Browsing the Bucs’ needs and possible free-agent answers
Rick Stroud
Times staff writer
Published: February 15, 2018
Here's a look at some key free agents in need positions. Keep in mind, however, some may not be available when the signing period begins March 14.
DEFENSIVE END
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys, 25: Lawrence tied for the second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks, had 26 quarterback knockdowns and was one of the league's most dominant players. The Cowboys will try to negotiate a long-term deal but the franchise tag is an option.
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Lions, 28: Ansah had 12 sacks and 44 tackles last season, marking the second time in three years he managed to reach double digits in sacks. That's misleading. Half came in the final two games. Even so, the Bucs haven't had a player do that since Simeon Rice in 2005. New coach Matt Patricia has to decide if Ansah fits his scheme. If so, he could receive a long-term deal or be given a franchise tag.
Alex Okafor, DE, Saints, 27: Okafor was a fourth-round pick by Arizona when Bucs general manager Jason Licht was the Cardinals' vice president of player personnel. Okafor was off to a good start in 2017 with 4.5 sacks in 10 games before tearing his Achilles. He may not be ready for training camp and how much do you want to invest in a player with 18 career sacks?
Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers, 38: Peppers is now a situational pass rusher. Even at his age, he's been more productive than Bucs defensive ends. He had 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season.
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Falcons, 30: The former Bucs first-round pick had a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2017, six in one game. It's unlikely the Bucs would want a second act with Clayborn.
Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Jets, 26: A few years ago, Ealy dominated in the Super Bowl with three sacks, an interception and forced fumble for the Panthers. Last March, he was traded to the Patriots but was released in August and claimed by the Jets, where he had one sack and an interception.
COULD BECOME A FREE AGENT
Michael Bennett, DE, Seahawks, 32: Bennett has a $3 million roster bonus due four days after the start of free agency, so a decision is forthcoming. Bennett had 8.5 sacks last season. His current contract averages over $10 million per year. McCoy has openly lobbed for the Bucs to sign him.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Star Lotulelei, DT, Panthers, 28: The Bucs need someone good to play next to McCoy. Lotulelei can push the pocket and could be the player they hoped Baker would be.
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seahawks, 27: Still a relatively young player, he never reached his potential as a first-round pick of the Jets. Made an impact in Seattle last season, but is he too much like Baker?
CORNERBACK
Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams, 28: Johnson has the ability to shadow receivers man to man or play zone. But he's a big-ticket player. Spotrac projects his value at 5-years, $55-million.
Malcolm Butler, CB, Patriots, 28: The Bucs would have to solve the mystery of why he didn't play in the Super Bowl. Licht has plenty of contacts with New England so that shouldn't be a problem. If he passes that test, he could earn top 10 cornerback money.
Vontae Davis, CB, Colts, 29: Played only five games last season before a core muscle injury required surgery. Since he was released, Davis is free to sign with any team before the new league year March 14.
Brent Grimes, CB, Bucs, 34: Grimes will turn 35 in July but his body and athleticism belies his age. His 20 interceptions the last five season are tied with Richard Sherman for the most in the NFL. Bucs have told him they want him back, but at what price? He missed three games with injuries.
Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears, 26: Fuller burst onto the scene as a rookie with four interceptions. He played well last season with 22 passes defensed and has never missed a game.
Rashaan Melvin, CB, Colts, 28: Former Bucs player had three interceptions in 10 games . Has improved steadily and a valuable player on special teams as well.
COULD BECOME A FREE AGENT
Aqib Talib, CB, Broncos, 32: Talib, a former first-round pick of the Bucs, has enjoyed a borderline Hall of Fame career. But he has two years left on a six-year, $57-million contract and the Broncos are intent on trying to trade him. So far, they haven't found any takers because everyone believes he will ultimately be released. Would the Bucs dare?
RUNNING BACK
La'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers, 26: An elite back with more than 5,300 rushing yards in his career. He can do it all, but will the Bucs pay heavily for another ball carrier after the Doug Martin experience?
Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers, 27: Hyde is not flashy but a downhill runner who can carry the load on first and second down.
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns, 25: Underrated power back who has made the most of his opportunities.
Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots, 27: Interesting player who can be a threat as a runner or a receiver. Hasn't had to carry the load because he split carries with James White, among others.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Nate Solder, T, Patriots, 29: Solder is coming off one of the worst years of his career, but left tackles with experience are rare. He stands to make about $50 million on the free agent market. What would the Bucs do then with Smith?
Andrew Norwell, G, Panthers, 26: This could be addition by subtraction. Assuming the Bucs move on from J.R. Sweezy, they will need a guard since Evan Smith is a free agent. Norwell was first-team All Pro and could help the run game immediately.
For the complete article..... http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/02/15/browsing-the-bucs-needs-and-possible-free-agent-answers/
