3 Free Agents The Bucs Could Still Target

With the conclusion of the NFL Draft, the Bucs might now look to the free company market as soon as extra. There is a bonus of ready to signal free brokers after the draft. It’s not nearly realizing what wants your workforce nonetheless want to deal with, although that’s a plus. The moratorium for compensatory picks handed as properly, that means groups can now signal gamers with out the danger of canceling out projected 2023 picks.

So, what would a renewed free company push seem like for Tampa Bay?

Effectively, wanting on the Bucs’ roster because it’s constructed, there are nonetheless a couple of positions the place they could look to improve or add a veteran presence to the combo. They aren’t flush with cap area, sitting at simply over $12 million. However most remaining free brokers are in search of one-year offers to allow them to enter free company once more subsequent offseason. That’s the place the Bucs have their secret weapon to deploy: Tom Brady. The possibility to play with the G.O.A.T. and compete for a Tremendous Bowl ring will trump cash in some conditions, particularly with veteran gamers.

There are nonetheless some re-signings of their very own they will make as properly. The presumed return of Rob Gronkowski and the potential re-signing of Ndamukong Suh prime the listing. Nonetheless, there are definitely gamers on the market that would assist the ball membership this season as they compete for his or her second Lombardi Trophy in three years. Right here, we’ll check out three gamers who might match with the Bucs.

WR Keelan Cole

So far as the vast receiver place goes, there are a ton of our bodies there. However are any of them the actual reply because the No. 4 choice? With the Bucs not drafting a large receiver, some might assume they’re content material with the group they’ve. And though they did add three undrafted free brokers to the receiver room, none match the prototypical construct they search for, as all three stand at 5-foot-9 or shorter. The rumors and fan pleasure over presumably including Julio Jones and Odell Beckham jr. will proceed to swirl as properly, however there’s presumably a greater match on the market: Keelan Cole.

The 6-foot-1, 194-pound receiver performed for the Jets final season and completed with 28 receptions for 449 yards and a landing. He has inside and out of doors versatility and has averaged over 14 yards per catch all through his five-year profession. He’s additionally a sequence mover, with 130 of his 187 catches going for first downs. He’s received good palms, runs clear routes and is a dependable goal within the pink zone, the place he’s give you 10 of his 13 profession scores.

Aside from his robust character, the largest factor that makes him a Bucs match is his wonderful blocking expertise. He made $5.5 million final season and will come at a less expensive price ticket this yr, particularly on a multi-year deal.

EDGE Trey Flowers

Whereas the Bucs count on Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to step in as a full-time starter, having some veteran depth behind him could be invaluable to the protection. Whereas Anthony Nelson confirmed enchancment final season, he’s within the remaining yr of his deal. And Cam Gill hasn’t proven he’s prepared for a much bigger function, both. Bringing in a veteran presence in a rotational function would serve the Bucs properly, as it will give them high quality depth on the place in addition to manufacturing and recent legs.

Trey Flowers fills all these wants, assuming he can keep wholesome. The 28-year-old signed a five-year, $90 million take care of the Lions in 2019, however was launched in March in a cap-saving transfer. Well being was a significant factor in his three years with Detroit, however when he was on the sphere, he was nonetheless disruptive. Over three seasons, he posted 10.5 sacks and 27 quarterback hits with 97 tackles, together with 12 for a loss. He was restricted to simply 12 video games the previous two seasons, however he had an 82.8 defensive grade in 2019 per PFF, when he performed in 15 video games.

Whereas he principally lined up outdoors, the 6-foot-2, 265-pounder additionally kicked inside fairly a bit as properly. That may give the Bucs much more versatility of their entrance seven. He’s equally as robust in run protection as he’s speeding the passer, however he’ll must show he can keep wholesome over the course of a 17-game season. With that in thoughts, Flowers ought to come on an inexpensive one-year prove-it deal, making him an intriguing slot in Tampa Bay.

DT Sheldon Richardson

The hope is that Logan Corridor can be able to step in as a day-one starter for the Bucs. Nonetheless, if he’s not prepared, Richardson would offer insurance coverage. Richardson’s greatest days may be behind him, however the nine-year professional can present a flexible stop-gap choice. He aligned in a number of spots for Minnesota final season and was nonetheless productive. If the Bucs can not come to an settlement with Ndamukong Suh, Richardson can present a secure veteran presence to maintain legs recent.

It’s additionally value noting that, per PFF, he graded greater than Suh towards each the run and go final season. Richardson tallied 4 sacks, 22 pressures and 11 quarterback hits in 2021, enjoying 57% of snaps for the Vikings. He performed principally outdoors final season, however can play everywhere in the line and provides Todd Bowles a flexible chess piece to make use of. Bowles coached him in New York in 2015-16.

The 31-year previous made $3.6 million final season, which is a far cry from the $9 million that Suh made. And Richardson could also be keen to take lower than what he made final yr, whereas it seems Suh will not be.