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, Kasey Hudson, 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.

Huddy’s Bucs Battle Plan for the 2022 offseason

This offseason got complicated after the retirement of Tom Brady and Ali Marpet. The Bucs biggest issue to address? Quarterback. Tampa Bay needs a decent quarterback to utilize their offensive weapons effectively. At the NFL Combine, Jason Licht and Bruce Arians alluded to a plan to re-sign as many players as possible, stay away from trades and ease into the inevitable rebuild phase.

Yes, rebuild. While that is not Jason Licht’s favorite word right now, unfortunately that’s where the Bucs stand. There are question marks around the offensive line, wide receiver depth, running backs and cornerbacks. The news of Chris Godwin getting tagged on Tuesday threw some offseason plans for a loop. Carlton Davis hitting the market for high bids is not ideal. I don’t see how the Bucs will keep both Carlton Davis and Jordan Whitehead. So, while staying realistic, this is how I foresee the upcoming offseason.

Bucs Pay Cuts

TE Cameron Brate takes it on the chin again. This is nothing new for Brate. In fact, it’s his third consecutive pay cut. While Brate has been one of the main tight ends on the Bucs roster for years, this is not a system that heavily relies on him. The veteran tight end at just under $2 million and will spare the Bucs millions.

Bucs Restructures

LG Ali Marpet – Already done.

NT Vita Vea – Bucs can restructure Vea’s new contract with a salary to bonus conversion. Instead of paying $11.89M at the moment they can lower his pay to $4.25M.

OLB Shaq Barrett – If Barrett restructures, he can save the Bucs roughly $10 million.

Contract Extensions

This is a no brainer. Mike Evans gets an extension that will likely keep him in Tampa Bay until he’s 32.

Bucs Cuts

P Bradley Pinion

Pinion had an inconsistent season. Some of that had to do with the hip injury he kept trying to push through. But the Bucs can bring someone like Sterling Hofrichter in to get the job done and save roughly $2.9 million.

QB Ryan Griffin

If Kyle Trask is truly stepping in this season, then the Bucs need to remove all safety nets. Griffin has been more of a practice squad guy for a few seasons anyway. Also, the reality of possibly signing a veteran QB in the meantime to compete with Blaine Gabbert and Trask is more important.

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

WR Chris Godwin – 4-year deal, $76 million
Godwin got hit with the franchise tag yet again, but I believe the Bucs and his team will work out a deal before June. Mike Williams’ loaded deal made the Godwin camp demands clear. So the Bucs will have to pay the versatile receiver over $18 million a year. They can finesse the guarantees due to Godwin’s ACL injury, but he will get paid.

RG Alex Cappa – 3-year deal, $25.5 million
Rebuild = investing in the youth.

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

DT Ndamukong Suh – 1-year, $7 million
Suh alluded to the idea of staying with the Bucs and has not slowed down a bit. Why not maintain a defensive muscle?

OLB Jason Pierre-Paul – 1-year, $6 million
Defensive coaches were pretty adamant about keeping an injured JPP in games and gifting him reps over Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Although JTS is the future and earned more playing time, the Bucs rely on JPP’s veteran presence and leadership. JPP has barely one year left. I say he takes a pay cut to play his last season with Tampa Bay.

SS Jordan Whitehead – 3-year deal, $18 million
Whitehead has more than earned his keep. Aside from what he has earned, Whitehead does not seem like the kind of safety that can make the same impact elsewhere. The Bucs work out a deal and he continues to flourish in Tampa Bay.

DT Will Gholston – 1-year, $4.5 million
Gholston had a solid 2021 season. With his age and the Bucs needing to think long term, I see a 1-year deal. An evaluation of the upcoming season will determine his future.

QB Blaine Gabbert – 1-year, $3 million
Gabbert seems very content and knows his role with the Bucs. I don’t think he pushes for more money. He compete with Kyle Trask or another veteran for the starting quarterback job in Tampa Bay.

Bucs G Aaron Stinnie – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

G Aaron Stinnie – 1-year, $1.5 million
Stinnie showed his ability to compete the past two seasons. I think a simple 1-year deal to see if there is any further development will get the job done.

DE Pat O’Connor – 1-year, $1 million
A helpful special teams guy. Dealt with some injuries last season that can work against his pay.

LS Zach Triner – 1-year, $1 million
Why not?

RB Giovani Bernard – 1-year, $1.2million
Bernard has the potential to do much more as a Buc. If he can maintain his health in the 2022 season, he will be an asset to the running back group.

CB Pierre Desir – 1 year, $1 million
The Bucs bring Desir back late if they lose Carlton Davis.

Unrestricted Players Not Re-Signed

CB Carlton Davis
I WANT DAVIS BACK! But a young, skilled player hitting a hot market with his resume is difficult to re-sign. There is a solid chance he will take the pay increase and a fresh start versus a financial tango with a cap tight Tampa Bay team.

C Ryan Jensen
With Tom Brady gone, Jensen will finish his career elsewhere and with more money in his pocket. While it will be a tough loss for the Bucs, better now than later so that younger guys can begin establishing themselves and building the confidence needed in that position.

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

TE Rob Gronkowski
If he is not playing with Tom Brady, he’s calling it a career or having fun on another roster.

RB Leonard Fournette
I am torn here. Lenny wants and deserves more money, but he has grown a lot as a person with this team and coaching staff. Unfortunately the pay increase will win out here.

RB Ronald Jones II
Jones needs a clean slate and a different system. It is in the best interest of both parties.

TE O.J. Howard
I had high hopes for Howard. Frankly, I don’t think he bounced back from the achilles injury. He moved like he didn’t trust his body this season.

ILB Kevin Minter
Minter stepped up in many circumstances this year, but it is time to give those reps to the younger guys the coaching staff claims that they trust.

S Andrew Adams
Adams has proven his ability to step in time and time again. But the Bucs have already said he won’t be re-signed, per The Athletic’s Greg Auman.

CB Richard Sherman
Coach Sherm is ready to go full time.

Bucs DT Steve McLendon – Photo by: USA Today

NT Steve McLendon
Another useful fill-in for the Bucs the past two years. McLendon wants to continue to play, but at this point it just doesn’t make sense to pay him and leave younger players out of the rotation.

RB Le’Veon Bell
Bell came in as an insurance policy.

OT Josh Wells
If the Bucs can replace him, they will.

WR Breshad Perriman
Yes, I rooted heavily for Perriman. But speed and stretching the field mean nothing if you cannot catch the ball more frequently.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick – 1 year, $3.5 million

I have got to join Ledyard on this train. Fitzmagic was a reliable step-in during the dark ages of Jameis Winston. He has been consistently able to help every team he has been on. Considering the arsenal of weapons the Bucs still have and the potential weapons they can snatch in free agency and the draft, Fitz can get the job done. If he’s healthy, of course.

RB Latavius Murray – 2 years, $2.15 million

Murray has not had the best luck with consistency, but when he is healthy, he is effective. There’s hope that the 2015 and 2016 Raiders running back still exists and can help the Bucs offense. Realistically, I don’t see Tampa Bay putting too much money into this position. Coach Arians stands by the development of Ke’Shawn Vaughn. I believe Giovani Bernard will be back and the Bucs will draft a running back.

TE C.J Uzomah– 3 years, $18.3 million

If you asked me about Uzomah a couple years ago, I would easily say, “no thank you”. After this past season I have seen quality development and growth in his game. Most importantly, in his ability to block.

C Bradley Bozeman – 3 years, $24 million

Ravens C Bradley Bozeman – Photo by: USA Today

With the likely loss of Ryan Jensen, the Bucs are going to need someone capable to hold down the center position. While I was looking into the free agents in this position, I saw a good number of comparisons between Bozeman and Jensen.

WR Byron Pringle – 2 years, $6 million

Initially I was more interested in JuJu Smith-Schuster, but after looking further, Pringle seems like a better fit at a better price. Being a Tampa native has its allure, and the WR3 opening needs a guy that can be productive and consistent. Pringle’s 6-1 build and 4.46 speed will give Tyler Johnson a run for his job.

LB Christian Jones  – 1 year, $1.2 million

Jones has great football IQ. He hits hard and makes quality reads. As an unselfish player, he could be a veteran asset in the linebacker room and bring in reliable depth. Jones is also a Florida native leaning toward the end of his career.

OT Cameron Fleming – 1 year, $1.2 million

Fleming gives the Bucs a solid swing tackle for cheap.

Huddy’s 2022 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick 27 – Boston College OG Zion Johnson

Boston College G Zion Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

Johnson can play guard or center, and frankly the Bucs needs to start rebuilding at center. With the quarterback situation having so many question marks around it, the Bucs must re-establish their offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 59 – North Dakota State WR Christian Watson

Drafting this kid is the right move for the Bucs. He’s a hometown guy, versatile, coachable and, thanks to his low-key college resume, he should hold up in the second round for an affordable grab by Tampa Bay.

Round 3, Pick 91 – UCONN DT Travis Jones

Jones is a big guy. He’s currently projected as a day 2, top 100 pickup. If that holds up, this can be a steal for the Bucs. He’s a smart and strong player that can contribute to Tampa Bay’s defense.

UTSA CB Tariq Woolen – Photo by: USA Today

Round 4, Pick 131 – UTSA CB Tariq Woolen

One thing you all know that I have wanted to see in the Bucs secondary is a little more speed! Woolen is a lengthy guy that recorded a wild 4.29 at the NFL Combine. He is projected to make an impact on whatever NFL roster he ends up on. With the potential loss of Carlton Davis, this is hopeful.

Round 5, Pick 169 – BYU RB Tyler Allgeier

Allgeier is 5-11, 220 pounds, can break tackles, bursts with the ball and can catch. Yeah, add him. Allgeier has played on both sides of the ball, which speaks to his football IQ. He has solid pass protecting skills and can make an early impact in the league.

Round 7, Pick 246 – San Diego State TE Daniel Bellinger

Bellinger has an appealing build at 6-5, 253 pounds. He’s a quality technique guy, but slightly inconsistent in blocking and route-running.

Round 7, Pick 261 – San Diego State P Matt Araiza

Predicting the release of Bradley Pinion, the Bucs will need to replace him. Araiza is spoken highly of as a punter and holds the NCAA record for punting average at 51.19 yards per punt. As a young, healthy player, Araiza would be a steady solution for Tampa Bay.

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

QUARTERBACKS – 3
Blaine Gabbert
Kyle Trask
Ryan Fitzpatrick

Analysis: Fitzpatrick has stepped in and helped the Bucs in tough circumstances before. Gabbert will continue to fulfill his backup role and Trask has time to develop before seeing some game time reps.

RUNNING BACKS – 4
Giovani Bernard
Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Tyler Allgeier
Latavius Murray

Analysis: A healthy Bernard can get the job done while Vaughn progresses and Allgeier learns the ropes. Murray brings in a veteran presence and surprising contributions at running back

WIDE RECEIVERS – 6
Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Byron Pringle
Christian Watson
Cyril Grayson
Tyler Johnson

Analysis: Pringle will alleviate the inconsistency at the WR3 spot while Watson develops. Although I give Darden a hard time, the Bucs will continue to utilize him. But I prefer to see more Scotty Miller.

TIGHT ENDS – 3
Cam Brate
C.J Uzomah
Daniel Bellinger

Analysis: Brate will return to his former starting role, while Uzomah learns the Bucs system and proves to be a large contributor.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 9
LT Donovan Smith
OG Aaron Stinnie
C Bradley Bozeman
RG Alex Cappa
RT Tristan Wirfs
C Robert Hainsey
OT Cameron Fleming
OG Zion Johnson
OL Nick Leverett

Analysis: Stinnie stepped up and earned more trust from the Bucs the past two seasons. Between Smith’s leadership and Wirfs’ skill set, bringing in Bozeman and Fleming should put the offensive line together suitably.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6
Will Gholston
Vita Vea
Ndamukong Suh
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Travis Jones
Pat O’Connor

Analysis: As mentioned earlier, I believe Arians and Licht will work to return as many guys as possible. So with Suh coming back in my battle plan, the only real change is the addition of rookie Travis Jones.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 4
Shaquil Barrett
Jason Pierre Paul
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Anthony Nelson

Analysis: We will continue to see growth in Anthony Nelson’s game. JTS will make more of a splash, but I do see JPP ending his career in Tampa Bay.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5
Devin White
Lavonte David
Christian Jones
K.J. Britt
Grant Stuard

Analysis: Not only are the coaches high on the progress of Britt and Stuard, but in press conferences throughout the season Devin White and Lavonte David spoke highly Britt and what he will bring to the Bucs.

CORNERBACKS – 6
Tariq Woolen
Jamel Dean
Sean Murphy-Bunting
Ross Cockrell
Dee Delaney
Pierre Desir

Analysis: A Bucs cornerback group without Carlton Davis seems bleak, but it’s manageable. Dean needs to get and stay healthy in order to step into a larger role. Sean Murphy-Bunting has to be more consistent too. Hopefully Tariq Woolen can make an early impact.

SAFETIES – 4
Antoine Winfield, Jr.
Jordan Whitehead
Mike Edwards
Curtis Riley

Analysis: Riley was having a good camp before he got hurt last offseason. He could replace Adams, while the Bucs top three safeties reprise their roles in 2022.

SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
K Ryan Succop
P Matt Araiza
LS Zach Triner

Analysis: Unless the Bucs trade, I don’t see them spending time or money at the kicker position. I believe Succop stays out and Araiza fits right in.

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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