Buccaneers: 3 ‘why not?’ free agents to target before the 2021 NFL Draft
By Rob Leeds
Defensive line help for the Buccaneers
In addition to edge, the Buccaneers still need some depth on the interior of their defensive line. While it is hard to imagine the Bucs passing on the position in the draft, a veteran is still on the table to compete with or without the rookie.
Kawann Short has been a non-factor for several years with various injuries after a stellar 2015 season. Short was able to play decently for the next few seasons, but the injuries of late have derailed his career to some degree.
As the type of player that could still have some gas left in the tank and the desire to win a Super Bowl after missing out once before, Short likely wouldn’t need much to see Tampa as a viable landing spot.
The chance to serve as a backup to Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston would take plenty of the expectations off of Short to play at a high level immediately. Still, his ability to bring pressure as a depth guy is also very impressive at this stage in his career.
Tampa Bay wouldn’t have to shell out a massive contract to get Short back on his feet, and the presence of another veteran defensive linemen could give peace of mind to a unit that will continue to be the best in the league in 2021.