Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 free agent possibilities after cap increase

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles stiff arms Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles stiff arms Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

RB Jay Ajayi

The Buccaneers, to this point, have not done much to add depth to the already existing running back room led by Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones. Besides signing undrafted free agent Bruce Anderson from North Dakota State and free agent Dare Ogunbowale (who is more of a camp body), Tampa Bay seems set to run it back with two guys who did not average four yards per carry.

An obvious weakness of both Barber and Jones is their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, so if the Buccaneers were to add a back it would make sense that it would be a versatile back. Enter Jay Ajayi.

Ajayi has been significantly limited during his career because of his nature as an injured back, but when he is healthy he is among the league’s most explosive. Throughout his four year career, Ajayi has had two seasons, 2016-17, where he was healthy for the majority of the season.

During this span the former Boise State Bronco tallied over 2,100 yards and nine scores on the ground and 69 catches out of the backfield. Ajayi made the Pro Bowl in 2016 when he ran wild for over 1,200 yards and eight scores as a member of the Miami Dolphins.

If the Buccaneers want a back who could potentially give them a solid statline and versatility, Ajayi is the best still on the market. If the 26-year-old Ajayi manages to stay healthy, he could give Tampa Bay a heck of a bargain.

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