With defensive tackle Akiem Hicks currently dealing with a foot injury and sidelined the next month, the Bucs will give the players on their roster every opportunity to step up.

However, if the team feels like it needs to add another veteran to the roster, Ndamukong Suh is still available. The 12-year veteran defensive tackle spent the last three years in Tampa Bay, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2020. And while his play took a dip last season, he still tallied six sacks and 37 pressures on the quarterback.

Bucs DT Ndamukong Suh – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Before the draft, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said they would not close the door on re-signing Suh and that there would be constant communication. After drafting defensive tackle Logan Hall at the top of the second round, Licht reiterated his stance.

“No, we’re not shutting the door on that,” Licht said. “There are a lot of injuries that happen throughout the year and we’re not putting all of our stock in the guys we have right now, so I wouldn’t shut the door.”

If the defensive line struggles on Sunday or there is a potential setback to Hicks’ injury, Suh would be a reliable veteran who has started every game of his career and someone who knows the system. Suh is reportedly interested in continuing his playing career, joining a contender, and the Bucs make a lot of sense. Of course, it will come down to his asking price. After former Bucs outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul inked a deal with the Ravens for $5.5 million, the question is how much Suh will ask for.

If he is willing to take a modest deal and accept that he’ll be a rotational player on the defensive line and not a starter, I can’t think of a better match to bolster the roster. And as we’ve seen recently with the addition of Cole Beasley, the Bucs aren’t afraid to add to an already well-stocked position group.