The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a bit of a surprise for many people last year. Another season of Todd Bowles paired with a questionable quarterback in Baker Mayfield caused some doubters to pencil the Bucs in as one of the worst teams in the league before the season even started.
We all know how that went.
Instead of simply rolling over and giving up, the Bucs fought their way to an NFC South title, a playoff win over a team that went to the Super Bowl in 2023, and even played close in their playoff finale against a very talented Lions team.
Last season was a win in every way, shape, and form for this team. But that wasn't the ceiling. Now, the foundation has been placed, the cap has reset somewhat, and this team is looking for new ways to find success in 2024.
Assuming the Bucs want to get better and improve their chances in their division and with their NFC title hopes, these are the moves they should start with.
Sign Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal
The Buccaneers need help at edge. YaYa Diaby looks like a star and should get one of the starting spots, but the room outside of him is questionable. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn't flashed as a starter for over two years and Anthony Nelson has a clear ceiling that indicates "above average depth guy."
It seems very likely that the Bucs will target an edge with one of their first picks in the draft, but a question does arise when you look at availability and picking position. If there is a run on pass rushers in the teens, which is very realistic, the Buccaneers could be without a top option at 26 or 57.
Even if the Bucs do get lucky and have one of the top guys fall to them at either pick, expecting any rookie to come in at that position and produce at a high level is risky. Jadeveon Clowney would help offset that risk.
The Clowney discourse can be exhausting due to some fans using sacks as the only measure of success at the position, but he brings everything that the Bucs would need; veteran presence, good run defender, gets to the passer, and affordable.
Clowney is coming off one of the best stretches of his career during his time with the Browns and Ravens, and this signing would improve Tampa's pass rush over where it was at last season without breaking the bank or limiting the development of younger options in the long run. Plus, it address the most important open position on the defense with a reliable option that has limited risk involved.