Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 realistic free agent options this offseason
By Cory Kinnan
Trent Brown
In 2018, the Bucs fielded Demar Dotson and Donovan Smith as their starting tackles along their offensive line. However, there is a real possibility that neither return. We have already seen the team release Vinny Curry after one season, and it appears that other veterans could be on the chopping block as the Bucs entered the offseason with only $8.4 million in cap space and are looking for some financial flexibility.
Dotson could be next to go, while Smith is a free agent set to hit the open market. With that being said, the Bucs are in the market for not one, but two tackles this offseason. Expect them to attack the position very early in the draft, but do not be surprised if they also look to spend big after freeing up some cap room with the gutting of their roster. Currently with around $16 million in cap space, the team could potentially add $23 million more if the divorces with Gerald McCoy and Desean Jackson are as inevitable as they seem.
The Patriots left tackle looks to be on the move barring the franchise tag. Trent Brown is the best tackle option on the market, and as we have seen in years past, Licht is not afraid to spend money to acquire big name talent. Looking at the numbers from Nate Solder’s deal a year ago, it will cost whomever wants his services right around $15 million annually.