The Pewter Plank
FanSided

5 looming contract decisions for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completes a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston #3 for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completes a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston #3 for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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The Buccaneers have multiple players lined up for big paydays in free agency. Here is a look at five looming contract extensions for Tampa Bay.

There is no question that the Buccaneers are heading into a pivotal offseason. They are likely heading for a coaching change. A new man in charge usually leads to a new-look roster.

The Bucs have a number of players who are set to hit free agency at the end of the year and the front office has plenty of hard decisions to make.

From former top draft picks to undrafted free agents, the Bucs could lose a tremendous amount of talent. With limited cap space, the Bucs cannot keep everyone so some contributors may have to find work elsewhere.

Here are the five biggest contract decisions looming over the Buccaneers as the 2019 offseason lurks around the corner.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

RB Peyton Barber

Tampa Bay’s rushing attack lacks star power, but with limited cap space in 2019, the Bucs cannot afford to spend big money on a new running back. Plus, the Bucs just invested a top pick in a back.

They may decide to keep the group they have now in hopes that an improved offensive line can get the job done.

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Peyton Barber has produced in spurts this season. Before the season, it looked like Barber would have to compete for snaps with rookie Ronald Jones, but Jones has barely seen the field in a disappointing rookie season.

As the lead back, Barber has racked up 677 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. Barber has put up impressive numbers in a handful of games. However, his 3.7 yards per carry average displays the struggles Tampa Bay has faced on the ground.

The offensive line hasn’t provided Barber with much room to run. With Jones also getting off to a slow start, the Bucs will likely want to keep Barber around for at least one more season.

The decision with Barber could be an easy one for Licht due to Barber’s status as a restricted free agent. The Bucs can easily place a tender on him to keep other interested suitors at bay.

According to Joel Corry, the Buccaneers could tender Barber for a second-round pick and owe him about $3 million next season. An affordable price for someone who looks to be either the starter or number two back next season.

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