6 free agents the Buccaneers can target after re-signing their core players
By Josh Hill
Stephon Gilmore, CB
Cornerback is a need for the Bucs, but they don’t have to spend big on a younger player to replace Carlton Davis III. All signs point toward the team drafting a guy, potentially in the first round, while free agency can be used to land a veteran to serve as the adult in the room this season.
That’s where Stephon Gilmore enters the equation.
Gilmore was a star for the Bills, helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl, and was a veteran leader on a couple of phenomenal defenses in Dallas. His connection to Dan Quinn could lead him to Washington, but the Bucs would be wise to try and get him to Tampa Bay instead.
His market value is around $11 million and he’s unlikely to get a multi-year deal, which means Jason Licht could work some of his front office magic to sweeten the pot for Gilmore. If he did sign with the Bucs, he’d be someone who might be able to help Jamel Dean tap back into what has made him great in the past as well as mentoring whoever the team drafts.
All of that is in addition to what he’d bring to the field, as he could potentially be the Bucs top cornerback and help fix a secondary that was a liability at times for Todd Bowles.