Buccaneers: Veteran free agents that could join Tom Brady in Tampa
By Rob Leeds
Another pass rusher for the Buccaneers
Shaquil Barrett should be the top priority for the Buccaneers this offseason. Keeping Barrett in Tampa is paramount for keeping the defense at its impressive level, but adding another pass rusher wouldn’t hurt.
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If Tampa Bay decides to pass on a proven pass rusher in one of the early rounds of the draft, a free agent would be the better option for another all-in season. Markus Golden was a bit too expensive for the Bucs to sign last season, but he could be perfect for Tampa now.
Golden had the second-best season of his career in 2019 with the Giants, but a trade in 2020 back to the Cardinals and weaker performances have hurt his chances as a free agent. Arizona may want to go for a more prominent contributor with their money, and Golden could seek out a team to win a ring with at this point in his career.
Golden could find a way to make an impact for the Buccaneers regardless of where he starts. The Bucs used various defensive formations in the Super Bowl to terrorize Patrick Mahomes, including using Jason Pierre-Paul on the inside. Golden’s addition would free the Bucs up to do this even more and give them a better backup in an injury to either starter.
Anthony Nelson has been decent for the Bucs so far in his career, but a player like Markus Golden would be a significant improvement at the third spot, and this could be a no-brainer if he is willing to play on a smaller deal.
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