Buccaneers: 3 ‘why not?’ free agents to target before the 2021 NFL Draft
By Rob Leeds
It’s hard to rule out many options for the Buccaneers in free agency.
The Buccaneers have lived in a state of ‘why not?’ since this time last season. Why not sign Tom Brady? Why not go after the many other free agents and trade targets that seemed like impossibilities at the moment?
So far, Tampa has been rewarded for this decision-making, and there is no reason to stop now. Jason Licht and company still have a bit more money available to put the finishing touches on their roster before the draft, and a few outlandish free agents targets don’t hurt at all.
While some of these names may seem out of the question, the ‘why not’ mentality has helped so far. There is no reason to assume it will start to hurt anyone now.
Player #1
The Buccaneers still need help on the defensive side of the ball. Pass rusher is not a position of great depth as it stands, and the draft is not a great place to find a proven option now.
Sure, the Bucs can take a rookie to develop behind the consistent starters, but a proven depth player is still a significant need before the season starts.
Aldon Smith is still walking carefully during his return to the NFL, but after a great start to his 2020 season with the Cowboys, the Buccaneers should see him as an option as their third pass-rusher.
Between Smith’s combination of age and his history, his price tag shouldn’t be too high, and the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender could keep Smith from weighing other options for long.