The Pewter Plank
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10 players who could help Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in 2019

By Ryan Doyle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers throws under pressure from defensive end Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals on the final play of the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers throws under pressure from defensive end Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals on the final play of the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

. Defensive end. Cardinals. Markus Golden. 8. player. 32

Tampa Bay still has a problem getting to the quarterback. Veteran pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul had the best season regarding rushing the passer of any Buccaneer since 2005.

However, relying on Carl Nassib, a mostly unproven player to pick up the rest of the pass-rushing slack isn’t a recipe for success.

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If Tampa can add a talent like Markus Golden, who can complement Pierre-Paul and other linemen well, it would be a notable win for the organization.

The Bucs are in solid shape with Vinny Curry, Nassib and Pierre-Paul but one more player is needed to send the pass rush to the next level. Noah Spence was supposed to be that piece, but the Bucs cannot enter next season with the expectation that he will produce.

If the Bucs don’t view the pass rushers at the top of the draft highly or want to address a different area of need, Golden would be a nice addition in free agency. He has had a quiet 2018, but he did suffer a torn ACL in the season prior.

Golden was successful alongside talented pass rusher Chandler Jones in 2016. Golden racked up 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles on the year.

His play of late hasn’t been up to par, but if he can get a fresh start on the east coast and play a secondary role, he could return to the production he displayed in the past.

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