Who is still available that could help the Bucs turn things around in 2015?

5 Available Free Agents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Consider SigningBy Luke Easterling Jul 22, 2015 Michael Perez/Associated Press After failing to meet high expectations for a quick turnaround in 2014, you can bet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are willing to turn over every stone to try to build a more competitive roster this season.The Bucs spent plenty of money on big names in free agency over the past few offseasons, but after missing on quite a few of their more expensive signings, the team played it a bit safer this time around. Tampa Bay didn't sit out the entire period, but their moves were much more economical and targeted many players who had previous experience in the Tampa 2 defense.But even with an underrated free-agent class and a promising group of draft picks added to the roster, the Bucs still have a few areas on the depth chart that could use some improvement. The free-agent market is extremely quiet at the moment, but that doesn't mean there aren't some decent bargains to be had.Who is still available that could help the Bucs turn things around in 2015?G Evan MathisDrew Hallowell/Getty Images The offensive line was one of Tampa Bay's biggest problems last season, and they recognized that by spending two of their first three picks in this year's draft on that unit.But even though second-round pick Ali Marpet is extremely talented and has plenty of potential, he may not be ready to start at right guard immediately, considering the learning curve he'll experience as he makes the transition from playing left tackle at Hobart College to lining up against the NFL's best interior defensive linemen.If Tampa Bay wants a guard they can plug into the starting lineup immediately, Evan Mathis is their guy. The 33-year-old was released earlier this offseason by the Philadelphia Eagles amid a contract dispute, but despite his age, Mathis was one of the league's top guards last season and shouldn't have trouble finding a new home.Mathis would make a great pair with fellow veteran Logan Mankins while the Bucs wait for Marpet to develop.DE Dwight FreeneyJake Roth-USA TODAY Sports For yet another offseason, one of Tampa Bay's most glaring needs was at defensive end, where they've lacked an impact pass-rusher since the days of Simeon Rice over a decade ago.But despite plenty of options in free agency and a draft full of talented edge players, the Bucs let the position go largely untouched, aside from a trade that brought back a former player in George Johnson, who tallied the first six sacks of his NFL career for the Detroit Lions last year.If they want a veteran who has had plenty of success getting after the quarterback over his career, they still have a solid option on the market in Dwight Freeney, who proved last year with the San Diego Chargers he can still bend the edge effectively and make life difficult for opposing passers.Freeney is 35 years old, but even if he's brought in as just a situational rusher, he could provide a boost to a Tampa Bay team that could desperately use a shot in the arm in that department.OT Jake LongKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Bucs knew they needed a new starter at one of their tackle spots before the 2015 season, so they spent the 34th overall pick in this year's draft on Penn State's Donovan Smith, who should be their starting left tackle in Week 1.That said, it's a dangerous business trusting a rookie to protect the blind side of your brand new franchise quarterback and No. 1 overall pick, which means the Bucs should be looking for a veteran to provide depth and insurance at a crucial position.Enter the former top overall pick himself, Jake Long.When healthy, Long has been an effective player over his seven NFL seasons with the St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins. But his health and lack of durability is his biggest drawback, as multiple knee injuries have plagued him over the past few seasons, the latest sidelining him for the rest of the 2015 season after just seven games.Even with the injury concerns, Long is worth a look for a Tampa Bay team that could use all the veteran depth it can find. Long could be a valuable backup plan if Smith isn't ready to handle the starting left tackle job from Day 1 as a rookie.LB Lance BriggsThe Bucs depth chart is looking much stronger this season after the signing of free agent Bruce Carter—who will take over for the departed Mason Foster in the middle—and the drafting of the raw but explosive Kwon Alexander, who should challenge Danny Lansanah for the starting job on the strong side.But if Tampa Bay wants to take a chance on an experienced veteran who could bring some leadership and tons of experience in the Tampa 2 defense to the table, making a call to Lance Briggs might be worthwhile.Over his first 10 NFL seasons, Briggs missed just seven starts for Chicago Bears, racking up over 1,000 total tackles, 15 interceptions and 12 sacks. But injuries have plagued the seven-time Pro Bowler over the past two seasons, as Briggs has missed 15 of those 32 games.At 34 years old, there's probably not much tread left on his tires, but Briggs brings the kind of veteran presence and scheme experience that could be useful to a young Tampa Bay team still trying to successfully transition to the Tampa 2 and instill a winning culture into a struggling franchise.WR Wes WelkerChris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports Tampa Bay lacked a true slot receiver last season, and though they've added some young talent at the position via this year's draft, it couldn't hurt to take a chance on a veteran who has had plenty of experience in the slot with two of the league's best quarterbacks of all time.Wes Welker was a favorite target of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning for nearly the past decade, racking up 890 career receptions for nearly 10,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.Despite his gaudy stat sheet, there are two huge caveats with Welker. The first is his age, as the five-time Pro Bowler recently turned 34 years old and isn't likely to have the explosion he enjoyed earlier in his career. He has also dealt with multiple concussions over the past two seasons and may not be able to physically handle the pounding of another NFL season.That said, if he's able to check out medically, the Bucs should give Welker a look. His experience moving the chains and making plays from the slot could be a valuable addition, as well as his ability to potentially contribute in the return game.link