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Do you agree with this...Blueprint for Winning Free Agency

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Blueprint for Winning Free AgencyBy Luke Easterling Mar 2, 201516081573713_273Ec1B25D_O.pngChris O'Meara/Associated Press There truly is no offseason for the NFL, and the next stop on the road that is 2015 is upon us, with the opening of free agency just a little over a week away.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been active participants in free agency the last few years, signing some of the bigger names on the market over that time. A few have worked out, but many have been disappointments, leading some to wonder if the Bucs will go after any big fish in this year's crop.According to Spotrac, the Bucs are currently looking at just under $28 million in cap space, so they definitely have some cash to go shopping with.Much of the offseason focus for Tampa Bay has centered around the draft—the Bucs hold the No. 1 overall pick—but for a 2-14 team going into its second season under general manager Jason Licht and head coach Lovie Smith, free agency could be equally important for filling needs and building depth.What do the Bucs need to do to make this year's free-agency period a success? Here's my take.Admit Recent Mistakes...16701517605_1C7Cf2Ffca_O.pngChris O'Meara/Associated Press The Bucs weren't shy about spending big money on free agents under former general manager Mark Dominik, and that trend continued in Jason Licht's first year calling the shots. And just like during Dominik's run, Licht already has some signings on his record he might like to do over if he had the chance.Names like Carl Nicks and Eric Wright are already gone from Tampa Bay after signing big-money deals in 2012, but another lucrative Dominik holdover—safety Dashon Goldson—has struggled to live up to expectations and could be cut this offseason.Most of the Bucs' bigger signings last year disappointed in their first season. They already cut their losses with Josh McCown, and they should do the same with Anthony Collins, who was a healthy scratch for the last three weeks of the season due to his poor play.The Bucs will have to eat some dead money if they cut Goldson and Collins, but they'll save some as well, and that cash could be better spent elsewhere...but Don't Be Afraid to Swing for the Fences Again16514127270_6303E4Aeee_O.pngTony Avelar/Associated Press Just like a quarterback should forget that last interception, the Bucs need to make sure the mistakes of yesterday don't make them gun-shy heading into this year's free-agency period.Some might think that because they've missed on so many recent signings—particularly the more expensive ones—Tampa Bay will steer clear of spending top dollar for any of the bigger names on the market this year.But that would be a mistake.The Bucs have quite a few holes to fill, and there are some big names available. Tampa Bay has enough cap room to throw big money at a player like Mike Iupati—who could fill one of their biggest needs at guard—and they shouldn't assume he won't pan out just because Carl Nicks and many others haven't.Stay out of the Suh Sweepstakes16675594326_E856119F47_O.pngTony Gutierrez/Associated Press Boy, is it tempting.The prospect of lining up the second-overall pick in the 2010 draft right next to the third-overall pick from the same year? Arguably the two best defensive tackles in the league wreaking havoc for the same team? The thought almost doesn't seem fair.But even if Ndamukong Suh hits the open market, the Bucs need to let another team spend the insane amount—likely over $100 million—to secure his services. Tampa Bay just spent similar money extending Gerald McCoy, and while it's a fun thought to consider them destroying opposing offenses together, the Bucs can't afford to lock up so much money at one position.Find Economical Role Players16494244857_E38E950248_O.pngPatrick Smith/Getty Images While the headlines in free agency are always dominated by the big-money signings, it's often some of the lesser-known names who end up making the biggest differences the following season.This happens when a team is able to find the right player at the right price who fits a specific role within their roster or scheme. After missing on some of their more lucrative signings over the past few years, the Bucs need to find a few of these role players who won't break the bank this year.What are some names that could fit that description for the Bucs this year?Eddie Royal would fit Tampa Bay's need for a slot receiver who could also contribute as a return man, while Darius Butler would give them an experienced nickel corner. Brandon Graham has been out of place as a 3-4 outside linebacker for the Eagles, but he could revive his career as a 4-3 defensive end for the Bucs.Create Flexibility in Draft16514132550_6Feda7D803_O.pngChris O'Meara/Associated Press It's a popular argument every offseason: Does an NFL team draft for need or value? I believe it should always be the best possible balance between the two, but creating that balance starts with addressing your needs during free agency.The Bucs have plenty of holes on their roster, both in the starting lineup and when it comes to quality depth. With the amount of cap room they have, filling as many needs as possible with veterans will free the Bucs up to tip the scales a bit more toward the value side when the draft rolls around.And for a team coming off a 2-14 season that could have a rookie quarterback at the helm in 2015, drafting as much pure talent as possible—regardless of position—would be a welcome luxury.link

 
Posted : Mar. 3, 2015 2:56 am
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