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Buccaneers Round Table: 2017 mock general manager for a day

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers make their way out of the tunnel to take to the field before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers make their way out of the tunnel to take to the field before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Cornerback Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after breaking up a pass on third down in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Cornerback Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after breaking up a pass on third down in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Bailey Adams

The obvious move to make—one that the Buccaneers already appear set to do—is sign a kicker. Any kicker. So, let’s go in another direction: acquire a cornerback.

One position on the defense in dire need of depth is cornerback. Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves have the starting spots locked down, but there’s not a lot to write home about behind those two.

The Bucs have Ryan Smith to step in at corner if needed, but he lacks experience and isn’t quite ready to start. When Grimes missed the game against Minnesota, it was obvious that the Bucs were in trouble. Interestingly enough, Case Keenum attacked Hargreaves, but Smith surely didn’t inspire fear on the other side either. Robert McClain is the other backup at the position, but he is working at nickel. So, Tampa Bay would be wise to find someone to add depth on the outside.

There are a couple of veterans on the market still without jobs: Sam Shields and Darrelle Revis. Both guys have their issues, clearly. Shields’ concussion history is concerning, but he hasn’t completely called it quits. Revis is far past his prime, but surely his ego can’t be too big for him to accept a modest contract and a backup role… Right?

Tampa Bay could explore other options outside those two, or look for any potential trade partners. Either way, acquiring someone to fill in as a depth piece would be smart.

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