The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Examining free agents from eliminated wild card teams

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Isaiah Johnson #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Peyton Barber #25 after returning a fumbled punt for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Isaiah Johnson #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Peyton Barber #25 after returning a fumbled punt for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 15: Star Lotulelei #98 of the Carolina Panthers on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 15, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 15: Star Lotulelei #98 of the Carolina Panthers on the sidelines during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 15, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers

As one of the Buccaneers’ division rivals, I’m sure Bucs fans weren’t at all disappointed to see this team get bounced from the post-season.

There could be some opportunities for significant additions here, as players signing within the division isn’t a new concept, and each brings new insight into the way other teams like to operate.

It may not guarantee victory, but it can’t hurt either.

Here are some candidates to switch from baby blue to pewter:

Defensive End, Julius Peppers

Quarterback, Derek Anderson

Free Safety, Jairus Byrd

Kicker, Graham Gano

Tight End, Ed Dickson

Guard, Amini Silatolu

Cornerback, Teddy Williams

Linebacker, Andrew Gachkar

Defensive Tackle, Star Lotulelei

Wide Receiver, Charles Johnson

Wide Receiver, Brenton Bersin

Guard, Andrew Norwell

Wide Receiver, Kaelin Clay

Next: Licht has plenty of room to make changes

The Panthers only have just under $18 Million in projected cap space for 2018, so they can’t exactly go spend crazy.

Peppers, Anderson and Byrd are likely gone. Star Lotulelei is the real wild card here.

He’s an obvious talent, and a player who made over $7 Million this year. He won’t get that much on average in his next contract, but despite the drop in sack production in 2017, he’ll be looking for solid money.

Given Carolina’s cash issue, they may not decide to pull the trigger on another year with him.

Enter the Bucs, who could be gone with the cap hits of Doug Martin and Chris Baker to free up more than enough money to bring in Lotulelei.

Will it happen? We don’t know, of course. But it could.

The Panthers could also choose to part ways with defensive end Charles Johnson who would then clear over $3 Million off their books.

Another $5 Million could be loosened up if the team parts ways with linebacker Thomas Davis. Possibly through retirement?

Carolina would not be happy to see Lotulelei coming after their quarterback in 2018, but if they can’t free up the capital to warrant retaining him, the Buccaneers may come calling.

"Locked on Bucs talking about bridge players available on the free-agent market!"

This was my look at the free-agents coming out of the first four eliminated NFL Playoff teams.

Which players do you like for the Buccaneers?

Comment, come to Facebook, or find me on Twitter to let me know!

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