The Current State Of The Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a franchise-best 13-4 season and a last-second, heartbreaking loss to the Rams in the playoffs. The Bucs have also had to cope with the retirements of two Pro Bowlers in quarterback Tom Brady and left guard Ali Marpet. Those losses are huge and will make the team’s focus in 2022 winning the NFC South rather than legitimately contending for another Super Bowl.

Bucs head coach Bruce Arians and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs have a plethora of starters slated for free agency, including tight end Rob Gronkowski, cornerback Carlton Davis III, center Ryan Jensen, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, safety Jordan Whitehead, running back Leonard Fournette, right guard Alex Cappa, defensive end Will Gholston and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul. Tampa Bay can’t afford to bring them all back.

The biggest question will be at quarterback where the team is resigned to the fact that it can’t land a big name via a trade. With a weak free agent class, the Bucs are expected to re-sign free agent backup Blaine Gabbert to compete with Kyle Trask, last year’s second-round pick. Tampa Bay will need to add two more quarterbacks for depth and competition, but the pickings are slim.

The Bucs coaching staff remains largely intact with inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell being the only major loss. Larry Foote moves from outside linebackers coach to take over. Bob Sanders, who coached with Bruce Arians in Arizona, was signed to coach outside linebackers.

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2022

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Jon Ledyard, Matt Matera, JC Allen and Josh Queipo have devised their own Bucs Plans For the 2022 offseason. These come complete with free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks to help Tampa Bay repeat as NFC South champions and make another playoff run.

Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com staff members would reshape the team this offseason – not necessarily what we think Tampa Bay will do in free agency and the draft, although there could be some overlap with certain players the team may be targeting.

The Bucs have approximately $2.7 million worth of salary cap space right now, according to OverTheCap.com.

Bucs NT Vita Vea and OLB Shaq Barrett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bucs general manager Jason Licht and vice president of football administration Mike Greenberg can create plenty of salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of several players and lowering their 2022 cap values. Wide receiver Mike Evans ($20,622,500 cap value in 2022), outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett ($19.75 million cap value in 2022), left tackle Donovan Smith ($18.4 million cap value in 2022) and nose tackle Vita Vea ($11,887,311 cap value in 2022) are the prime candidates. The Bucs might even extend the contracts of Evans and Smith this offseason rather than just doing restructures.

The free agents that Tampa Bay signs and re-sign will all have one or two years worth of guaranteed money. That’s a Greenberg staple when it comes to contracts. But the first year salaries will also be lower than the average yearly cap value of the contract to help the Bucs’ cap in 2022. The cap is expected to rise in 2023 and Tampa Bay can defer some money into later years.

JC’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2022 Offseason

Listen, I get that the Bucs might not be Super Bowl favorites. But even with Gabbert and Trask at the helm, they are NFC South favorites. Which, by the way, guarantees a home playoff game. All you need is a ticket to the dance to make magic happen.

I don’t think people realize how much the cap is projected to rise with TV deals kicking in and gambling money that will be pouring in as well. Pushing money into future years via void years won’t hurt the franchise as much as people think it could. The cap is a myth, and you can always make moves to open up space. I fully expect the Bucs to do that this offseason. Multiple restructures should happen, as well as a possible extension for Mike Evans.

The Bucs can and should re-sign some of their top players, while making smaller moves in free agency to supplement the roster. I don’t think they make a huge splash signing but can round out the roster with multiple value signings. Tanking for a season because of the quarterback situation should not be an option, and would reverse the culture Arians and this team have worked hard to build. Another thing to keep in mind is that Florida has no state income tax. While players could get higher annual average elsewhere, the lack of income tax evens things out a bit. With that being said, enjoy my Bucs battle plan.

Bucs Trade Out Of The First Round

Much like Scott, I think Licht will value mid-round picks more in a draft with no real stars. There is a lot of value to be had in the middle rounds of this draft and possibly a few gems in the later rounds as well. I’ve got the Bucs moving out of the first round to gain valuable mid round draft capital.

In this trade, the Bucs move out of the first round. The Browns feel the pressure to win now with the team they have in place. After addressing defense in Round 1, the Browns move back up to secure one of the top receivers in the draft. The Bucs trade their first-round pick, No. 27, to Cleveland for their second (No. 44) third (No. 98, comp) and fourth round (No. 117) picks. The Browns still have their own third and fourth round picks as well. Meanwhile, the Bucs move back 13 spots and gain extra picks in the third and fourth rounds to fill some of their holes.

Tampa Bay’s 2022 NFL Draft Picks

Round 2 – No. 44 (via CLE)
Round 2 – No. 60
Round 3 – No. 91
Round 3 – No. 98 (Comp via CLE)
Round 4 – No. 117 (via CLE)
Round 4 – No. 131
Round 5 – No. 170
Round 7 – No. 246
Round 7 – No. 261 (expected compensatory pick)

Extensions And Restructures

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today

I’m projecting extensions for Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Donovan Smith in this scenario. Evans will get a two-year extension, while David and Smith both get an extra year tacked on. Doing so allows the Bucs to spread cap hits out to open valuable space.

I’m also projecting restructures for Vita Vea, Shaq Barrett and Ali Marpet. It’s all about opening cap space to sign returning guys and outside free agents. I believe Licht and Arians when they say they think Kyle Trask would be the best QB in this draft class if he were in it. I’m putting faith that the team can build around Trask while he’s on a rookie deal and will have flexibility with the ever-growing salary cap.

Bucs’ Cuts

More of a pay cut than an actual cut, but the writing is on the wall with Cam Brate. Set to count for $7.285 million against the cap, Brate takes a pay cut for the third year in a row. His dead cap hit would be $1.9 million if released and I’d expect his pay cut to be close to that number.

Bucs K Ryan Succop – Photo by: USA Today

Bradley Pinion’s time has come on the roster. With a $2.9 million cap hit and no dead money, the Bucs move on after a struggling season. Tampa Bay signed Sterling Hofrichter to a futures contract, and could look to the draft or undrafted free agency for competition at the position.

While I don’t expect the move to happen until final cut downs, I believe Ryan Succop has kicked his last field goal for the Bucs. His limitations as a kicker are clear. While I think he’ll put up a strong fight, in the end he loses the competition. The Bucs save $2.5 million in salary, which will be a nice cushion should the Bucs need to make any in-season moves.

Godwin Gets The Tag…Again

The Bucs slapped the franchise tag on Godwin for a second straight year. Under league rules he gets a 120 percent bump in his pay from last year bringing his tag number to $19.1 million. While they could not come to terms on a long-term deal before the deadline, I expect them to before the start of free agency. Opening much needed cap space for the Bucs.

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

WR Chris Godwin – 4-year deal, $72 million

There’s no denying what Godwin means to this offense, just ask Arians and Licht. In the Bucs offense Godwin’s position is the most important role and there’s no way they let him get away. This deal puts him ahead of Evans in annual average at $18 million and inside the top 10 for an annual average. With $45 million in guarantees, both sides should come away happy. Incentives in the deal can take it as high as $80 million. Use of void years will help spread the cap hit.

CB Carlton Davis – 4-year deal, $66 million

There’s no doubt Davis could get PAID on the open market, but when looking at the top corners in the league, I think the Bucs and his camp could come together on a number that makes everyone happy. In my plan Davis becomes the sixth-highest paid corner in the league on an annual average of $16.5 million and seventh in terms of total value. $40 million in guarantees would tie for seventh. It’s right on par with market value for a player of his caliber and age as a top ten corner in the league. Use of void years will help spread the cap hit.

If the Bucs can’t come to an agreement with Davis they could turn their sights on Green Bay’s Rasul Douglas, who would cost less than $10 million a year on a multi-year deal.

RG Alex Cappa – 4-year deal, $32 million

I firmly believe you can’t keep both Cappa and Jensen. While Jensen has done wonders for the line and its mentality, he’s also four years older. Not to mention he wants the Brinks truck backed up. At $8 million a year, this deal would make Cappa the seventh-highest paid guard in the league. The deal locks him up through age 31 with $21 million in guarantees.

SS Jordan Whitehead – 3-year deal, $18 million

NFL teams have a lot of money tied up in safeties right now. At $6 million a year, Whitehead’s annual average comes in around the 20th-highest paid safety in the league. He fits incredibly well in Bowles defense, and might not find the payday he’s looking for on the open market. Oh, and $12 million of his deal guaranteed doesn’t hurt either.

DE Will Gholston –3-year deal, $10.5 million

Gholston really took his game to a new level in 2021 in his third year in Bowles’ system. Already a stout run defender, he finished with a career-high five sacks. A leader in the clubhouse and the community, Gholston has already voiced he would like to finish his playing career in Tampa. He’ll have to take a pay cut to do it though. After making $5.5 million on his last deal, a $3.5 million average with $5 million guaranteed sounds fair. Incentives can bring the deal to $15 million.

Bucs QB Blaine Gabbert – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

QB Blaine Gabbert – 1-year, $2.5 million

The Bucs get creative with this one. Technically on paper this is a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, fully guaranteed. But it has $4.5 million in unlikely to be earned incentives that would go on next year’s cap if achieved. He’ll compete with Trask for the title of QB1. If he wins the job the Bucs will reward him for his play through the incentives.

G Aaron Stinnie – 1-year, $2 million

Stinnie has filled in admirably when called upon and has great continuity with the returning o-linemen. He’ll get a slight raise from his contract last year with the chance to compete for the open spot at right guard.

Andrew Adams – 1-year, $1.035 million

Adams ended up starting three games for the Bucs last season when Antoine Winfield Jr and Jordan Whitehead were sidelined with injury and Mike Edwards was suspended. He provides solid depth and good special teams play.

DE Pat O’Connor – 1-year, $1.035 million

A special teams ace, O’Connor is back in the fold after being non-tendered.

LS Zach Triner – 1-year, $965,00

With turnover at kicker and punter, the Bucs re-sign their long snapper after non-tendering the restricted free agent.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

C Ryan Jensen

This one hurts, but I don’t want to pay $13-15 million for a 31-year old lineman who has played through injuries the past two seasons. From all reports, Jensen wants to compete to be the highest paid center in the league. I don’t want to be stuck with the bill when his body breaks down.

OLB Jason Pierre-Paul

I appreciate the contributions from JPP and his help in turning around the culture of the franchise. But he’s just not the same player he was before. Throw in his torn rotator cuff injury and it’s probably best to move on.

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

TE Rob Gronkowski

While it was encouraging to hear Gronk is working out twice a week at the facility, I doubt it’s in preparation to comeback for a 12th season. He’s on record saying he only wants to play with Tom Brady, and it doesn’t appear he’s walking back through that door anytime soon. Instead Gronk most likely retires for a second time, unless he’s attracted by the allure of playing a final season in Buffalo.

RB Leonard Fournette

Unless he is willing to come back for the $3.5 million he made last season, it’s hard to envision a scenario where Fournette remains a Buc. His projected contract has an annual average of $8 million per year. Even if he only gets $6 million per, it’s still too much to pay for a running back as limited as Fournette.

WR Breshad Perriman

He provided a body when others were injured and made some nice plays last year. But the Bucs can and should do better than Perriman.

TE O.J. Howard

Howard will be remembered by Bucs fans as the pick that could have been Dalvin Cook. While he had his moments, injuries never let Howard grow to his full potential. He’ll most likely benefit from a change of scenery.

RB Ronald Jones II

Speaking of change of scenery. RoJo could never put all three phases of being a running back together. Putrid pass protection and below average receiving skills force him to the sideline too often. You could tell his heart wasn’t in it last season.

CB Richard Sherman

Sherman provided great mentorship to the young corners and stepped up when injuries took their toll. But it’s time for the future Hall of Famer to retire.

RB Giovani Bernard

I wouldn’t mind bringing Bernard back, however I just don’t think it was a good fit in Tampa Bay. The Bucs didn’t use him how I envisioned they would. He might be inclined to find a bigger role elsewhere.

DT Steve McLendon

While I’ve heard from his camp that he intends to play one more season, I don’t think it will be with the Bucs.

OT Josh Wells

Wells tried his best to fill in for Wirfs when he went down with injury. But the Bucs should try their best to find a better option at back-up swing tackle.

LB Kevin Minter

Minter’s best days are behind him. While I wouldn’t rule out a reunion closer to training camp, I could also see the Bucs addressing this in undrafted free agency or the draft.

QB Ryan Griffin

Arians said he expects to have four quarterbacks in camp, but I’m not sure Griffin will be one of them. The Bucs could bring him back closer to camp or elect to bring in an undrafted free agent.

CB Pierre Desir

Brought in as an emergency option when the cornerback group was decimated, Desir probably isn’t an option to return.

RB Le’Veon Bell

Bell was only brought in as a warm body when injuries took their toll. His best days are behind him.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

WR Braxton Berrios – 3 years, $10.5 million

Berrios gives the Bucs two things they need desperately need, a capable back-up in the slot and a dynamic return man. The 2021 All-Pro returner can provide an instant boost to the Bucs special teams. Although he’s only 5’9, Berrios gets after it as a blocker. While there are some projections that have him asking for $9 million a season in a saturated market, he’s unlikely to sniff anything close to that.

Jets WR Braxton Berrios – Photo by: USA Today

TE Maxx Williams – 3 years, $13.5 million

Williams fits exactly what Arians looks for in a tight end. He’s one of the NFL’s premier run blockers and has improved as a pass catcher. He’ll step right into the TE1 role vacated by Gronk. Coming off a season-ending injury his market might not be as strong, and the Bucs swoop in on a modest deal.

RB Chase Edmonds – 2 years, $7 million

The Bucs go back to Arizona to pilfer another offensive weapon in Edmonds. Going with a committee approach at running back, Edmonds offers explosiveness out of the backfield as a receiver. He is coming off a rookie deal that paid him under $3 million total. Getting him for $3.5 million per year seems fair given some concerns about durability after missing five games last season.

G/C Ted Karras – 3 years, $15 million

Whether it’s at guard or center, Karras gives the Bucs a valuable and versatile known commodity on the interior. The six-year pro turned in a 72.8 overall grade last season per Pro Football Focus, with snaps coming at all three interior positions. Karras could start at center if Hainsey is not ready to compete for the left guard spot with Stinnie.

RB Sony Michel – 2 years, $6 million

As the Bucs continue to fill out their backfield, they could look to add one or two rookies. But the best bet is they add multiple veterans to the team to provide stability. The draft can be a crapshoot never knowing what you’re getting. With Michel you know what you’re getting. A downhill runner who is a very good pass protector. He offers little as a receiver, which makes his game predictable. But when you need a tough yard, he’ll get it. With Michel and Edmonds, the Bucs have essentially filled out their running back room for less than what it would cost to re-sign Fournette.

Rams RB Sony Michel – Photo by: USA Today

DT Sheldon Richardson – 1 year, $3 million

His best days might be behind him, but the nine-year pro can provide a viable stop gap. He graded higher than Ndamukong Suh against both the run and the pass per PFF last season. Richardson tallied 4 sacks with 22 pressures and 11 QB hits in 2021 playing 57 percent of snaps for the Vikings.

CB K’Waun Williams – 1 year, $2 million

There is no doubt the Bucs need to bring in someone to challenge Sean Murphy-Bunting for the nickel spot in the secondary. Enter Williams. The 31-year-old corner has been hit with injuries over the last two seasons, but is still one of the best slot corners in the game when healthy. SMB enters his final year of his rookie deal and having real competition may let the Bucs see what they have in the fourth-year pro.

DL DeMarcus Walker – 1 year $1.2 million

Looking for another diamond in the rough, the Bucs bring in a former second round pick in Walker. Walker spent last year in Houston finishing the season with two sacks, 20 pressure and eight QB hits. The former Seminole is thrown into the mix on the defensive line as a versatile nickel pass rusher.

OT Cameron Fleming – 1 year $1.4 million

The Bucs need an upgrade from Josh Wells at the swing tackle position. Give him credit for doing his best filling in for Wirfs playing through injury. But in Fleming the team gets a guy who has real starting experience in the league. While most of his recent snaps have come at right tackle, he has played left tackle as well as jumbo tight end. He’s worth the extra 200k it would cost to bring Wells back.

After restructures, extensions, cuts, and usage of void years to spread out cap hits, the Bucs could fit the re-signings of their own players and new free agents with about $45-50 million in cap space if they get creative. Very doable for the Bucs.

JC’s 2022 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 2, Pick 44 (CLE): Logan Hall DL Houston – 6-6, 283

Arians said he wanted more speed and pass rush in the interior, and Hall can provide just that. Hall offers flexibility aligning outside at 5-tech in the Bucs base defense, but can also kick inside on obvious passing downs and create pressure that way. He’s a strong run defender with a wicked first step.

He finished his college career with 50 total tackles, 20.5 for loss and eight sacks. Six-and-a-half of those sacks came his final season. At the Combine he ran 4.88 40-yard dash and posted a 1.68 10-yard split. Impressive numbers for his player his size. Hall also posted the best shuttle score and tied for the best three-cone time among defensive linemen.

Round 2, Pick 60: Christian Watson WR North Dakota State – 6’4 208

What can I tell you about Watson that Kasey Hudson hasn’t already told you? He fits the Bucs perfectly. While he had an incredible combine and his stock is on the rise, I wouldn’t be so quick to put him in the first round just yet, although he certainly has all the athletic traits, the size, the speed and the hands. One thing some teams are concerned about is his route running ability.

Remember it wasn’t long ago Denzel Mims blew teams away with an electrifying combine. I’m not saying Watson is Mims by any means, but it could give teams pause. For his career, Watson has totaled 104 receptions for 2,134 yards (20.5 avg.) and 14 TDs. Last season he caught 43 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 18.6 yards per catch. For relative comparison, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has him going at 62 in his latest mock.

Round 3, Pick 91: Cole Strange OL Chattanooga – 6-4, 307

I’ve already written about how much I like Strange as a prospect. The redshirt senior started 44 games for the Mocs. 41 came at left guard, two at left tackle and one at center. He has the versatility the Bucs look for in their linemen and has started to train more at center as well. Strange showed good athleticism at the Senior Bowl, going up against some of the best defensive line prospects in the draft.

At the combine, Strange finished with the best RAS grade of any guard in the class. In fact, he had the best score from any guard since 2016. Strange is a mauler in the run game and stout in the passing game as well. He has a good first punch and plays with great balance, leverage and awareness. Strange gives the Bucs more flexibility on the interior line while he transitions to the pro level. The lineman will be 24 when he starts his pro career though and will likely hear his name called late in the third round.

Round 3, Pick 98 (via CLE): Cade Otton TE Washington – 6-5, 247

Even with the signing of Williams, the Bucs need to look hard at this draft class at tight end. In one of the deepest classes we’ve seen in a while, Otton fits the mold of what Arians looks for. He’s a very solid in-line blocker, particularly in the running game.

As a receiver, Otton has strong hands and a good catch radius. He’s not going to run away from guys after the catch, but he shows some elusiveness. He’ll need to work on his route running, but he understands concepts, gets good separation and can line up at multiple spots. Otton didn’t take part in drills at the Combine as he rehabs from a season-ending ankle injury, but he should be for his pro day. He finished his career with the Huskies notching 90 receptions for 1026 yards and nine touchdowns.

Round 4, Pick 117 (via CLE): Rachaad White RB Arizona State – 6-0, 204

Not going to lie, SR put me on to White in his first mock draft of the season and I immediately saw the fit. White, as Scott so eloquently puts it, is more of glider with the ball in his hands. He has excellent vision and patience and is a slippery runner in the open field. Last season with the Sun Devils White finished with 1,000 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Where he really excels is as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Over his final two years at Arizona State, White tallied 51 receptions for 607 yards and two scores. He is a willing pass protector, but needs to work on technique which is something he has admitted. The Bucs had a formal interview with him at the Combine. White built off a great Senior Bowl performance at the Combine, where he tested as one of the best running backs there with a 9.8 on the RAS grading scale.

Round 4, Pick 131: Akayleb Evans CB Missouri – 6-2, 197

Evans fits the mold of a traditional Bucs cornerback. He’s got the height, length, and speed that the team looks for. Evans projects as an outside corner at the next level, and will provide insurance if the Bucs don’t re-sign Dean next offseason. After four years at Tulsa, Evans transferred to Missouri for his senior season. There he totaled 25 tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles. He had a formal interview with the Bucs at the Combine and tested very well. He showed teams he has the long speed and athleticism running a 4.46 40-yard dash and finishing with a 9.63 RAS grade.

Round 5, Pick 170: *TRADE*

The Bucs trade pick 170 to the Commanders for quarterback Taylor Heinicke and a seventh round pick, No. 228. After acquiring Carson Wentz, the Commanders aren’t going to want a quarterback controversy if Wentz struggles. They are also without third and fifth round picks.

Moving on from Heinicke, who is in the last year of his deal, allows them to recoup a valuable pick. For the Bucs there’s not much downside. Heinicke led the Football Team to a 7-9 record despite a worse roster than the Bucs have. He finished the season with 20 touchdowns and also defeated the Bucs in Week 10.

Washington QB Taylor Heinicke – Photo by: USA Today

Heinicke is only making $2.375 million in the final year of his deal, which is an easy pill to swallow. He’ll be thrown into the QB competition with Trask and Gabbert during training camp. Arians has also had high praise for the seventh year quarterback in the past as well.

“He’s extremely accurate and he’s real tough, but he’s quick,” Arians has said. “I mean, he’s really quick. When he takes off, he’s quick. This guy can really go. If you open up the middle of that pocket he’s going to take off. He can throw that deep ball, he can throw that seven route. He proved he could play. I think that team plays very, very hard for him. I like the way he plays.”

Round 7, Pick 228 (via WAS): Matt Araiza P San Diego State – 6-2, 201

The Bucs will need a new punter after releasing Bradley Pinion. They have Sterling Hofrichter on the roster now, but will need to bring in competition. Nicknamed “Punt God”, Araiza blasted a booming 77-yard punt at the Combine and is regarded as one of the best punters in the class. The former Aztec also handled kickoffs and field goals during his time at San Diego State.

Araiza set the single-season NCAA record for punting average with 51.19 yards per punt. He also holds the NCAA single season record for punts more than 50 yards with 39 and punts of 60 yards or more with 18. The Ray Guy award winner also pinned 39 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

Round 7, Pick 246: Jeremiah Moon LB Florida – 6-5, 249

During his final year at Florida, Moon played multiple roles on defense, lining up as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge. Moon possesses all the athletic tools, but injuries and long-term stability at a single position hurt his growth as a player. He’s got great length and quickness to shoot through gaps to make plays on the ball carrier.

However, he needs to add more muscle to his frame. He tested very well at the combine. Moon ran a 4.76 40-yard dash and had the best broad jump and second best vertical of any linebacker. In his six years at Florida, Moon racked up 151 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also added four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He’ll need time to acclimate to the pro game and find his true position, therefore he could spend time on the practice squad.

Round 7, Pick 261 (comp): Isaiah Pola-Mao S USC – 6-4, 205

This draft is deep at safety and the Bucs land a good one with their final selection. Pola-Mao wasn’t invited to the combine, but has the skill set and size the Bucs covet in their defensive backfield. He showed his versatility at USC by playing both in the box and covering deep. The former Trojan has experience covering tight ends out of the slot and is a sure tackler. He’s a bit light for his height and can struggle at the point of attack.

Pola-Mao also had a down year in his final college season, which could push him down the boards. He’ll challenge Adams for the final safety spot and projects as a core special teams’ player.

JC’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

QUARTERBACKS – 3
Blaine Gabbert
Kyle Trask
Taylor Heinicke

Analysis: The Bucs quarterback situation isn’t what they would like it to be, but they should have an interesting competition in camp. Griffin could return on the practice squad if rules remain the same.

RUNNING BACKS – 4

Chase Edmonds
Sony Michel
Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Rachaad White

Analysis: Almost a complete overhaul at the position, with Vaughn the lone holdover. Edmonds and Michel give this unit viable options in both the running game and passing game, as well as solid blockers in pass protection. White should be able to contribute early, but will have time to get acclimated to the pro game.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 6
Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Christian Watson
Braxton Berrios
Tyler Johnson
Jaelon Darden

Analysis: Godwin is back in the fold and Evans is locked up to potentially finish his career in one uniform. The addition of Watson adds a viable No. 3 option depending on how quickly he can get up to speed. Berrios offers insurance against injury to Godwin and a dynamic return threat. Tyler Johnson could start the year as WR3 before succumbing to Watson. When it comes to Darden, I don’t know if the Bucs are ready to give up on him just yet. Scotty Miller gets released, but could wind up on the Bucs practice squad if he clears waivers.

TIGHT ENDS – 3
Maxx Williams
Cam Brate
Cade Otton

Analysis: The Bucs certainly didn’t get better here, losing Gronkowski. But the position remains a solid unit. Williams blocking prowess will fit right into the scheme. Brate will continue to be a receiving option, and Otton can be a difference-maker in time.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 9
LT Donovan Smith
LG Aaron Stinnie
C Ted Karras
RG Alex Cappa
RT Tristan Wirfs
C Robert Hainsey
OL Cole Strange
OT Cameron Flemming
OL Nick Leverett

Analysis: Karras is the new kid on the block and will have every opportunity to start at either guard or center. Re-signing Cappa and Stinnie were crucial in keeping continuity on the offensive line with Marpet’s retirement and Jensen’s departure. Hainsey and Strange will continue to develop and could be starters before long. Leverett gives the Bucs a versatile piece to play along the line. Meanwhile, Fleming provides a more capable swing tackle option in case of injury. Sadarius Hutchinson could find his way on the roster if the Bucs elect to keep 10 linemen.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6
Will Gholston
Vita Vea
Sheldon Richardson
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Logan Hall
Pat O’Connor

Analysis: The Bucs added speed to the group with the addition of Hall and a veteran presence with Richardson. They could look to the draft next year when the class is expected to be a bit better. But for this season, they roll with a group they know, bringing back Gholston and O’Connor. Vea is a force and Nunez-Roches is a nice rotational piece to the lineup. And Benning Potoa’e may be ready to be elevated to the active roster if they want to keep seven linemen.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS: – 5

Shaquil Barrett
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Anthony Nelson
Demarcus Walker
Cam Gill

Analysis: In what could have been a battle for the fourth spot between Gill and Walker, the Bucs elect to keep both. Gill brings value to special teams and has taken great steps the past two years. Tryon-Shoyinka is ready for a starting role opposite Barrett and Nelson finally broke out as a capable back up. Also, Moon could push one of these guys off the roster. But more than likely he comes back on the practice squad.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 4
Devin White
Lavonte David
K.J. Britt
Grant Stuard

Analysis: White and David are the mainstays at this position, but it’s Britt and Stuard who outshine Minter and earn spots over the grizzled veteran.

CORNERBACKS – 6
Carlton Davis III
Jamel Dean
Sean Murphy-Bunting
K’Waun Williams
Akayleb Evans
Ross Cockrell

Analysis: The main core return with Davis on a new deal. Dean and SMB have a lot to prove to earn second contracts with the Bucs next season. Williams is brought in to push or take over for SMB if he struggles again. Meanwhile, Evans offers a young upside player that will have the opportunity to learn the system and develop. Cockrell is brought back for his versatility in the backend. Dee Delaney is brought back on the practice squad.

SAFETIES – 4
Antoine Winfield, Jr.
Jordan Whitehead
Mike Edwards
Andrew Adams

Analysis: Whitehead returning is huge for the secondary, as he would be a hard player to adequately replace. Winfield Jr. should continue his progression as a top safety in the league. And Edwards offers versatility and playmaking skills entering the last year of his rookie deal. Andrew Adams is kept for his knowledge of the system and special teams play, but will be pushed by Pola-Mao, who is kept on the practice squad.

SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
K Jose Borregales
P Matt Arazia
LS Zach Triner

Analysis: Bucs roll out a new kicker and punter to revamp the special teams unit with Triner back as the only mainstay of the unit.

What Did You Think?

Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2022 offseason? Does it adequately address Tampa Bay’s needs? Which additions did you like best? Let me know what you think in the article comments section below.

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