The Bucs believed that outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka had star potential when the team used the 32nd overall pick on him in last year’s draft. Tryon-Shoyinka didn’t disappoint. The Washington product has a bright future after a promising rookie season.

“He’s going to be a premier outside guy as he learns to use his strength more and not always on all that speed, you know?” Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said. “I think he’s going to be a dominant player outside.”

So much so that the Bucs may pass on bringing back starter Jason Pierre-Paul, a Pro Bowler in 2019, in free agency. But at age 33 and coming rotator cuff surgery after his ailing shoulder limited him to just 2.5 sacks last year, Tampa Bay may decide to move on and let Tryon-Shoyinka start in 2022.

Pierre-Paul signed a two-year deal worth $25 million in 2020 and wants to play this season. Yet his price tag may be too high. And his body may be unable to withstand the rigors of a full season now that he’s in his 30s. Plus, his presence may stunt the growth of the Bucs’ budding young pass rusher.

Tryon-Shoyinka played in all 17 games with six starts for the injured Pierre-Paul. He notched 29 tackles (21 solo) and four sacks during his rookie season. Tryon-Shoyinka should’ve had at least three or four more sacks. But he couldn’t bring down the QBs he was pursuing on those occasions.

Yet he impressed the Bucs with his ability to rush the passer. Whether it was from the edge or the inside.

“He can do both, that’s what is great about him,” Arians said.

Where Tryon-Shoyinka needs to improve in his second season is stopping the run. Too many times down the stretch in games against the Jets and Panthers Tryon-Shoyinka did not do a good enough job setting the edge.

“We thought he made some big steps – played mostly in rotation,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. He’s going to have to get a little more stronger and a little bit more disciplined in the run game, but that will come. That usually happens with a young pass rusher coming in for his first year as a rookie. That’s the thing that you need to develop the most. He’s definitely skilled as a rusher and has upside there. And we’ll get better there as well.”