The Pewter Plank
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pre-Free Agency Battle Plan

By Kenneth Barrett

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: A detailed view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets on the team bench ahead of the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: A detailed view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets on the team bench ahead of the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles to throw a pass during the second quarter of a football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Raymond James Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 08: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles to throw a pass during the second quarter of a football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Raymond James Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

UFA signings

Teddy Bridgewater or Jameis Winston (QB)- 3 years, $66 million ($22 million annually). It’s just really hard to tell what’s smoke and what is fire.

If the Bucs can lock either at this price range, then great. I included Jameis in this section because I truly believe the Bucs are going to let him test the market. Also, $22 million just seems like the perfect number for Jameis to come down to or Bridgewater to get should there be another team interested.

Plus $22 mil in cap allows whoever is QB to have a better team around him than Winston at $27-30 mil. Don’t sleep on trading for Andy Dalton though. He’s still the sleeper back-up option as he would only cost a 3rd or 4th round pick in a trade and would only be about $18 million on the books for the 2020 season.

Tony Jefferson (S)- 3 years, 21 million ($7 million annually). Just recently cut by the Ravens. Jefferson would be a great veteran addition to the secondary and provide a tone of flexibility as he can play both free and strong safety.

David Johnson (RB)- 1 year, $4.5 million.  It’s only a matter of time until Johnson is cut by the Cardinals. His cap numbers are just too out whack for the Cardinals. He slid down the depth chart in the new offensive scheme. Getting him on a one year deal with his old coach will motivate him.

Darren Fells (TE)- 1 year, $3.5 million. Solid, aging vet that will earn his keep in the run game and good enough to get on routes. Fells will help OJ Howard get out on more routes.

Jared Veldheer (OT)- 1 year, $2.5 million. On his last leg, familiar with BA, and will be able to help and will be able to help mentor anyone who comes in new.

Xaiver Sua-FIlo (OG)- 1 year, $1 million. Solid vet, ended on IR last season. 1 year prove it deal will help him. He’ll be able to come in and challenge Cappa and provide solid depth with Watford.

Danny Shelton (DT)- 1 year, $2.5 million. Replaces Beau Allen.

Timmy Jernigan (DL)- 1 year $2 million

Josh Bynes (LB)- 1 year, $1 million. Solid LB depth

Barkevious Mingo (OLB)- 1 year, $4 million. Solid OLB depth piece.

Morris Claiborne (CB)- 1 year, $3 million. Earned $3 million  and a super bowl ring last year with the Chiefs. He wasn’t activated for the game and knows Bowles well. Would be the veteran presence needed for the CB room.

Cap Space remaining: $750 thousand… keep in mind that there still $9 million left for draft players and in season roster moves.
Actual Cap Space remaining: $9.75 mil

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