3 free agent moves Buccaneers can make to be scary good in 2024

Buccaneers can't ignore their hole at edge

Much like at corner, the Buccaneers had no options with their former EDGE1. Shaquil Barrett was an expected cap casualty, but now the Bucs have a massive question mark in their pass rushing room.

Again, like corner, this is another position that the Bucs will likely target in the draft, but a veteran here is almost a requirement given the lack of certainty in that group as of now.

The good news at edge is this is traditionally a role that has a much better hit rate on gambles than corner. Just look at what brought Shaquil Barrett to Tampa. Look at what YaYa Diaby in his rookie season.

Edge is just as important as corner defensively, but it isn't as hard for a new face or a rookie to find their step quickly when they arrive with a new team. The Bucs can afford to gamble a little here, even if depth options of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson is a little sketchy.

Enter Bud Dupree. This is another situation that is very similar to the argument in favor of Stephon Gilmore. The Buccaneers need a guy that was cheaper than the one they just released that can play quality football on a cheaper cap hit. Dupree checks those boxes.

Now, Dupree does have some pretty massive question marks in his game, especially on the injury front for the majority of the last few seasons, but he was able to stay healthy in 2023, and that player showing up in Todd Bowles' scheme is probably a 10-sack guy.

The injury risk is obvious, but there aren't many guys that are still available that wouldn't be a copy of what the Bucs already have in JTS or Nelson; guys you hope take the next step but haven't.

Dupree is still a clear gamble in his own right, but this a gamble with much higher upside for the Buccaneers that could also serve to hurt his former team (Falcons).