Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2018 free agency primer

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be active in free agency. Here is everything you need to know to get you ready for the frenzy that will ensue.

The free agent frenzy is about to begin. On Monday, the legal tampering period will begin where teams can speak with players and agents to work on contract negotiations and come to deal agreements. They have a 48 hour window before free agency truly begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. That’s when all these trades we’ve heard about can become official. As for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they haven’t made any trades, but they can begin to reach out to free agents to begin revamping a team that has some holes to fill, both on offense and defense.

Despite the ire of many Buccaneers fans, Jason Licht is certainly working hard to bring in the kind of free agents that will help this team. With the lack of pass rushers available on the open market, it seems more fitting that the Bucs will look for help along the offensive line, secondary, and at running back.

Here are the players to look for, both incoming and outgoing, starting tomorrow;

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agents

Running Back – Doug Martin

Cornerback – Brent Grimes

Safety – T.J. Ward

Center – Evan Smith

Defensive Tackle – Clinton McDonald

Most Likely To Return

We already know that the Buccaneers are ready to move on from Joe Hawley, who is retiring, as well as Robert McClain, T.J. Ward, and all signs point to them moving on from Charles Sims as they look to completely revamp the run game.

As Bucs make decisions with their free agents, looks like CB Robert McClain won’t be back for 2018. Had three INTs in only season in Tampa, playing slot and outside.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 10, 2018

There is mutual interest between the Bucs and Brent Grimes, although nothing has been done thus far. Even if they re-sign Grimes, the cornerback position still needs addressing. Grimes would be welcomed back with open arms, but he doesn’t solve the problem singlehandedly. The Buccaneers will also look to continue to maintain depth, so signings like Evan Smith, Will Clarke, Clinton McDonald, Kevin Pamphile, Sealver Siliga, and Adarius Glanton seem the most likely. That’s not to say all of them will return, but these are the names that you will likely see as re-signings during the free agency period.

Another name to keep an eye on is Patrick Murray. Murray performed well for the Buccaneers after he was brought back to replace the poor performing Nick Folk. Though the Bucs never said as much, some believe Murray’s late season struggles were injury related. Either way, Murray at the very least deserves the opportunity to compete for the job in training camp. A true kicker competition would be the best thing for the Bucs, but Murray should be the guy come kickoff weekend.

BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 27: Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ryan Jensen #66 of the Baltimore Ravens shove one another after a play during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Big Names

There are a few “big name” free agents that would fill needs the Bucs have. These are, of course, the usual suspects. Cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson, Prince Amukamara, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Malcolm Butler, running backs Jerick McKinnon, DeMarco Murray, Isaiah Crowell, Dion Lewis, and Jeremy Hill, offensive linemen Ryan Jensen, Luke Joeckel, Justin Pugh, and Andrew Norwell, and defensive linemen Dontari Poe, Adrian Clayborn, Muhammad Wilkerson, Nick Fairley, and Sheldon Richardson.

I know I just threw a lot of names at you, but here’s the thing to really pay attention to; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not be signing a top player at each of those positions. You’re looking at one, maybe two if we’re lucky, of the top players on the market at these positions. Most likely, at cornerback and running back. A player like Trumaine Johnson – which remains a long shot – and Jerick McKinnon would be about as much of the cap the Buccaneers would be able to spend on the top players. Other than that, you’re looking at mid tier guys that will come in and help bridge the gap.

Ideal Scenario

The best case scenario for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beginning Monday is to come to agreements with these players, then sign deals beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m.;

Cornerback – E.J. Gaines

Running Back – Dion Lewis

Center – Ryan Jensen

Defensive End – Alex Okafor

Bringing in these guys can fill some needs and allow the Buccaneers to focus on the best players available at positions of need come the draft. Keep in mind, there will be a second and third wave of free agency, so just because the Bucs don’t sign anyone immediately, doesn’t mean they’re doing nothing. Also bear in mind that the Cardinals are rumored to be moving on from Tyrann Mathieu, which could skyrocket to the Buccaneers’ top priority. Remember, Jason Licht was an integral part of Mathieu being drafted to Arizona.

These players, of course, wouldn’t be the only signings, but would be the splash signings that people get excited about. Signings will continue to trickle down as the weeks pass leading up to the draft, then things quiet down. After the draft, teams will reach out to remaining free agents that fill needs they were unable to address during draft weekend.

Next: Free Agent Spotlight - Cornerback E.J. Gaines

It’s that time. Time where new hope is born. The first step towards erasing the memories of 2017 and looking forward to a better 2018. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t as bad as their 5-11 record from last season says. They aren’t that far away. A few key pieces this week, a few depth pieces following that, and a solid draft has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in every bit of contention for the NFC South crown as Carolina, Atlanta, or New Orleans.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be active in free agency. Here is everything you need to know to get you ready for the frenzy that will ensue.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agents

Most Likely To Return

The Big Names

Ideal Scenario

Schedule