The Buccaneers won’t make the playoffs if these four players opt-out of the 2020 season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to end a streak of 12-straight seasons missing the playoffs, but there are more questions than answers as we proceed closer to time for training camp to start.
As discussions and negotiations between the NFL owners and NFL Players’ Association begin to heat, it’s becoming more and more apparent that there are at least a handful of players that could choose to opt-out of the season for health concerns within their families.
With that being said, there are four Buccaneers, in particular, that will tell the tale of the season for Tampa Bay in terms of making a run to the postseason.
Here are four players who could determine the Buccaneers’ playoff fate if they chose to opt-out.
4. Shaquil Barrett
Shaq Barrett still has some contractual negotiations taking place currently as the Bucs and his agent work to potentially sign a long-term deal. The franchise tag was placed on Barrett earlier this offseason.
Barrett’s pass-rushing ability simply means too much to this surging defense. The Buccaneers have the potential to have one of the most improved defenses in the nation with their defensive backs taking a step forward, but it won’t matter if the star edge-rusher isn’t on the field.
Barrett has the ability to put offenses behind the chains by himself and that’s something that simply can’t be understated.
3. Mike Evans
Mike Evans is the next player on our list and, honestly, I would peg him as one of the least likely to opt out.
Evans has been working out with Tom Brady and it’s clear that he’s excited about the prospect of making a big-time splash this upcoming season.
That being said, Evans would be a major loss if he did choose to opt-out.
Evans is one of the best wide receivers in the league and though Tampa Bay would still have Chris Godwin, there’s something about the leadership and pure skill ability of Evans that he brings to the wide receiver room. That simply can’t be replaced.
2. Lavonte David
Lavonte David is the clear leader and soul of the defense.
If he chose to opt-out, we would be talking about a defense losing its top veteran and one of the best linebackers in the league. You simply can’t replace that.
In my opinion, David has always been vastly underrated in what he’s been able to do from that inside-linebacker position and he’s going to be needed more than ever for the Bucs to make a run to the postseason.
1. Tom Brady
Of course, topping off our list is none other than the GOAT.
Losing Tom Brady in any way would mean devastation for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay signed Brady for a two-year deal worth $25 million on average per year and that’s because they expect for him to be the veteran leader and star quarterback needed to take the offense to the next level.
While there’s basically no chance that Brady would choose to opt-out considering what we know currently about him heading into this season, there’s no doubt he would be the biggest loss.
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