Buccaneers: Veteran free agents that are done in Tampa Bay
By Rob Leeds
A return man that never took off for the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have not been a great team on the return side of special teams even after trying numerous players at the position over the years. Barner was brought in as a safety valve this season, but it is unlikely that he keeps a spot with the return of T.J. Logan.
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Mickens and Barner did alright during their various stints in the lead role, but neither popped at any point. Bruce Arians seems to have a special place in his heart for Logan, so it’s fair to assume that he gets the benefit of the doubt when he returns from injury.
On the field, Logan has a higher chance to contribute than Barner and should be a slightly better option in the return game as well.
Even if Bruce Arians decides that Logan and Mickens aren’t the answers (there are plenty of available free agents with experience in this role), Barner isn’t high enough on the totem pole to get another contract at this point.
Tampa Bay gave Barner a one-year tryout, it didn’t work, and now they need to cut bait and try someone else out in the spot in the hopes that they can do well with the shrinking touches at the position.
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