Heading into free agency it's abundantly clear what the top priority for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be. Last year the lack of a consistent pass rush doomed the defense, which was already playing behind the eight ball thanks to injuries eating through its depth.
Without a pass rush to rely on, Todd Bowles' defense failed to close out key games throughout the season that might have gone differently. Imagine that Thursday Night Football loss in Atlanta if the Bucs were able to get pressure on Kirk Cousins on that final drive, or how Tampa Bay's night in Kansas City a few weeks later could have ended on a happier note.
It's easier said than done, but edge pressure is a key part of Bowles' scheme and without the proper firepower things just didn't go well. The fact that the Bucs were still able to win the division and come within a doinked field goal from reaching the NFC Divisional Round again says a lot about the team's talent and why investing in pass rush could be a major boost next year.
The Bucs have more than a few options to choose from when it comes to filling that need. Ideally the team double dips and signs a veteran free agent while drafting a potential future star. Tampa Bay already has Calijah Kancey developing into a stud and Yaya Diaby is looking every bit like a key player as well.
As frustrating as things were last year, it doesn't feel like the Bucs are that far off from once again having a top overall defense in the league.
Best available free agent pass rushers for the Buccaneers to target
Here's an updated list of available free agents to keep an eye on as the Bucs look for pass rush help this offseason:
Note: When a player signs, that will be noted next to their name. Any player without a team attached to them is still a free agent.
- Josh Sweat
- Khalil Mack
- Joey Bosa
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Chase Young
- Haason Reddick
- Von Miller
- Demarcus Lawrence
- Malcolm Koonce
- Harold Landry III
- Azeez Ojulari
- Matthew Judon
- Dante Fowler Jr.
- Baron Browning
- Charles Omenihu
- Deatrich Wise
- Chauncey Golston
- Emmanuel Ogbah
- Preston Smith
- Josh Uche
- Payton Turner
- Joseph Ossai
- Carl Lawson
- K'Lavon Chaisson
- Derek Barnett
- Clelin Ferrell
- Michael Hoecht
- L.J. Collier
- Da'Shawn Hand
Tampa Bay could also go the trade route, but that seems unlikely, given how deep this free agent class is. Myles Garrett was a pipe dream target, but he's miraculously heading back to Cleveland with a historic new contract extension.
Maxx Crosby won't be leaving Las Vegas and the same logical hurdles that applied to the Bucs trading for Garrett apply to the idea of Micah Parsons being a target. Don't get it twisted, if Tampa Bay has the chance to land a guy like they it should absolutely explore it but in all likelihood the team will be adding from free agency rather than a trade.
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