The Pewter Plank
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7 offensive tackles for Buccaneers to pursue in free agency

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Tackle Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets for play against the New Orleans Saints September 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Saints won 16 - 14. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Tackle Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets for play against the New Orleans Saints September 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Saints won 16 - 14. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Marcus Gilbert #77 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is helped off the field by trainers against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Marcus Gilbert #77 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is helped off the field by trainers against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

6. Marcus Gilbert, Arizona Cardinals

Six years younger than Peters and looking for a new deal after this season is right tackle for the Arizona Cardinals, Marcus Gilbert. Traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Cardinals this offseason for a day-three pick, Gilbert tore his ACL and is on injured reserve, missing all of the 2019 season.

At the age of 31, there is still time in Gilbert’s career for him to make a comeback and to perform at a high level once again. The former second round pick of the Steelers in 2011, Gilbert has started 87 of the 88 games he has appeared in over the past eight seasons.

Coming off of an ACL injury as well, Gilbert could find himself of the cheaper end to retain. With over $80 million to spend in cap space this upcoming offseason, a tackle in his 30s and coming off of an injury is well within their reach.

In search of Dotson’s replacement after this season, Gilbert would be an upgrade, ACL injury or not. The issue is, this is Gilbert’s fourth season in a row with an injury, playing just 25 games in that span.

When healthy, Gilbert is a solid contributor to any offensive line; can the Bucs trust him though?

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