Top Free Agents Buccaneers could sign at every position entering Training Camp
By Brad Smith
In general, June and July mark the slowest part of the NFL calendar, with several players relaxing and vacationing ahead of training camp later this month. After training camp, teams will begin to finalize their 53-man roster through three roster limit deadlines leading up to the 2024 season, beginning on August 16.
That said, the start of free agency was over four months ago, and yet there are still several high-quality free agents that remain un-signed just two months before the start of this season. While part of it can be attributed to lengthy injury histories, lack of production, or age, there are still players that can be impactful for teams at their respective positions.
For teams like Tampa Bay, adding one more of these free agents at a position of need could make a major difference in the team's success this year. From quarterback to safety, these are the top three free agents that are still available midway into July and can be impactful additions to any team.
Top Free Agents at every position the Buccaneers could still sign
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill
Simply put, Tannehill's days of being a starting quarterback in the NFL are done, especially coming off a 3-5 record, 1,616 passing yards, and a 4-7 touchdown to interception ratio last season. Still, the veteran quarterback is just four years removed from his remarkable Comeback Player of the Year campaign in 2019, and could offer value as a backup to several teams without a veteran QB.
Blaine Gabbert
Gabbert has arguably been the league's most reliable quarterback backup in recent memory, winning two Super Bowls as Tom Brady's and Patrick Mahomes' backup from 2020-2023. Like Tannehill, Gabbert is entering the twilight years of his career, at 35 years old, but an insurance policy like Gabbert at the most important position is key, regardless of their age.
Trevor Siemian
In the wake of Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury in week one and Zach Wilson's struggles as the starter, Siemian came in and played decent as the starter. In three starts, Siemian went 2-1, leading the Jets to wins versus Washington and New England. Siemian isn't a starting quarterback but is still worth a look for teams that may be short at the quarterback position.
Running Backs
Kareem Hunt
Since signing with Cleveland in 2018, Hunt has served as Nick Chubb's top handcuff and the Browns' second option, but has still totaled 3,342 yards and 57 touchdowns from scrimmage in 75 games. At 28 years old, Hunt may still be in the prime of his playing career, and the seven-year veteran could certainly earn a one-year deal for 2024.
Dalvin Cook
After making the Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons, Cook's play fell off a clip in 2023 while splitting time with the Jets and the Ravens. In total, Cook rushed for 214 yards on 67 attempts for 3.2 YPC in 15 games, all career-lows. Injuries are a key concern for Cook, but is also just 28 and still has one-to-two more productive years.
Joshua Kelley
Admittedly, Kelley wasn't too productive during his time as a Charger, with just 1,148 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 320 carries in 54 games. Even so, Kelley played sub-35% of the team's snaps all four seasons in a secondary role behind Austin Ekeler, who is now a Commander. Kelley, who is 26, may get an opportunity to join a backfield as a backup running back late in free agency.