While the Bucs aren’t expected to go crazy in free agency this season, they will be looking to upgrade a number of positions. PewterReport.com takes a look at each unit over the next week, showcasing which players Tampa Bay could lose, and which players might replace them, including our Bucs’ Best Bets.

RUNNING BACKS
2017 Bucs Free Agents: Peyton Barber (restricted), Jacquizz Rodgers
While many fans – and media members – thought heading into the 2019 offseason that running back was an area of need, new head coach Bruce Arians raved about Peyton Barber last week at the NFL Combine, and general manager Jason Licht feels second-year back Ronald Jones will be much improved. By listening to them speak, it appears the team feels comfortable heading into 2019 with Barber and Jones, and newly signed former Cardinals running back Andre Ellington.

Barber had a solid year in 2018, rushing for 871 yards and five touchdowns and adding another score as a receiver out of the backfield. Jones, who struggled mightily as a rookie rushing for just 44 yards and one touchdown, needs to have a bounce back year – and do so quickly. Ellington has struggled with injuries, playing in just 12 games the last two season, so it is hard to depend on him for a full season. However, Ellington is familiar with Arians’ system and has a 4.2 per carry career average. He’s also a competent receiver out of the backfield.

Top NFL Free Agent Running Backs Available
1. Le’Veon Bell – Steelers
2. Mark Ingram – Saints
3. Tevin Coleman – Falcons
4. Jay Ajayi – Eagles
5. Adrian Peterson – Redskins

Others: C.J. Anderson(Rams), T.J. Yeldon (Jaguars), Marshawn Lynch (Raiders), Alex Collins RFA (Ravens), Spencer Ware (Chiefs), Bilal Powell (NY Jets)

Outlook: The Bucs would love to have a player like Bell in their backfield but the cost will prohibit Tampa Bay from getting involved. Look for the Bucs to sign a veteran running back in the second and third waves of free agency, possibly Yeldon or Powell, and possibly draft a running back in April. Although the prospects of dealing a blow to the Saints by signing Ingram or the Falcons with Coleman could be tempting, especially if the market isn’t super strong right out of the gate on March 13.

Bucs’ Best Bet: Bilal Powell
Powell, a Lakeland native while getting up there in age (30), could be a cheap alternative in what could be a pricey free agent running back market again in 2019. Powell’s 2018 season was cut short due to an injury that landed him on injured reserve after Week 7 but in 2017 he had a career year rushing for 772 yards and five touchdowns. Powell, who played for Todd Bowles in New York, also added 23 receptions for 170 yards in showing some versatility. Powell would be one of those second or third wave free agents that the Buccaneers will most likely have to target due to salary cap restrictions.