Buccaneers: Five players to watch versus Chicago

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Strong safety Chris Conte of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Chicago Bears on November 13, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Strong safety Chris Conte of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Chicago Bears on November 13, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images
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HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 03: Denver Broncos safety T. J. Ward visits the SiriusXM set at Super Bowl LI Radio Row at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM )
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 03: Denver Broncos safety T. J. Ward visits the SiriusXM set at Super Bowl LI Radio Row at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM )

SS- TJ Ward

Any surprises here? I hope not.

Ward, who was recently signed by the Bucs after pre-season cuts, is one of the biggest acquisitions any NFL team has made this calendar year.

The 30-year-old all-pro who was wrongfully cut by the Broncos in favor of a younger defensive back will bring an attitude to the back end of the Bucs defense that fans have not seen since the days of John Lynch.

Ward’s big hit style of play is something General Manager Jason Licht has been looking for in his defense after drafting players such as safety Justin Evans and outside linebacker Kendell Beckwith, which is why Tampa pounced so quickly on the opportunity to sign him

Another safety with a chip on his shoulder? Watch out. Look to see Ward live up to his potential in his first game in a Bucs uniform.

Will he out perform Tandy?

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