Buccaneers: Dream free agent signings to repeat Super Bowl success
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers can dream too, right?
Free agency will be a mess this offseason in Tampa. The Buccaneers have numerous big-name free agents that just became more expensive after winning the Super Bowl, and their hopes of keeping the group together may be a bit naive.
The easiest way forward is by selling the current free agents on keeping their homes and not having to move with their families, but how can you honestly convince Shaquil Barrett, Chris Godwin, and Lavonte David to pass up tens of millions of dollars to stay put? Another Super Bowl ring would be great, but Barrett already has two. These players need a payday, and Tampa Bay can’t afford it.
While the Bucs can’t afford some of their pricier free agents now that they’ve won a ring, they may be able to pull in some cheaper options from across the league if they find players that are searching for their first Super Bowl win. Here are some of the top prospects in a dream scenario.
Player #1
Aaron Jones is an extremely underrated running back. As one of the most efficient backs in the league, Jones only making a single Pro Bowl during his time in Green Bay is a travesty. With 30 touchdowns in the past two seasons, Jones is about as talented as they come at the position, and the Buccaneers still have a need.
Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette are both above-average backs, but neither is as complete as Aaron Jones. Jones’ career-low for yards per attempt was 4.6, high than RoJo’s career average and better than any season average for Fournette.
In addition to his heightened efficiency as a passer, Jones would be a welcomed addition in the passing game. The Bucs desperately need a third-down back to pair with Tom Brady, and Aaron Jones has shown impressive talent as a receiver and as a route runner during his time with Green Bay.
Jones wouldn’t be cheap for Tampa Bay to pursue, but the team needs mixed with Jones’ desire to win a Super Bowl could help both sides reach a fair deal that doesn’t break the bank for a team hurting for cap space.