Where Does Bucs’ Offseason Rank Compared To Other Teams?

This offseason hasn’t been quick on main storylines for the Bucs. Tom Brady retired in February. He then returned simply earlier than free company started. That led to some main strikes for Tampa Bay and — if Tuesday’s addition of Akiem Hicks is any indication — the entrance workplace nonetheless isn’t executed.

Oh, there was additionally the matter of a training change. Bruce Arians stepped right into a entrance workplace position on the finish of March, making method for the promotion of defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

So, how does the Bucs’ offseason stack up towards the remainder of the NFL? Fairly effectively, at the least based on ESPN’s Invoice Barnwell.

Rating every group’s offseason from finest to worst (ESPN+ subscription required), Barnwell positioned Tampa Bay at No. 4. His “what went proper” part kicked off with what a win it was for Brady to return from his temporary retirement. It additionally included a harsh-but-fair evaluation of what the group’s prospects may’ve been with Kyle Trask main the best way.

“A Buccaneers group that had been staring down a future with Kyle Trask as its quarterback needed to be thrilled,” Barnwell wrote.

Brady’s return led to the return of Ryan Jensen, in addition to the addition of Russell Gage. Barnwell additionally famous Tampa Bay’s means to retain each Carlton Davis III and Chris Godwin on contracts which are “affordable for 2 of the highest gamers at their respective positions.”

Whereas acknowledging that the Bucs needed to be dissatisfied to lose Ali Marpet to retirement, Barnwell referred to as the newly traded for Shaq Mason a “very strong various.” He did elevate an eyebrow at New England letting Mason go for a fifth-round choose, however referred to as it a threat definitely worth the reward for the Bucs.

In his “what’s subsequent” part, Barnwell advised the “inevitable” transfer of bringing Rob Gronkowski again for one more 12 months. That appears more likely to occur.

Nitpicking What Went Fallacious For The Bucs This Offseason

So far as the place the Bucs went improper this offseason, Barnwell stated he wasn’t notably thrilled with the group signing Leonard Fournette to a three-year deal. He does say that it isn’t “egregious” provided that Tampa Bay can get out of the contract after only one 12 months and $9 million.

He addresses the Fournette transfer as soon as once more in his “what they may’ve executed in another way” part. After writing that the group might’ve gone in a less expensive route at operating again and as a substitute made a transfer on the defensive position, he mentions Harrison Phillips instead addition with that cash. Then once more, Barnwell caps every thing off with the next assertion:

“Generally, although, I can’t fault an excessive amount of of Tampa Bay’s decision-making,” he wrote.

Really, discovering any points throughout the group’s course of would require some nit-picking. The Bucs are loaded up and prepared for one more run on the Lombardi Trophy.

How Did Tampa Bay’s Offseason Evaluate?

Coming in at No. 4, the Bucs’ offseason ranked behind solely that of the Broncos, Eagles and Chargers. In fact, which means that they had the No. 2 offseason within the NFC, based on Barnwell.

Taking a look at different NFC contenders, the Bucs completed forward of the Rams (No. 8) and Packers (No. 9). The 49ers (No. 21), Cowboys (No. 24) and Cardinals (No. 30) all had their offseasons ranked within the backside half of the league.

Tampa Bay’s offseason additionally blew away the remainder of the NFC South. The Panthers (No. 18) adopted behind the Bucs, whereas the Saints (No. 29) and Falcons (No. 31) discovered themselves close to the very backside of the NFL.