You be the Bucs GM: Receivers 
Mike Evans was a rare bright spot for the Buccaneers last season. FILE/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: March 9, 2015 TAMPA — You Be the GMThe NFL calendar officially flips to 2015 with the start of free agency. A three-day negotiating period began Saturday, allowing teams and prospective free agents to begin the matchmaking process. On Tuesday, contracts can be signed. With at least $33 million in available salary cap space, the Buccaneers are expected to address a number of needs as head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht look to fix the mistakes of 2014’s 2-14 season. For seven straight days, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com will feature one position each day. We’ll provide analysis of the position and list the players to consider: Bucs under contract for 2015 and notable players scheduled to become free agents. So, here’s your chance, Bucs fans. Go to TBO.com and tell us what you would do.Wide receivers/Tight endThe emergence of first-round draft pick Mike Evans as an elite WR was one of Tampa Bay’s few bright spots in a 2-14 season. Despite instability under center, Evans accounted for 12 of the team’s 21 TD receptions and averaged an impressive 15.5 yards on his 68 catches.Vincent Jackson topped the 1,000-yard mark for the third consecutive year as a Buc, but he is 32 and he didn’t reach the end zone in the final 12 games. Louis Murphy, just re-signed, proved to be a dependable third receiver but Tampa Bay needs far more production from the TE spot.Austin Seferian-Jenkins struggled with injuries and immaturity as a rookie and veteran TE Brandon Myers was under-utilized after signing as a free agent from the Giants.Bucs under contract for 2015TE Cameron Brate -- Caught one pass as a rookie free agent from HarvardWR Mike Evans -- Set the franchise record for most TD catches in a seasonWR Robert Herron -- Speedy sixth-round pick contributed only six receptionsWR Vincent Jackson -- Productive player since signing FA deal in 2012WR Chandler Jones -- Undersized wideout was signed two months agoWR Tavarres King -- Played in the final two games and caught two passesWR Louis Murphy -- Former University of Florida standout was a nice additionTE Brandon Myers -- FA started the first six games but finished with only 22 catchesWR Solomon Patton -- Did a decent job returning punts and kickoffsTE Evan Rodriguez -- FA played in the season finale against New OrleansTE Austin Seferian-Jenkins -- Hobbled by an array of injuries, flashed some rookie potentialWR Russell Shepard -- Solid special-teams player with team-high 14 solo tacklesTE Taylor Sloat -- Spent two stints on the practice squad in 2014TE Luke Stocker -- No factor in passing game, but this veteran has proven to be a sturdy blockerNFL potential free agentsWR Randall Cobb -- Emerging star has priced himself out of Green BayWR Jeremy Maclin -- Replaced DeSean Jackson as Philadelphia’s No. 1 receiverWR Torrey Smith -- Physical receiver is particularly dangerous in the red zoneWR Michael Crabtree -- Injuries have undermined a promising careerTE Julius Thomas -- Boasts 24 TD catches with Denver in the past two seasonsTE Jordan Cameron -- Concussion issues, but only two years removed from an 80-catch season [email protected](813) 259-7833Twitter: @IKaufmanTBO
