Licht hints Bowers move was to keep another team from getting him

Greg Auman [member=23448]gregauman[/member]  · 5h hours ago More on Bucs' signing of Da'Quan Bowers -- as DT. Jason Licht hints move was to keep another team from getting him. Bowers will compete inside at defensive tackleGreg Auman, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, July 28, 2015 7:39pmDa'Quan Bowers played primarily at defensive end in his four seasons with the Bucs, but general manager Jason Licht said Tuesday that the former second-round pick, re-signed Monday, will get a look as a defensive tackle.The Bucs have four established veterans there in Gerald McCoy, Henry Melton, Clinton McDonald and Akeem Spence, so for Bowers to make the team, he'd likely need to convince the Bucs they need to carry a fifth defensive tackle. Bowers played some inside at "three technique" last season, especially in nickel situations.The three games in which Bowers saw his most snaps were games in which McCoy was either inactive or limited by his broken hand; of Bowers' 21 tackles in 2014, 14 came in four games where McCoy was either sidelined or playing with his hand in a cast.Bowers went through four months of free agency without signing anywhere, even going to Saints rookie minicamp as a tryout player without landing a deal. Licht indicated the Bucs' move might have been a defensive one, preventing another team from adding him."We told him there was a chance we'd bring (him) back to compete for a job. No assurances," Licht said. "It was a low-risk thing for us. It brings us some depth and doesn't hurt that there were may have been a team or two about to do it. We wanted to do it before they did. ... I think he's been humbled."Greg Auman    Verified account[member=23448]gregauman[/member]  The Bucs on Wednesday will sign Jude Adjei-Barimah, an undrafted rookie cornerback from Bowling Green. Had 82 tackles as senior in 2014.Countdown to Cannons: Time for Sidbury SpinJustin Pawlowski    @CommishOnlineJuly 28, 2015With 18 days to go, we countdown the days until the Bucs' 1st preseason game, and discuss a different Bucs player at length every day.You might not know muchy about Bucs DE Lawrence Sidbury, but know that Jason Licht does. Actually, the Bucs GM was frustrated he didn't sign and play Sidbury sooner in the 2014 season. Now, Sidbury has a chance to make an impact with the Bucs as they head into training camp.Sidbury was drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 draft by the Atlanta Falcons. coming from Richmond, Sidbury was a developmental pass rusher for the Falcons 4-3 defense. As the Falcons shifted to the 3-4 defense, Sidbury's days were numbered.Sidbury signed on with the Colts in 2013 and the Texans in 2014. Both teams also play a variation of the 3-4 defense.The Bucs brought in Sidbury late in 2014, as it was also a return to the 4-3 defense for him.After totaling 11.5 sacks in 2008 at Richmond, Sidbury had a tough adjustment to the competition level in the NFL. His most productive year so far in the NFL came in 2011 with nthe Falcons when he recorded 4 sacks.Coming out of Richmond, Sidbury had nice size (6'3'' 265 lbs), speed (4.63), strength (28 reps), and good athleticism. Sidbury's signature move at Richmond was his spin move. He used it in such an effective way that it received his name in front of it...the "Sidbury spin."Sidbury got to play in more than 20 snaps in the Bucs' final game of 2014. The Buccaneers were impressed with what he showed. I expect Sidbury to get a much bigger look during the preseason this year.