Punter Bryan Anger is a FA this offseason that we should consider bringing back.
Depends on the cost but yes we need a punter. Last year was a joke
hes a punter, not a lockdown corner.
So we should overpay for a punter with limited cap space?
Isn’t it a given that nobody wants to sign anyone to a terrible or overpriced contract? Why do we even have to say that?
I trust Jason and company enough to know they are good with running our cap
In the mailbag SR makes clear that his claim that licht will skip big free agents for more “prove it” types was not based on any thing Licht has said, just an educated guess.
and he suggested 4 or 5 new starts on defense
“Credit Bowles for making some necessary coaching changes, and let’s hope that he and general manager Jason Licht can really focus on defense in free agency and the NFL Draft and find four or five new starters to upgrade the talent.”
that and the coaching changes to improve the defense
Based on info coming out of combine it looks like the Bucs are looking at edge, ILB, CB and WR.
“I don’t think it’s a secret [that] we need to get some help in a lot of areas – particularly defense,” Licht said. “It’s not as easy as some people might think. The answer isn’t always just throwing a lot of money at positions. You’ve got to be smart about it, because as happy as we are with the offense, we also want to continue to enhance there, too.
“We need some help in a lot of areas, which, in some ways, is exciting for me, because we could go any which way in the draft and it would help our team.”
SR -
“But something tells me that the Bucs aren’t going to spend big money on an edge rusher this year. If Tampa Bay opens its checkbook up in free agency, I think it might be for a veteran cornerback to help in the secondary.”
Thats the sense I get as well - maybe an older, mid tier, veteran, Edge with one to two years left (thinking Shaw Barrett- or Shaw adjacent), pick an2nd round Edge, maybe at 19, then count on Chris Braswell hopium, and draft a corner in the 2nd, add a vet corner in FA.SR -
“But something tells me that the Bucs aren’t going to spend big money on an edge rusher this year. If Tampa Bay opens its checkbook up in free agency, I think it might be for a veteran cornerback to help in the secondary.”
I think you can take Licht and his word about no high dollar trades or FA’s - just more of the “draft em and coach em up” mantra from the edge.
it can work, it’s just not sexy…
Oh, and we don’t coach Edges up…. We reach and then cut.
I hate not believing our GM - but he’s NEVER found an edge in the draft - and Bowles has never coached one up.
the only success we’ve had is via trade/soirt term FA.
Maybe it will work this time?
Maybe we accidentally pick an Edge difference-maker at 19 this time?
Bucs FO signed Simeon Rice and Greg Spires because McKay couldn't draft DEs. Bucs need to sign a proven vet at edge and that gives Diaby/Braswell breathing room to develop on the other side.
If the Bucs go with a rookie edge they should sign a veteran pass rushing defensive tackle or draft one to rotate on the inside. Either you sign a stud at edge or you sign a bunch of players for a rotation. Putting JTS out there with so much playing time was a waste of time. After Vea and Kancey the Bucs had a bunch of run stuffers. Gaines in fairness showed some pass rushing prowess but Gholston isn't a pass rusher.
Grey Zabel could be in the mix at 19. Bucs interviewed him and his film is outstanding. Would complete the OL.
Grey Zabel could be in the mix at 19. Bucs interviewed him and his film is outstanding. Would complete the OL.
I wouldn't rule out OL in round 1 but we will see.
Josh Q offseason plan is up and it’s a good read.
“I have four priorities this offseason. 1) Infuse the defense with talent at every level and at both the top and bottom of the roster. 2) Flood the inside linebacker room. 3) Prevent complacency on the offensive side of the ball. 4) Be prepared to capitalize on value for long-term growth even if there is not a short-term need.
Maybe LVD is coming back?
"The Commanders are re-signing linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million with $8 million guaranteed, NFL Media rep"
PFF doesn't get it
"There is no reason to think that Ward, who will still be only 29 years old at the start of the season, cannot get back to his old form in the next couple seasons and become once again one of the best cornerbacks in the league. The cornerback position has been a need for the Buccaneers even without the expected cut of Jamel Dean, and Ward’s style works well with Todd Bowles’s aggressive defense.”
“From trade to truce and beyond: the Browns and Myles Garrett reached agreement today on a record contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money and now makes him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, sources tell ESPN. Garrett’s agent, Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports and Browns GM Andrew Berry finalized the deal today”
Per Schefter
There goes a "starting" LB?
"The Bucs are not tendering restricted free agent linebacker J.J. Russell, making him an unrestricted free agent. Could bring him back for less than the $3.2 million low tender -- had 33 tackles in 2024, giving him 49 in three years since making the team undrafted out of Memphis"
:-)
IOL most likely off the board now.
Bredeson signs a 3-yr deal.
