3 free agents Buccaneers should target after NFL Draft
By Brad Smith
With the NFL Draft now in the rearview, it's time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get back to work looking at other ways to add to the roster.
In total, 613 different players signed contracts worth $3.9 billion in free agency. Coupled with 257 prospects selected in the NFL draft, and this offseason has overseen a massive amount of player movement.
This offseason, the Bucs were one of many teams that used the offseason to their advantage. In free agency, Tampa Bay spent most of their money to bring back its own players, getting deals for key guys like Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. Tampa Bay also cooked up a pretty decent draft class as well, which featured a handful of undrafted rookies.
That said, the Buccaneers are still in the midst the offseason, and have several months to add another key player (or two) in free agency. While none of these free agents will be game-changing talents at their respective positions, a number of them are more than capable of playing pivotal roles in the starting lineup or on the bench.
Such is the case with these three free agents, as all three wouldn't be the first, second, or even third option at their positions, but would still be versatile and much-needed additions ahead of next season.
Adoree' Jackson, CB
This offseason, the Buccaneers have made a multitude of additions to their offensive line. From drafting Duke standout Graham Barton with the No. 26 pick to signing free agents Ben Bredeson, Sua Opeta and Justin Skule, Tampa Bay has improved their offensive line by drastic margins. Still, adding a veteran player like Risner would be a smart move on Tampa Bay's part in preparation for 2024.
Throughout the offseason, the Buccaneers made several transactions regarding their cornerback room. That starts with the Buccaneers trading Carlton Davis III to Detroit in exchange for the Lions' 2024 third-round pick. With that, Tampa Bay selected Georgia's Tykee Smith at No. 89, who figures to be the Buccaneers' starting nickel corner in 2024.
In free agency, Tampa Bay signed Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas to one-year deals, with both corners coming off solid seasons. Coupled with the return of starting cornerbacks Jamel Dean and breakout candidate Zyon McCollum, and the Buccaneers' cornerback room figures to be a solid point of their defense in 2024.
Outside of the five corners mentioned, Tampa Bay's reserves at the position leave a lot to be desired, with the likes of Josh Hayes, Quandre Mosely, and Keenan Isaac set to slot in the starting lineup barring the starters missing time. For example, Dean has missed 15 total games in his first five seasons, while Hall and Thomas have dealt with lingering injuries that has kept them off the field.
As several starting-caliber cornerbacks remain in free agency, Jackson, a seven-year veteran, appears to be the best option for Tampa Bay. Jackson, the No. 18 pick in the 2017 draft, has been a steady option at cornerback for the Giants and Titans. Starting in 77 of 83 games played, Jackson has recorded 376 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 56 pass breakups, four interceptions, five forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
Jackson was especially impressive in his rookie season, notching 70 tackles, a league-leading 17 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 16 starts. While Jackson has only totaled four career interceptions, Jackson has given up a completion percentage of 57.0% or less in three of five seasons, including in two of his last three campaigns.
In addition, Jackson has also shown flashes as an underrated kick and punt returner. In his first season in New York, Jackson posted 290 yards on 34 punt returns and 578 yards on 25 kickoffs for 923 all-purpose return yards. Since then, Jackson has been used sparingly on special teams, but could provide depth and a veteran presence for Tampa Bay in the secondary and on kick and punt returns.