4 expensive players the Buccaneers may have to move on from
By Rob Leeds
Donovan Smith is pegged to be one of the highest-paid players on the Buccaneers for this year and next year. With the guaranteed part of his contract ending after this season, Smith is literally playing for his spot on the roster each week.
Smith receives a ton of flak from the fanbase that he does not deserve at times. There have been moments where he slips up in protection, but Smith is playing at an average level for a tackle in the NFL at the expected price. The issues come up when the comparisons start.
Tristan Wirfs has been the better Buccaneer tackle this year and has played for a fraction of the price. Smith has steadily improved over his time in Tampa Bay, but the fanbase still expects more of a player who makes so much.
If Smith continues the trend that he showed during week two, three, and four, the Buccaneers will have every reason to continue paying Smith at his current rate, but too many repeats of week one and five could have him on the hot seat.
Tampa Bay could see Tristan Wirfs as evidence that the younger tackles are worth taking chances on and decide that a potential small drop-off in talent outweighs a significant price drop.