The next player in our free agent focus is a player that will help the back end of the Buccaneers defense – Justin Bethel.
The Buccaneers are in desperate need of upgrades at a lot more positions than we would have cared to believe a mere six months ago. One of those areas that needs addressing is the secondary – both safety and cornerback. One of the players the Bucs may be interested in at a more cost effective contract than say a Trumaine Johnson is soon to be former Cardinal Justin Bethel.
Justin Bethel’s Career
Bethel was a sixth round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Presbyterian College. He took a little time to break into the starting lineup, but worked diligently to climb the ranks from the sixth corner on the depth chart his rookie year to finally becoming a starter in 2016. Unfortunately for Bethel, the rise of teammate Tramon Williams caused him to drop back to number three on the depth chart midway through the 2017 season. He has 116 tackles, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and three touchdowns for his career and with only thirteen starts under his belt, there is plenty of treat left on the tires and a lot to prove for the young corner.
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Why The Buccaneers Need Him
Again, he isn’t going to be the top target on the cornerback market, but Bethel has proved he can start – and be effective – in this league. Like many players, he has developed into a solid player but just needed time to get there. The Buccaneers can get solid production at a discounted price given Bethel’s limited starting experience.
Signing him to a two to three year deal with the caveat that he is coming in to compete for a starting job will bring out the best in Bethel (as I’m sure he wasn’t thrilled about fighting his whole career for a starting job just to lose it to a rising star half way through the season). With the impending contracts the Bucs will be shelling out to retain their own players, getting a solid player for a cap favorable contract is the ideal situation.
What Will Bethel Cost?
Bethel could be signed for around $1.5 to $2 million per year given his comparable players and the inflation of the open market. He is comparable to Terrance Newman of the Minnesota Vikings in terms of snap percentage as well as statistics and Newman made under $1 million for the 2017 season. You’re always going to pay on the open market, that’s just how it works. However, if the Bucs can get even mid-tier production out of Bethel for that cost, it’s a win for the Buccaneers.
Will It Happen?
It seems to be one of the more likely scenarios we’ve discussed thus far. One of the most telling signs will be if we hear the Buccaneers are in fact pursuing Bethel, you know new defensive line coach Brentson Buckner is in Bethel’s corner. No one inside One Buc will have a better idea as to Bethel’s potential, work ethic, or dedication than Buckner and if he’s advocating the Bucs bring him in, it might just be the break Bethel needs to fulfill that potential.
Next: Free Agent Spotlight - Greg Robinson
Be sure to keep tabs on all our free agent spotlights as we focus on one potential Buccaneers target a day all the way up to March 12 when legal tampering begins.