Tampa Bay Buccaneers: weekly round-up from March 2nd through the 9th
By Cory Kinnan
Another week down, and the week before free agency opens turned out to be a busy one. Check out what you missed in the world of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We started the week by doing a joint-Pewter Plank mock draft that saw the Bucs taking defensive lineman, offensive tackles, and edge rushers with the fifth overall pick. Hopefully some sleepers that turn into quality starters as well; check it out here.
Later on in the day Monday, news broke that the Buccaneers intended to utilize the franchise tag on left tackle Donovan Smith. The next day, instead, the Bucs and Smith agreed to a three-year extension worth $41.25 million.
That same day, reports surfaced that the Buccaneers had offered a long-term deal to free agent linebacker Kwon Alexander and hope to see him return after he tests the market.
More from Bucs Draft
- The Athletic’s early NFL Mock Draft has the Bucs taking a Top 5 QB in 2024
- Bucs front office reveals one thing the team missed during NFL Draft
- Peter King explains simple reason why Bucs passed on drafting Will Levis
- Mel Kiper Jr. hands out his official Buccaneers draft grade
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers undrafted free agents tracker 2023
It was reported later on in the same day that Tampa Bay did not intend to extend tenders to safety Andrew Adams or tackle Leonard Webster. This means that both will become unrestricted free agents.
Our newest writer Dylan completed a three-part series on potential draft prospects from the three big in-state schools and how they would fit with the Buccaneers. You do not want to miss this:
In-state prospects from University of Miami for Bucs to target
In-state prospects from University of Florida for Bucs to target
In-state prospects from Florida State University for Bucs to target
After the completion of the NFL Scouting Combine, just about every major sports outlet completed a new mock draft, we analyzed their picks for the Buccaneers at the fifth overall pick throughout the week:
NFL Spin Zone’s Randy Gurzi selects…
FanSided’s Brad Weiss selects…
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah selects…
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller selects…
In addition to re-signing Smith to a long-term extension, they also reached a one-year extension with linebacker Devante Bond. The move is broken down here.
Free agency is set to begin next week, and rumors, reports and news are swirling around Tampa Bay. The Pewter Plank has created a live-tracker to keep you up-to-date and notified of every move here.
Last week, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the Buccaneers are expected to have “serious interest” in free agent safety Tyrann Mathieu due to his connections with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles; our thought here.
In addition, multiple players around the league were cut from their teams as they look to shed cap space and gain some flexibility to spend in free agency. We broke down potential fits with the Buccaneers of some of those players looking for new teams:
Linebacker Jamie Collins Sr.
Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Safety Tashaun Gipson
Offensive lineman Ted Larson
Strapped for cash, the Bucs are going to need to shop the bargain bin in order to add talent at a low cost. We broke down three potential candidates that may come at a discounted cost for the Buccaneers.
Speaking of being strapped for cash, we take a look at the Buccaneers’ salary cap situation following the extension to Smith and possible moves to make in order to clear up some space to be spenders once free agency is set to open.
More news broke on Thursday that the Buccaneers had picked up the option of right tackle Demar Dotson, keeping both of their tackles from the 2018 season on the roster moving forward; our thoughts here.
Trending. 5 Best landing spots for Tevin Coleman. light
On Friday, Jamil took a look at the Buccaneers’ 2016 draft class, as 2019 appears to be the last call for all of them… well the five that still remain on the roster. You do not want to miss our look at a class with a lot to prove in their fourth season in the league.
With Caleb Benenoch moving to tackle in 2019, there remains a void at the right guard position. In 2019, it appears that the right guard job is second-year lineman Alex Cappa’s to lose; we break it down here.
Dylan returns with an in-depth look at a potential draft target in the 2019 NFL Draft Gerald Willis III from the University of Miami. He takes a look at Willis’s past, his 2018 season, and how he could fit with the Buccaneers; check it out!
Late Friday afternoon the Buccaneers extended tenders to safety Isaiah Johnson and guard Mike Liedtke, making them both exclusive rights free agents. What does that mean for their futures?
Next. Buccaneers primed for a breakout in 2019 under Bruce Arians. dark
Jameis Winston was a guest on NFL Network’s Total Access and gave a few thoughts on the state of the Buccaneers such as his thoughts on DeSean Jackson, and whom he would pursue in free agency. Winston always has something trendy to say and this was no different, click here to see what he had to say.