5 free agents the Buccaneers can still sign after start of OTAs

RB Rashaad Penny

Last season, Tampa Bay's running game ranked near the bottom of the league, with a league-worst 88.8 rushing yards per game on 422 attempts. With a putrid 3.8 yards per carry mark on the team, improving the run game was a clear must for the Buccaneers this offseason.

Part of the solution might have been found in the fourth round of the draft this year. Tampa Bay used their fourth-round pick on running back Bucky Irving, who was a two-time All-American back at Oregon.

With third-year incumbent Rachaad White and Irving in the fold, Tampa Bay's run game will improve from last season. That said, Tampa Bay still lacks a true power back, a player capable of succeeding in short-yardage situations. As White and Irving are both under 200 pounds, neither player had success in goal-line situations, and a player capable would be the ultimate contrast alongside Tampa Bay's current duo.

Of the remaining running backs in free agency, Penny makes the most sense to fill a power-back role in Tampa. Standing at 5'11" and 220 pounds, Penny has filled that role in six seasons as a Seahawk and an Eagle. In 45 career games (11 starts), Penny has taken 348 carries for 1,951 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5.6 yards per carry.

While Cam Akers, Matt Breida, Dalvin Cook, and Kareem Hunt all remain un-signed in free agency as well, Penny is the youngest of the group at 28, and still offers the most upside on a cheap deal. A running back group of White, Irving, and Penny would be an improved trio rushing attack for offensive coordinator Liam Coen to work with this season.