and brought back a piece of the running attack. J.J. Wilcox came in for a visit. Dirk Koetter’s program is moving ahead quickly.

Now is the perfect time to look at how they have done so far. We are looking back at the moves that have been made, both bringing players back and signing new players, and giving them a letter grade. The grade will be partially based on the fit with the Bucs, and partially based on the contract information. Is Licht making good moves that are also efficient? Let’s talk about it.

*All contract/financial info courtesy of Spotrac unless otherwise indicated.

William Gholston

The run stuffer has returned. In his second year as a starter, Gholston posted a career-high 3.5 sacks to go along with 50 total tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. According to Pro Football Focus, Gholston was on the field for 586 snaps, second most along the line to the big guy, Gerald McCoy. He doesn’t have the reputation of a pass rusher at this point, although that is his goal (per the team website):

"“My whole goal is to become an elite pass-rusher, to be honest with you,” he said. “I wouldn’t label myself as a run defender. I feel like with the opportunity that I’ve had to rush the passer, I’ve progressed and progressed and progressed. Hopefully, within these next few seasons I become an elite pass-rusher, because that’s the goal to be honest with you.”"

His Pro Football Focus grade in the pass rush was a 44.0 while his grade in run defense jumps to a 72.8. Gholston has work to do to achieve his goals, but being a top run defender is nothing to be ashamed of either.

The contract is worth $27.5 million over five years, with $13.5 million of it guaranteed. It calculates to a $5.5 million average salary, which is clearly a raise from his rookie deal but doesn’t break the bank. The largest cap hit of the deal is in 2017 at $7 million.

Gholston isn’t a guy that sets the world on fire, but he is a solid player signed for a reasonable amount of money.

GRADE: B+

Jacquizz Rodgers

The Bucs had difficulty in the running game last season. We don’t know what is going to happen with Doug Martin, or whether Charles Sims will be back to his old self. Will Dalvin Cook or someone else be here? Maybe, but that remains to be seen. What Jason Licht did was secure his leading rusher from 2016 for the upcoming season and the one after that.

This move was one of Licht’s best of the 2016 season when he brought Rodgers in. He was out of work, and came on to lead the team in rushing with 560 yards on just 129 carries. At 4.3 yards per carry, he was by far the most explosive of the backs on the team last year. He showed what he could do as the lead back, posting back to back 100 yard performances in the middle of the season, including 154 yards against the San Francisco 49ers.

Licht made this happen for the next two years at a reasonable price. His contract is worth $3.3 million over two years, leaving his average salary at $1.65 million. This is a player that at the very least is a good player to be part of the rotation and at best, he can be the go to guy at the position.

GRADE: A

Chris Conte

Here is a player that fans have had a love/hate relationship with. With good reason, I mean he has been beaten a lot, let’s be honest. But he is also around the football a lot. Look at his stats:

Conte showed himself as a player that can make the big play as well. Remember the game saving interception against the Chiefs? We broke that play down here. Conte has the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and has good instincts when he does. Conte can be a solid player if he just becomes more consistent.

The contract isn’t for a lot of money, which brings the grade up a bit. He was re-signed to a two- year deal worth $5 million. The guaranteed money is only $2.5 million. The Bucs can get out of it with no dead money after 2017 if they desire. That is very team friendly.

Conte has the ability to be very good, but hasn’t put it all together yet. However, he has flashed. On that basis, the grade comes up to a decent one.

GRADE: B-

Chris Baker

Now we get onto the newest members of the Bucs. First we are talking about Chris Baker (don’t worry the big one will be on the next page). Being able to close out games is all about having fresh legs in the fourth quarter. You need depth to make that happen. What do the Bucs do? Go out and sign a starting defensive lineman from the Redskins. Last season, Baker started all 16 games, posting 48 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defended.

Pay no attention to the “dab” in the picture above. Big guys typically cannot dance.

One thing coaches love about their defensive linemen is versatility, and Chris Baker is versatile. During his tenure with the Redskins he spent time both on the inside and on the outside. Having a player that can be plugged in all over the line is a valuable asset as the players endure their annual bumps and bruises. Is this guy DeMarcus Ware? No. He is, however, a solid piece of a rotation that will keep stars like Noah Spence fresh.

Give Jason Licht credit once again for his contract structure. He really is a smart man with the way he doles out the finances. In this case, it’s a three-year contract worth $15.75 million including a guarantee of $9 million. Though it’s a three-year deal, however, all of the guaranteed money comes out in year one, meaning if things don’t go well, they can get out after 2017.

That’s the way you take a shot with a player without mortgaging the future. Kudos to Licht and he again helps out the grade here.

GRADE: B

DeSean Jackson

Finally, the moment you all have been waiting for. You wanted him, Jameis Winston wanted him, the Bucs wanted him, and now they have him. Speedy wide receiver DeSean Jackson is a member of the Bucs. The team finally has the speed they need to put on the opposite side of Mike Evans. The lethal offense just became more deadly.

We talked much about him after the signing, but he is so good we can do it again. When healthy, this man makes plays. He has posted 1,000 yards receiving in three out of his last four seasons. He led the league in yards per catch last season for the third time in his career. His ability to stretch the field will open things up for Evans and Cameron Brate underneath. He will also open the box up for whomever is running the football.

He also can play special teams. How great would it be to finally have a threat in the return game? Jackson would be just that threat. He is also a solid veteran presence around a team filled with young receivers. This move is so good for just so many reasons.

Jackson’s contract is worth $33.5 million over three years, with $20 million guaranteed. It’s a lot of money, but this move is the perfect fit for his team, so it had to be done.

GRADE: A

Next: How Jackson Changes Draft Plans

What do you think of these grades, Bucs fans? Sound off in the comments below.