Top 5 Unrestricted Free Agents the Buccaneers Should Look At by Jesse Uruchima 1h ago 
April can not get here any sooner. Reports are coming in left and right as to who is the No. 1 overall one pick and the experts are a little fizzled out with so much of the same reporting. So why not look into a different and obvious way to improve a roster? More specifically, free agency. The Buccaneers could attract an offensive lineman, or two, from the market by pitching their improvement in the coaching staff and exciting future. It’s all about looking forward and not in the past.
Orlando Franklin, Guard The Denver Broncos may need to prove to Peyton Manning that they are all in next season. The Buccaneers, though, can let the former Florida resident know there’s no place like home. Orlando Franklin grew up in Canada, but moved to Delray Beach, Florida while in high school. It was his playing days in Florida that grabbed recruiting attention. He went on to play college football at “The U,” or University of Miami. Since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2011, in the 2nd round, the 28-year-old tackle has started 63 of 64 NFL games. If Franklin’s 6’7? and 320-pound frame does not convince you of his potential to become a vital asset on the offensive line, then I don’t know what will.
Eddie Royal, Wide Receiver Before you say, “Why, we have Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans!” It’s true, any team in the league would like a duo Evans and V-Jax, but the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl with “the small guy.” If there is any small guy (5’10”, 185 lbs) available that could help a rookie quarterback adjust to the NFL level, it’s Eddie Royal. Royal finished last season with 62 receptions, 778 yards and seven touchdowns. He posted these numbers with Malcolm Floyd, Keenan Allen, and Antonio Gates as Philip River’s top targets. It’s hard to ignore the importance of a strong option available in the middle of the field. It would also be exciting to see how OC Dirk Koetter would utilize a true slot man for a rookie quarterback.
Mike Iupati, Guard The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of free agents to worry about, including Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, and Vernon Davis, just to name a few. Iupati—at 6’5? and 331 pounds—is on the list, but the offensive lineman will be looking for a hefty contract. The fifth-year veteran has played 75 of 80 games and managed to keep a mobile/out-of-pocket quarterback relatively safe. The 49ers running game was effective with either Gore or Carlos Hyde carrying the rock. Iupati would follow the money, but after an up-and-down season in San Francisco, he surely would like a fresh start with only positive results. And who doesn’t like a little Florida sunshine?
Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End It’s almost certain the New York Giants will try to place the franchise tag on Jason Pierre-Paul. In case they do not, the Bucs should swoop in for the 6’5?, 278-pound defensive end. Fortunately for JPP, last season was the first time he was able to post double-digit (12.5) sacks, since his breakout season in 2011; when he posted 16.5 sacks and 86 tackles. Pierre-Paul will only be 28 years old after next season and it would be nice to bring back another Florida product to the Sunshine State. We know Lovie Smith loves defense and JPP would be a great addition.
Bryan Bulaga, Tackle Bryan Bulaga may have finally found a way to stay healthy. After two seasons on the injured reserve, the 6’5?, 310-pound lineman finished the 2014 season healthy. The Bucs should see Bulaga as a clear upgrade from Oniel Cousins at right tackle. Even with the crucial objective of keeping two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers’ pocket clean, the 25-year-old allowed just four sacks the whole season. Still young with plenty of potential, the Bucs should look into signing this guy as soon as the free agent market opens.link
