The Current State Of The Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season full of accomplishment and disappointment under the first year of head coach Todd Bowles. The Bucs swept the Saints, beat the Rams and won the NFC South for a second straight year. But Bowles’ team finished the season with an 8-9 record – even with Tom Brady at quarterback – and lost a home playoff game to Dallas.

Now, Brady has retired at age 45 after three seasons in Tampa Bay, and the Bucs are at a turning point. The team isn’t doing a fire sale rebuild. Instead, it’s attempting to reload while remaining competitive in a wide-open NFC South division.

General manager Jason Licht has decided to pay off the Super Bowl credit card, which consists of absorbing all $35 million of Brady’s dead cap money this year. The Bucs were $56 million over the salary cap just days before the start of free agency and have begun to make some cap cuts.

Bucs GM Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

 Left tackle Donovan Smith was released and saves the team just under $10 million. Running back Leonard Fournette was also cut and saves the team nearly $3.5 million. Tight end Cam Brate was also released and saved Tampa Bay just over $2 million. Up next will be some contract restructures or extensions by vice president of football administration Mike Greenberg, who is the team’s capologist.

Tampa Bay has 22 unrestricted free agents, including several starters like linebacker Lavonte David, cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting, safeties Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal, in addition to defensive linemen like Akiem Hicks, Will Gholston and others. Tampa Bay can’t afford to bring them all back.

The biggest question will be at quarterback, where the team is resigned to the fact that it can’t land a big name via trade or in free agency. Unproven third-year QB Kyle Trask is the only one under contract, but the Bucs will sign at least one veteran to provide competition.

Bowles made some changes on the coaching staff this offseason, firing offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and several offensive assistants. Dave Canales, Seattle’s former QBs coach and passing game coordinator, takes over for Leftwich as the play-caller. Brad Idzik is the new receivers coach and Skip Peete is the new running backs coach. Thad Lewis was promoted to QBs coach, while George Edwards joins the staff to coach outside linebackers.

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2023

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams, JC Allen and Adam Slivon have devised their own Bucs Plans For the 2023 offseason. These come complete with free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks to hopefully help Tampa Bay three-peat as NFC South champions and make another playoff run.

Bucs VP of player personnel John Spytek and VP of football administration Mike Greenberg – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans are 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 have until Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET to get into cap compliance and trim millions through cuts, restructures or extensions from the current salary cap overage.

Licht and Greenberg can create plenty of salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of several players and lowering their 2023 cap values. Wide receiver Chris Godwin ($23,750,000 cap value in 2023), wide receiver Mike Evans ($23,698,500), outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett ($21,252,941), cornerback Carlton Davis III ($18,215,686), nose tackle Vita Vea ($15,651,652) and center Ryan Jensen ($15,000,000) are the prime candidates.

The free agents that Tampa Bay signs and re-signs will all have one or two years worth of guaranteed money. That’s a Greenberg staple when it comes to contracts. But the first-year salaries will also be lower than the average yearly cap value of the contract to help the Bucs’ cap in 2023. The cap is expected to rise in 2024 and Tampa Bay can defer some money into later years.

Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2023 Offseason

In outlining my Bucs Battle Plan, my goal is to be as realistic as possible in finding fits for the roster. Putting on my general manager cap, 2023 is going to be a season of change and ushering in a new era in Tampa Bay. 

As the Bucs seem likely to do, many of the team’s free agents will jump ship, while restructures and cuts will be made in addition to what has been reported. Younger players and recent draft picks should have the opportunity for more playing time and development, as roster turnover is paramount in getting younger and adding more speed at various position groups. 

My Battle Plan goal is to keep the team as competitive as possible while keeping the door open to spending in 2024.

Bucs Restructures

WR Chris Godwin – Godwin’s three-year, $60 million extension signed last offseason is the first of many restructures done to get under the salary cap. Doing so saves the Bucs $14,190,000.

Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

OLB Shaq Barrett – Being in a tough cap position, the Bucs will create much-needed cap relief by restructuring Barrett’s deal. Entering the 2023 season coming off a torn Achilles, Barrett’s restructure creates $9,813,750.

NT Vita Vea – Another part of the team’s core, Vea has his base salary converted to a bonus. The team’s 2022 sack leader has his cap figure go from $15,651,652 to $6,799,887, saving $8,565,000.

C Ryan Jensen – Another player coming off an injury, Jensen was able to tough it out and play in the team’s Wild Card loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs will hope to get some value from the contract he signed last season. Restructuring here saves $8,501,250.

CB Carlton Davis III – After this offseason, Davis will have full control of the top cornerback position. This conversion saves $6,710,000 toward the cap.

OG Shaq Mason – Coming over from New England last offseason, Mason had a solid season holding down the right guard position. The Bucs are squeezing every dollar, creating $4,751,250.

WR Russell Gage – Although the team could save $2,833,332 by cutting him, they roll the dice and restructure his contract. Gage still provides value as a No.3 wide receiver and will enter 2023 at 100% after battling a hamstring injury for most of 2022. The Bucs gain $4,460,000 by keeping him in the fold.

Bucs Extensions

WR Mike Evans – 2 years, $40 million ($35 million fully guaranteed)

Evans has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Extending him another two years carries him through his prime, while also allowing him to add to his Bucs’ receiving records.

Bucs Cuts

Bucs K Ryan Succop – Photo by: USA Today

K Ryan Succop – Much like his ability to make 50-yard field goals last season, Succop falls short of making the team. His age (36) and lack of range (2-7 50+ yards) leave much to be desired for a team looking to manufacture more points. Cutting Succop nets an additional $3.25 million in savings, which will come in handy later.

Bucs Trade Back In The First Round

Just as I prepare to send in my selection to the league with the No. 19 pick, the war room phone rings. On the other line is New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen.

Looking to jump ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens, Schoen wants to trade up from No. 25 to get the wide receiver of his choice, giving newly-extended quarterback Daniel Jones a go-to target. With many areas to address on the roster, I decide to oblige and trade back from No. 19 to No. 25 while picking up the Giants’ third-rounder at No. 89.

Tampa Bay’s 2023 NFL Draft Picks

Round 1 – No. 25 (from New York Giants)

Round 2 – No. 50

Round 3 – No. 82

Round 3 – No. 89 (from New York Giants)

Round 5 – No. 155

Round 5 – No. 175 (expected compensatory pick)

Round 6 – No. 181 (from Indianapolis)

Round 6 – No. 196

Round 7 – No. 232

Round 7 – No. 253 (expected compensatory pick)

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

ILB Lavonte David – 2 years, $14 million

David chooses to stick around in Tampa Bay, electing to be a career Buc over signing for more money elsewhere. This new pact allows the team more time to find his heir apparent in the middle of the defense. He remains one of the key captains of a ship changing much of its cast.

CB Sean Murphy-Bunting – 1 year, $2.5 million

SMB returns to the Bucs, giving the secondary an important insurance policy as the second cornerback. He has had his ups and downs, but for $2,500,000, this deal provides a solid return on investment. It also allows for Murphy-Bunting to rebound and put together a solid campaign before re-entering the market next year.

DL Will Gholston – 1 year, $1.5 million

Like David, Gholston re-signs and decides to play another year. Already a 10-year vet, Gholston could retire with a pension from the league. Instead, he takes a pay cut to mentor the young defensive linemen while contributing as a rotational player.

S Logan Ryan – 1 year, $1.25 million

Ryan is the epitome of a Todd Bowles defensive back. A well-spoken veteran with a high football IQ, Ryan still has something in the tank. Limited to only six starts last season, he still recorded an interception and forced fumble. His impact will be felt on and off the field as a key communicator on the back end.

OLB Carl Nassib – 1 year, $1.25 million

Nassib was brought in during the preseason but quickly settled in back in Tampa Bay. He recorded 3.5 sacks as a rotational pass rusher. Per his teammates, he also brings the “juice.”

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches – 1 year, $1.165 million

Another high-energy player, Nunez-Roches is a great locker-room presence and reserve defensive tackle. He was highly productive for his role last season, recording a career-high two sacks and 33 tackles.

DT Deadrin Senat – 1 year, $1,080,000 million

Senat performed well in limited action last year, which included his first NFL sack. He returns to provide additional line depth.

Restricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

OLB Cam Gill – After missing the whole season, Gill is the odd man out for a roster that will be overhauled. Still only 25, he should find a role elsewhere, but it won’t be in Tampa.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents Re-Signed

OG Nick Leverett – 1 year, $940,000

Leverett put together a solid season at the Bucs’ left guard after rookie Luke Goedeke was benched. It is a no-brainer to bring him back to compete for the starting spot against Robert Hainsey at this price point.

CB Dee Delaney – 1 year, $940,000

Delaney is a versatile defensive back with experience in the system. He is further depth at cornerback and safety and is worth keeping at the league minimum.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

Bucs DC Todd Bowles and CB Jamel Dean – Photo by: USA Today

CB Jamel Dean

Dean is the toughest free agent to let go, but there is no feasible route to keeping him on the roster. Having already locked in Davis on a big contract, the team cannot afford to pay two cornerbacks No.1 corner money. Dean will surely get a team to back up the Brinks truck for him.

DT Akiem Hicks

Hicks only played in 11 games last year and recorded one sack. With the Bucs looking to get younger and Hicks nearing the end of his career, he is no longer a fit for the roster.

S Mike Edwards

A key spot-starter for the first three seasons, Edwards failed to bring his game up a notch after the departure of Jordan Whitehead last year. Edwards is still a starting-caliber safety, but with tight cap restraints, he is likely to find “greener” pastures elsewhere.

OLB Anthony Nelson

Nelson impressed in his role late in the season, but another team will offer him money based on his production stepping in as a starter.

WR Julio Jones

Brought in due to the Brady effect, Jones disappointed and it is apparent he has lost a step or two from his glory days with the Atlanta Falcons.

Bucs QB Blaine Gabbert – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

QB Blaine Gabbert

Gabbert will always be remembered in Tampa Bay for being the local hero that he is. Unfortunately, with Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich no longer controlling the offense, Gabbert has no role or chance at the starting gig. As sad as it is to say, the Blaine Train has made its last stop.

WR Scotty Miller

Another fan favorite during the team’s Super Bowl run, the Bucs elect to go younger and find a receiver with a higher ceiling.

WR Breshad Perriman

Ditto for Perriman, who failed to produce in his second stint with the team.

S Keanu Neal

Keanu Neal ended up not being “the one” in the secondary, as his coverage skills are below average. He provides big hits, but the team can find younger, more well-rounded safeties.

OLB Genard Avery

Avery offered very little on defense and his spot can go toward a developmental edge rusher.

OT Josh Wells

Wells suffered a knee injury on Christmas and will not be ready for the start of 2023. For an offensive line in need of addressing the tackle spot post-Donovan Smith, Wells will not return.

DL Patrick O’Connor

POC offers solid special teams production, but not much else. The Bucs can go younger here.

LG Aaron Stinnie

The Bucs have found better options at guard in Leverett and potentially Hainsey. Having only started one game in two years and coming off a big injury, Stinnie does not fit in the team’s new run scheme.

RB Giovani Bernard

Bernard may very well have played his last snaps in the league last season. He is no longer a dual-threat running back and only got carries in a meaningless Week 18 game.

TE Kyle Rudolph

Similar to Bernard, it may be the end of the line for Rudolph. He struggled to be active for games and was not able to get open when on the field. With Cam Brate also being cut, the tight end room will be much younger.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

Bucs DE Will Gholston, OLB Anthony Nelson and WFT QB Taylor Heinicke – Photo by: USA Today

QB Taylor Heinicke – 1 year, $3.5 million

The first of two quarterback additions, Heinicke is a solid fit for the Bucs and the offensive system of Dave Canales. He also would quickly win over the players in the locker room for his underdog mentality and being able to rally the team. He provides Kyle Trask with great competition while also being someone who can win games in a pinch.

RB Rashaad Penny – 1 year, $1.75 million

With Penny, there is enough room for two Rachaad/Rashaads on the roster. Not only did he play under Canales last season on offense, but he is a great complement to White. His signing comes with a lot of upside, as he is a productive running back when healthy. Over the span of 15 games in the past two seasons, he has averaged 6.2 yards per carry (1,095 yards on 176 carries), along with eight touchdowns.

CB Amani Oruwariye – 1 year, $1.75 million

Oruwariye is an excellent buy-low candidate to fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. A tall (6-2), fast (4.47 40-time) cornerback, he can come in and compete for the outside cornerback position while still allowing for the younger cornerbacks to develop. It also was not that long ago that he was considered one of the best ball hawks in the league, recording six interceptions in 2021. Born in St. Petersburg and having gone to high school in Tampa, Oruwariye makes a lot of sense as a low-risk, high-reward signing.

QB Drew Lock – 1 year, $1.5 million

The second quarterback signed to a free-agent deal, Lock has the opportunity to come to Tampa Bay a step ahead of Heinicke and Trask as someone who spent a year learning Canales’ offense. Still only 26, he is young enough to “unlock” his potential and compete for the starting job.

Slivon’s 2023 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 1 (from New York Giants) – Alabama S Brian Branch 6-0, 193 • Junior

After trading back in the first round, Brian Branch still is on the board and finds himself as the Bucs’ first selection. With the team having many free agents in the secondary, Branch can jump right in as a versatile player who jumps out on film while also being highly intelligent and fundamentally sound. In 2022 for the Crimson Tide, he recorded 90 tackles, 14 TFLs, 7 PBUs, 2 INTs, and three sacks.

This stat line stands out and the best comparison to him is already on the roster in Antoine Winfield Jr., someone he can co-exist with. Drafting Branch allows the team to move Winfield back to safety while putting Branch in as the slot cornerback, where he played a lot at Alabama. Playing under Todd Bowles is just like getting a master’s degree in being a defensive back. With the way he gameplans the secondary and utilizes them, Branch can be another piece to the puzzle who can move around and create big plays.

Round 2 – Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah 6-3, 255 • Junior

The Bucs need to add production and youth in the pass rush, and that is exactly what Anudike-Uzomah would bring as the next pick. In the last two seasons at Kansas State, he recorded 19.5 sacks for the Wildcats. He displays a lot of power coming off the edge while also being able to close and wrap up opposing quarterbacks if they try to leave the pocket.

His selection provides new Bucs outside linebackers coach George Edwards another edge rusher to develop. He is polished in his technique and played in a 3-4 scheme in college. He is another versatile rusher that can have a prominent role alongside Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. His addition also makes it easier to replace Nelson.

Round 3 – Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly 6-0, 191 • Senior

Pewter Report has profiled Kelly in detail as a Senior Bowl target and fit for the Bucs. His selection continues the lineage of Kellys in Tampa, as his father Brian spent a decade in Tampa Bay, and on the team’s 2002 Super Bowl-winning season, he had a league-leading eight interceptions.

Kelly also demonstrated the ability to make big plays like his dad once did on the field during Senior Bowl week. He has kept his doors open, and this includes creating his legacy, even if that’s at Raymond James Stadium.

“Whatever team gets me, I’ll always be happy, but I’ve been watching Tampa Bay a long time,” Kelly said. “I feel like playing under Todd Bowles’ defense would be a great opportunity. Playing as I am, a longer corner but able to run and have quickness. I feel like I excel in that defense for sure.”

With a deep cornerback class, Kelly falls to the third round and helps replace Dean’s production.

Round 3 – Alabama OT Tyler Steen (from New York Giants) 6-6, 321 • Senior

With the selection acquired in trading down in the first round, the Bucs are able to address a need along the offensive line by selecting Steen. Steen is a versatile lineman, having plenty of experience at each tackle spot in college.

During Senior Bowl week, he stood out for how well he did in 1-on-1 reps and has the size to remain a tackle in the NFL. He is strong, plays with a high motor and can slide around where needed.

Coming to the Bucs would mean offering Goedeke competition at the right tackle position while also being able to slide around should injuries arise. With his athleticism and lateral quickness both being strengths, he is a great fit for the run designs that will be drawn up this season.

Round 5 – Old Dominion TE Zach Kuntz 6-7, 255 • Junior

In such a deep tight-end class, this position is addressed with the first of the team’s Day 3 picks. If Kuntz is available after how well he tested at the NFL Combine, he would provide great value and a different element to the offense than the incumbent Cade Otton.

Kuntz stands in at 6-7, 255, but his athleticism is what really jumps off the tape. He ran 4.55 in the 40-yard dash while also showing off a 40-inch vertical.

Kuntz, who had an informal meeting with Tampa Bay at the NFL Combine, stood out further with a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score. He lined up in various formations at the line, developed his route tree at Old Dominion and showcased an ability to create separation and make contested catches.

The Heinicke-Kuntz pairing on offense is a unique connection, as they both played for the Monarchs in college.

Round 5 (compensatory pick) – Louisville OLB YaYa Diaby 6-3, 263 • Senior

Diaby is a great athlete, boasting a 4.51 time in the 40-yard dash, no small feat for someone weighing in at 263 pounds. Diaby would provide a great developmental pass rusher who would have a season to grow behind Barrett, JTS, Anudike-Uzomah and Nassib.

Round 6 (from Indianapolis) – Jackson State ILB Aubrey Miller Jr. 6-2, 225 • Senior

Miller is an underrated draft prospect, as he spent his time at college at Jackson State and not a bigger program. What stood out while watching him in college and during the Senior Bowl practices was his ability to speed around the field and make big hits. In 2022, he record four forced fumbles along with two sacks.

He is an upside play; one the team can afford to take if the duo of David and White pair up for one more season.

Round 6 – Florida WR Justin Shorter 6-4, 229 • Senior

Shorter has familiarity with Trask, having played with him during the 2020 season, which put Trask on the NFL radar. At 6-4, Shorter is a rather big target and can fill the role Julio Jones was expected to have on offense as a bigger deep threat. A former five-star recruit before college, he would be able to further develop behind Evans, Godwin and Gage, and if he quickly builds his rapport with his former quarterback, he could surprise.

Round 7 – Alabama S DeMarrco Hellams 6-1, 203 • Senior

The third pick from Alabama in this draft, Hellams starred during his senior season despite having to play alongside Brian Branch and Jordan Battle. Hellams joins Branch down in Tampa Bay as another versatile defender and consistent tackler. During his senior season at Alabama, he recorded 108 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.

His athleticism causes him to slip in the draft, as he is not the fastest defensive back. Still, he could provide additional depth and the ability to play on special teams.

Round 7 (compensatory pick) –  West Virginia DT Dante Stills 6-3, 286 • Senior

The last draft pick for the Bucs adds to the defensive line in Dante Stills. Even though he is more renowned for his run-stuffing ability, Stills recorded 11.5 sacks during his last two seasons at West Virginia. With the losses of Hicks and O’Connor in free agency, Stills provides further depth as a younger, more athletic lineman who can do a bit of everything.

Slivon’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photo by: USA Today

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Kyle Trask
Taylor Heinicke
Drew Lock

Analysis: Heinicke and Trask duel it out throughout training camp and the preseason, but it is the former Gator’s job to lose now that Brady and Gabbert are gone. Is it finally Trask time? Or will he not be able to secure the starting job? The answer to that question will dictate what the team chooses to do in 2024. Lock comes in as someone familiar with Canales and still young enough to develop, but will likely slot in as a backup signal-caller.

RUNNING BACKS – 4

Rachaad White
Rashaad Penny
Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Hunter Luepke

Analysis: White will get the chance to build off his rookie campaign as the starter next season. The addition of Penny in free agency will pay dividends if he stays healthy, while Vaughn is another runner who won’t be as blocked as he has been in recent seasons. Luepke is signed as an undrafted free agent who can fit the role of fullback and a goal-line bruiser.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 5

Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Russell Gage
Deven Thompkins
Justin Shorter

Analysis: Evans and Godwin rival any 1-2 duo in the NFL, while Gage will hope to bounce back in his second season. Thompkins excites for his ability as an athletic receiver and return specialist, while Shorter is given time to grow and provide depth.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade Otton
Zach Kuntz
Ko Kieft

Analysis: Youth is abound in the tight end room after the subtractions of Brate and Rudolph. Otton will start the season as the starting tight end, but don’t be surprised if the more athletic Kuntz provides competition before the season starts. With Otton and Kuntz one and two on the depth chart, this leaves Kieft as the true blocking tight end on the roster.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs and RG Shaq Mason – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

OFFENSIVE LINE – 9

LT Tristan Wirfs
LG Nick Leverett
OC Ryan Jensen
RG Shaq Mason
RT Luke Goedeke
OT Brandon Walton
OG/OC Robert Hainsey
OL John Molchon
OT Tyler Steen

Analysis: Wirfs makes the switch to left tackle only if he remains a Pro-Bowl-level player there, which I think he will. Goedeke is given the chance to stake a claim for the right tackle spot, but the addition of Steen will make it a battle. Leverett and Hainsey will duke it out for the left guard spot, but Leverett’s 10 starts there last season give him a slight advantage to begin the season. Jensen is back from injury, and his toughness will be a welcome addition to the unit. Walton and Molchon are both depth options that will be pressed into action if the injury bug bites.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6

Vita Vea
Logan Hall
Will Gholston
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Deadrin Senat
Dante Stills

Analysis: Expect the Bucs to be creative as a unit in dialing up pressure in 2023. There will be plenty of shuffling amongst these options, with Vea the only locked-in option as the nose tackle. Hall should receive plenty of time alongside him, with Gholston and Nunez-Roches also cycled in. Senat is more of a backup defensive tackle but is given the chance to get more playing time. Stills’ role may increase throughout the season, but for now, he is at the bottom of the totem pole.

Bucs OLB Carl Nassib – Photo by: USA Today

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Shaq Barrett
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Carl Nassib
Yaya Diaby

Analysis: The hope is that Barrett does not miss a step next season and slides right back in as the No. 1 pass-rushing option. Just as important is seeing Tryon-Shoyinka turning his development into production, as this will be a make-or-break season for him as the second rusher off the edge. If either falters, the selection of Anudike-Uzomah provides an insurance policy and the rookie could rotate in rather quickly. Nassib comes back to bring the juice, while Diaby is someone coming in with a lot of energy who can shuffle around where needed.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 4

Lavonte David
Devin White
Aubrey Miller Jr.
K.J. Britt

Analysis: The patented duo of David and White returns for what could be for one last season in Tampa Bay. David is the steadying presence and long-time captain, while White will be looking for a platform year ahead of the decision to sign him long-term. Miller comes in ready to learn from the two and will have the inside track to one of their spots in the future. Britt returns for special teams and being someone who has been in the system.

Bucs CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

CORNERBACKS – 6

Carlton Davis III
Sean Murphy-Bunting
Kyu Blu Kelly
Amani Oruwariye
Zyon McCollum
Dee Delaney

Analysis: Davis is one boundary corner, but who is the other? That is where the Bucs have options. Murphy-Bunting, Kelly, and Oruwariye will all see time there, while McCollum should have a better second season after having an offseason to watch film and develop. Delaney is a veteran and will provide depth at both corner and safety. This group offers a lot of upside.

SAFETIES – 5

Antoine Winfield Jr.
Brian Branch
Logan Ryan
DeMarcco Hellams
Nolan Turner

Analysis: Winfield returns to the safety role as Branch comes in to play the slot corner position. If Branch moves around and Murphy-Bunting is in the slot, he will share time as the other safety with Ryan. Hellams and Turner are younger safeties who could see time throughout the year.

SPECIALISTS – 3

Harrison Mevis
Jake Camarda
Zach Triner

Analysis: With Succop gone, who is the team’s next kicker? The Bucs choose not to spend a draft pick on a kicker, instead bringing in the undrafted Harrison Mevis, who wins the job. Nicknamed the “Thiccer Kicker” as he stands at 5-11, 254, Mevis has a booming leg. During his time at Missouri, he connected on 10-of-13 field goals from 50 yards and beyond while making 83.6% of his career attempts. While Mevis surely will become a fan favorite for his stature, Camarda’s own booming leg is nothing to slouch at. He will look to build upon his rookie season, while Triner returns as the trusty long-snapper.

What Did You Think?

Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2023 offseason? Does it adequately address Tampa Bay’s needs? Which additions did you like best? Let me know what you think in the article comments section below.

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