How the Buccaneers Can Improve at Defensive End by Jose Martinez 8h ago 
Sep 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith (56) is shown on the sideline in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 56-14. Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsOne of the main components behind effectively running the Tampa 2 scheme is the presence of a good pass rusher. However, this upcoming season, the Buccaneers will most likely have Jacquies Smith and George Johnson as their Week 1 starters. Both players had a combined 12.5 sacks last year and while those numbers are decent, Smith and Johnson are still unproven players who have spent most of their professional football career bouncing around from team to team.The defensive end depth chart doesn’t get much better after Johnson and Smith. There’s the third-year pro, William Gholston, who has four sacks in his career. There’s the young T.J. Fatinikun, who has played in a very limited capacity in 10 games. Then, there’s Larry English, who has been mediocre at best. At the moment, none of these names really strike any fear into the heart of a quarterback or offensive tackle. Suffice to say, they need a veteran presence…until they can go hard after Jason Pierre-Paul next year.So, how can they go about addressing the issue before OTAs? Maybe make a trade? Maybe take a flyer on a veteran pass rusher? Let’s take a look at their options.1. Go After Dwight FreeneyThere are red flags surrounding someone who just turned 35 years old, but there are also red flags when starting two defensive ends who have only one decent season under their belt. Last year with the San Diego Chargers, Freeney played in only 590 snaps, making him an ideal fit for the situational pass rusher role.The Bucs clearly have faith in Johnson, Smith, Gholston and others, but in pivotal third-down situations, it would be good to have a fresh, proven pass rusher available on the bench to come into the game and put pressure on the quarterback. Last year, Freeney received a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. After spending so much time in the free agency pool, his stock has taken a dip and Tampa Bay could take a flyer on him with a one-year, show-me contract worth $2 million or less. Not a bad investment for someone who finished 1/2 a sack short of tying Michael Johnson’s sack total last season.
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) before the preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports2. Get Michael Bennett BackThe Bucs and Bennett had a bitter break-up two years ago, but time heals all wounds. And a revamped front office and coaching staff probably helps, too. Following a contract dispute which resulted in the Texas A&M product going west to play for the Seattle Seahawks, he has once again found himself in another contract dispute. Just one year after signing a four-year, $32 million contract with the Seahawks, Bennett is hinting at the possibility of holding up for a restructured deal.The Seahawks have long been opposed to restructuring deals until there is one year left which suggests that an impasse is on the horizon. This is where the Buccaneers come swooping in with some sufficient salary cap flexibility and an offer to take a potential headache off their hands.At 29, Bennett still has plenty left in the tank and showed that by posting seven sacks in a full season of work last year. With a rotation in place that will have George Johnson and Jacquies Smith occasionally spelling him or moving over to the right side while also allowing him to move inside, playing alongside some combination of Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald, Akeem Spence and Henry Melton.The price of getting Bennett back may be a little too high for the Bucs’ liking, but he will definitely add some immediate punch to a defensive line that needs it.3. Take a Chance on Osi UmenyioraMuch like Freeney, Osi Umenyiora is a pass rusher past his prime, but he may still have something left to offer a team in a limited capacity. Umenyiora didn’t start any games last season with the Atlanta Falcons, but at this stage of his career, he’s a situational pass rusher. Even after slipping this far in free agency, Osi’s price may still be higher than Freeney’s, however, the 33-year-old could be worth a one-year investment.Aside from his rookie season and last year, Umenyiora’s lowest sack total is six and that came when he started in only 11 and four games. With less time on the field, Osi can still get the job done and that’s exactly what the Bucs need. Let Jacquies Smith and George Johnson get most of the playing time, allow them an opportunity to develop over the course of the year and bring in Umenyiora here and there to add another dimension to the pass rush. For $3 million or less, you can’t go wrong.
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates a sack as the Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 at Raymond James Stadium. David Manning-USA TODAY Sports4. Try Prying Cameron Jordan From the SaintsIt’s a lofty proposition. Why would the New Orleans Saints want to help a team in their division by giving them a pass rusher who will go after Drew Brees two times a year? But, the cash-strapped Saints may still be looking to shed payroll and with Cameron Jordan looking for the type of contract extension that the team may not be able to offer, New Orleans needs to peruse all their options.In his last three years, Jordan has averaged 9.3 sacks per season. Two years ago, the 25-year-old had his breakout campaign with 12.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl selection.While Jordan is expected to suit up for OTAs, the Saints may want to pull the trigger on a trade and get some value instead of letting him walk in 2015. If they feel as though they will be unable to give him a substantial increase from his current deal of $6.9 million, it may be best to hear what the Bucs are willing to offer.link
