Free agents the Buccaneers can sign for the veteran minimum
By Rob Leeds
Brandon Mebane is likely the one player on this list that would take the most convincing to join on a minimum contract, but it is not an impossibility. The Buccaneers need depth for their defensive line, and Mebane could be a perfect candidate if the price is right.
Defensive linemen are switched continuously out in the Bucs’ scheme. Ndamukong Suh plays the highest percentage of the group’s snaps, but other starters like Vita Vea and William Gholston are moving around and getting breaks from the depth players regardless of the formations.
William played less than half of the total defensive snaps in 11 games in 2019, and the Bucs need to make sure that the depth remains appropriately staffed. After being one of the best defensive lines in the NFL last season, most people would be content with leaving it unchanged, but there is nothing wrong with making strengths stronger.
Mebane has been a starter in the NFL since he arrived in 2007. Age is a factor here, but Mebane could decide to chase a Super Bowl with the Bucs on a cheaper deal, despite still getting to play a comparable number of snaps.
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By signing Mebane, the Buccaneers are also protecting themselves from injuries on the defensive line or any time missed due to COVID-19, which is a real contingency to prepare for.