CB E.J. Gaines
As discussed earlier, the secondary for the Buccaneers in 2019 has been one of the worst in the league. The Buccaneer defense has been carried by one of the best run defenses in the league and a linebacker corps that has performed at a very high level.
Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, at the rate that the average team in the NFL passes these numbers are unsustainable and something needs to be done. Jason Licht has yet again struck out on corners in this draft for this season and the Bucs will need to find corners that play at a higher level because Vernon Hargreaves isn’t cutting it and the young players still need time to develop.
An intriguing option currently available at corner is E.J. Gaines. Gaines has spent time with the Rams, Bills, and Browns and has been injured often, but when healthy has been able to produce. Gaines is no Jalen Ramsey and doesn’t have blazing speed but at this point the Bucs need help wherever they can get it. Gaines is currently injured but will be returning around the middle of the season which the Bucs may make it to after the bye week.
The Buccaneers do already have 6 corners on the roster but could play around with the depth chart to make a spot for Gaines. Ryan Smith may end up being the odd man out even after his successful game versus the Panthers, but the Bucs need a coverage corner desperately and could take a risk on Gaines. This signing would definitely be a gamble but the positives outweigh the negatives if they find a corner that can play at the same level as the rest of the defense as far as level of play is concerned.