Buccaneers Off-Season Position Preview: Wide Receiver

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch in front of Robert Alford #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fends off free safety Marcus Maye #26 of the New York Jets after hauling in a pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for a first down during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fends off free safety Marcus Maye #26 of the New York Jets after hauling in a pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for a first down during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Potential Free-Agent Targets

For the Buccaneers, big name free-agents in this position likely won’t be connected by rumor or contract in 2018.

There’s simply not a need for it. There’s only one ball, and any high profile free-agent would only demand more dispersion of it.

However, there’s never a bad time to strengthen the meat of your position, so there are still guys to look out for.

The first one, is going to be recognized by every Bucs fan.

Adam Humphries

Previous Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a restricted free-agent, Tampa has the ball in their court so to speak. Coming into the league as an undrafted free-agent in 2015, the former Clemson player quickly carved out a role for himself with the Bucs.

Now, as a fan favorite, he’s entering his first experience in free-agency with a likely return to the team in store.

No rumblings have surfaced just yet of the team and Humphries negotiating a contract, but at a minimum I’d expect the team to reserve the right to match if they even let him reach the bargaining table with other teams at all.

Must Read: WTP talks draft and Lynch

Deonte Thompson

Previous Team: Buffalo Bills

Thompson joined the Bills for 11 games in 2017 after beginning the season with the Chicago Bears.

Twice he played the Buccaneers, once for each, and twice he made an impact.

In Week 2 against Tampa Bay, the 28-year old brought in four catches for 57-yards and a score. The Bucs won the game 29-7, but Thompson scored where his team failed.

As a member of the Bills, Thompson again exploited the Bucs secondary. This time he went for 107-yards in a 30-27 win over Tampa Bay.

He’ll be entering his seventh season in the NFL in 2018, and while he won’t demand top dollar, he can still bring value. He also has special teams experience, and could provide the Bucs a return game they’ve needed for far too long.