Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.R. Sweezy’s release opens many doors
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released J.R. Sweezy it looked rather simple on the surface. Since coming down from Seattle Sweezy has been injured and unable to play at his peak level of performance. So, keeping him became an expense too rich to carry.
However, this release specifically has opened up many possibilities for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their players. First, removing J.R. Sweezy frees up $6.5 Million in cap space.
The money should go somewhere productive. Many young Bucs have re-signings coming and it’s possible the team could earmark the money this season for a one-year veteran addition.
One player this move directly impacts is Caleb Benenoch. The young lineman has seen his name attached to both the right guard and the right tackle positions.
With this move, he’s got to be the favorite to become the new right guard in Tampa as the team continues to look forward to the return of Demar Dotson to man the tackle position.
Beyond Benenoch, there’s Leonard Wester and Alex Cappa. While Wester is listed as a tackle, he’s another guy who could be used at either guard or tackle position if the situation arises.
The removal of Sweezy removes a layer between Wester and playing time, or does it?
Rookie Alex Cappa from Humboldt State was a fan favorite in the draft and a player who will likely come into training camp flashing the raw talent which led to his being drafted in the first place.
Another player came in with raw athletic talent and little refinement, and by the end of camp, he was a starter. I’m referring to Kwon Alexander of course, and Cappa will be looking to do something similar by jumping Wester on the depth charts in his first NFL season.
So, there are three doors. Maybe four if you separate the tie between Wester and Cappa. But there’s one more door which really opens up to many other doors. Free-agency.
Unless the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already know the position group they have the least confidence in, this could be a door we don’t see opened until Week 2 or 3 of the pre-season.
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But there are options out here. Want a splash unrealistic signing? Dez Bryant is out there. Ok, that isn’t happening – nor should it – but there are some reasonable names.
Eric Reid leads the safety market right now. There are some assumptions about why he’s not signed, and they may be right. However, what we know is the man is talented and can definitely contribute to the Bucs defense if even only for one year.
Some have mentioned Adrian Peterson, but I have my eye on a different free-agent for the team if they look to replace Jacquizz Rodgers or Charles Sims. His name is Demarco Murray.
There’s an unusually talented bunch of players still looking for 20128 homes. Making this a definite possibility for where Jason Licht and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers use the money freed up from Sweezy’s release.
Or, the may just simply re-sign one of those valued young players now instead of waiting. Again, there are so many options.
I’m sure I forgot an idea or two, so find me on Twitter @DH82_Bucs to discuss.