4 players who already look like total bargains for the Buccaneers this offseason
By Brad Smith
Luke Goedeke, RT
Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus released its annual ranking of the top 32 tackles in the NFL. To no surprise, Bucs' superstar left tackle Tristan Wirfs made the list as the No. 2 tackle in the league, only trailing 49ers' Trent Williams. Wirfs wasn't the only Buc to make the list, as Goedeke made his debut on the list at No. 25.
Following a rough rookie season at left guard, Goedeke moved outside to right tackle and was excellent. Starting in all 17 games, Goedeke allowed 12 penalties and five sacks in 1102 snaps for a 72.5 PFF grade, the eighth-highest mark of all tackles. Entering year three in the league and his second at right tackle, Goedeke projects to only get better next season.
Similar to Diaby, Goedeke is playing well on a cheap contract. As a former second-round in 2022, Goedeke is only set to make $1.2 million in base salary with a $1.6 million salary cap value in 2024. Coupled with the fact that 15 right tackles in the league make $10 million or more per year, and Goedeke is another productive player for Tampa Bay that doesn't cost a lot.
Zyon McCollum, CB
With the trade of Carlton Davis III to Detroit, the Buccaneers lost one of the starting boundary corners without adding a true replacement in free agency or the draft. Between free agent signings Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas, and third-round pick Tykee Smith, none of those corners will likely fill the void left by Davis III.
The most likely replacement for Davis III is McCollum, who played a key role while Davis III and Jamel Dean missed time due to injury. In all 17 games, nine of which were starts, McCollum recorded 68 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, all career-highs.
Zyon McCollum was a key part of a dominant defensive effort against the Eagles. He lined up all over from Corner to Nickel and a lot of Safety. His speed and range at Safety makes him really unique. #Bucsfilm2023WildCardWeekend pic.twitter.com/KbElZVjUdG
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) January 18, 2024
From an advanced statistic standpoint, McCollum was arguably the best corner in Tampa Bay last season. Per Sports Reference, McCollum allowed just 11.3 yards per completion, 6.8 yards per target, and a 91.0 passer rating when targeted. For reference, Davis III posted marks of 14.4 yards per completion, 8.8 yards per target, and a 96.1 passer rating when targeted.
McCollum, the Buccaneers' fifth-round pick in 2022, will be one of the cheapest starting cornerbacks in 2024. According to Spotrac, McCollum has a $985,000 base salary and a very modest $1,065,433 cap hit in 2024. 17 cornerbacks are making at least $10 million per year, with three at $20 million or more, with Davis at $14.833 million last year.