Over the last week, PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Mark Cook, Trevor Sikkema, Taylor Jenkins and Matt Matera devised their own Bucs’ 2019 Offseason Battle Plans that feature free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks designed to aid Tampa Bay’s quest to end its 10-year playoff drought.
Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans were how the PewterReport.com staff members would reshape the team this offseason – not necessarily what we think Tampa Bay will do in free agency and the draft, although there could be some overlap with certain players the team may be targeting.
The Bucs start the 2019 offseason with approximately $16 million in available salary cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. Salary cap information and contract data from both OverTheCap.com and Spotrac.com were used in the Bucs Battle Plan series.
Now we review all five Battle Plans and ask you to vote for your favorite.
First up was PewterReport.com publisher Scott Reynolds the old veteran of the group. Reynolds’ Battle Plan saw the team trade away a long time stalwart on the defense, giving the Bucs some cap space and extra draft picks, then saw the team make a draft-day trade to get even more picks. You can read Reynolds full battle plan here.
Trevor Sikkema was up next and is usually the mad scientist in the lab of the group. And while Sikkema certainly was creative, sending a former starter and fan favorite to a new team to ease the salary cap crunch and give the Bucs more draft picks, he didn’t even draft a Gators player. Sikkema also brought back a familiar face at quarterback. No, it isn’t Josh Freeman, but you can read Sikkema’s full Battle Plan here.
Mark Cook was up next and pulled off a major offseason blockbuster trade to help shore up the defense. Cook was also able to keep some fan favorites in town with some creative contracts, but allowed some players to walk. You can read Cook’s full Battle Plan here.
The two newest members of the PewterReport.com team took a stab at being Jason Licht this offseason. Matt Matera followed Cook’s Battle Plan with his own version and the Bucs now have a new running back to take help Jameis Winston and the offense become more balanced. Take a look at Matera’s Battle Plan here, and see what you think.

Bucs TE Alan Cross (left) and Mark Cook (right) – Photo by: Andrew Scavelli/PR
The final Battle Plan came from Taylor Jenkins, who brought in a veteran quarterback familiar with Bruce Arians’ offense to back up Winston and another former Arians’ player to help the defense. See who Jenkins signed and traded for by reading his full Battle Plan here.
So what do you think Bucs fans? Tell us with your vote on the PewterReport.com homepage. Do you think you can do better? Well if so, click here and add your own battle plan in this thread on the message boards. The PewterReport.com staff will read over the entries and select a winner who will receive a $50 Ford’s Garage Gift Card. The contest will be open through next Monday. Have fun, be creative but keep into account the 53-man roster and also the salary cap.
Good Luck!