The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Tampa Bay Buccaneeers: Players that could be on the chopping block

By Cory Kinnan

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and efensive end William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and efensive end William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
(Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
(Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Cameron Brate

It will be hard to identify a more productive redzone target in Tampa Bay than Cameron Brate over the last three seasons. However with the O.J. Howard rising into star status, Brate’s contract becomes awfully pricey for a second tight end.

Brate’s saving grace in Tampa Bay may be the rise of the two tight end sets that are becoming a norm thanks to the New England Patriots. It also does not hurt his case that he is one of, if not Jameis Winston’s favorite target, and entering a make-or-break 2019, it would not do Winston justice to send him packing now.

Seeing his first real NFL action in 2015, Brate has gone on to score 23 touchdowns in a four-year span and has provided Winston with a nice security blanket over the middle of the field. Entering the 2019 season at the age of 28, he is coming off of a season where he only netted 289 yards receiving; this does not take away from the six touchdowns that he scored.

With a pricey $7 million contract, the Bucs could look to move Brate either via trade to a tight end needy team, or outright cut him. At this point in the tight end’s deal, Tampa Bay is no longer responsible for any guaranteed money, and would see a large $7 million back into their bank account. A number that high may be too enticing to pass up.

Home/Bucs Free Agency