Bucs 2022 Offseason Recap and Grade

The Bucs have had fairly an eventful 2022 offseason. From retirements, to un-retirements, and promotions, there was no scarcity of storylines. The strikes the workforce has made in free company and the draft have earned them a “B” grade in Professional Soccer Focus’ newest rankings.

It began with Tom Brady’s retirement, adopted by Ali Marpet calling it a profession as nicely. Seemingly out of nowhere, Brady determined he was going to return again for one more season.

Quickly after, Bruce Arians stepped down as head coach and into an advisor position, and Todd Bowles was named as the brand new head coach. The flurry of strikes modified the Bucs season outlook and the way they might method the offseason.

Bringing Again Their Personal

Brady’s return on the eve of free company cancelled any plans of a re-tool and it was time to carry again core members of the workforce. Heart Ryan Jensen was the primary to re-sign. That was adopted by long-term offers with broad receiver Chris Godwin and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Beginning working again Leonard Fournette re-upped shortly thereafter. The dominoes continued to fall with worthwhile position gamers inking offers to return again. Operating again Giovani Bernard, broad receiver Breshad Perriman, quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive finish Pat O’Connor all returned on one yr offers.

The Bucs misplaced a number of gamers alongside the way in which. Guard Alex Cappa departed for a giant pay day with the Bengals. Whereas security Jordan Whitehead joined the Jets. There was some controversy across the transfer, as Whitehead claimed the Bucs didn’t lengthen a proposal and declined to match what the Jets gave him. Then got here two doubtless departures. Tight finish O.J. Howard joined the Payments and working again Ronald Jones II signed with the Chiefs. The losses might end up nicely for the Bucs, as they’re projected to achieve as much as three compensatory picks within the 2023 draft.

Calculated Free Agent Acquisitions

After specializing in their very own for the beginning of free company, common supervisor Jason Licht made a splash signing former Falcons receiver Russell Gage to a three-year deal. He adopted that up with some wizardry, buying guard Shaq Mason from the Patriots for only a fifth-round choice. Then got here the worth signings of defensive again Logan Ryan and security Keanu Neal. Former Bengals offensive lineman Fred Johnson was additionally introduced in to compete for the backup sort out job. Whereas additionally bringing versatility to play guard in a pinch.

Bowles not too long ago said he was pleased with the roster as constructed however as we get nearer to camp there are nonetheless positions they might add veteran depth to. The Bucs can now signal veterans with out it counting towards their potential compensatory picks in 2023. As such, we might see them extra prepared to make strikes to bolster the roster and it’s depth.

Defensive sort out, edge rusher, inside linebacker, broad receiver and defensive again the doubtless positions. Nevertheless, tight finish Rob Gronkowski’s looming resolution as as to whether he’ll play one other season might make tight finish a place of want if he decides to retire.

Splash In The Draft

Slated to make their first choice at decide No. 27, the Bucs traded again to the primary decide of the second spherical gaining worthwhile belongings within the course of. It might be the primary of a number of trades the workforce would make, finishing 4 in whole. With the newly acquired second spherical decide the workforce chosen defensive sort out Logan Corridor. Corridor will compete for a beginning place out of the gate. The Bucs then traded once more this time transferring up within the second spherical to take guard Luke Goedke. The self-proclaimed “glass eater” will compete in camp for the beginning left guard place.

The Bucs stayed put for his or her subsequent three sections drafting working again Rachaad White, tight finish Cade Otton, and the stunning collection of punter Jake Camarda. With a participant the Bucs had extremely ranked on their board slipping into the fifth spherical, Jason Licht made the daring transfer of buying and selling a 2023 fourth-round decide to get again into the fifth. With the choice they took athletic cornerback Zyon McCollum.

One other commerce vaulted them into the sixth spherical the place the chosen ferocious blocking tight finish Ko Kieft. Lastly rounding out their draft class with edge rusher Andre Anthony within the seventh.

Set Up For Success

The strikes Tampa Bay made are headlined by the return of Brady. Realizing this might be his last season in crimson and pewter, the Bucs have completed an excellent job of surrounding him with acquainted faces and new expertise. Although they might nonetheless make further strikes to bolster the roster.

There are a number of spots on the workforce the place youthful gamers shall be given each alternative to step up. They’ll have to persuade the entrance workplace and training employees they’re set at these positions. Nevertheless, with large names nonetheless out there they might at all times add to the competitors and depth of the squad.

With a frightening schedule forward of them are the strikes the Bucs made sufficient to propel them to a different championship? Solely time will inform. I agree with PFF’s evaluation of a “B” grade, nevertheless it might shortly transfer up a letter if the workforce’s draft picks and free agent acquisitions pan out, or Tampa Bay continues so as to add to an already loaded workforce.