Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a successful 2023 season, winning their third consecutive NFC South title and reaching the Divisional Round. Despite this success, the team still faces significant challenges in the upcoming season. The team's offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, was replaced by Liam Coen, and several assistants were added to bolster Todd Bowles' staff. The offensive line is a concern, with the retirement of Ryan Jensen creating a significant void. The upcoming draft and potential free-agent signings will be crucial to solidify the team's championship aspirations. The departure of Shaq Barrett leaves a significant gap on the Tampa Bay defensive line, freeing up valuable salary cap space, but it leaves the team searching for a reliable replacement. The Buccaneers also face a significant challenge at the free safety position, with a potential trade with Carlton Davis III.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses entering the offseason.
While offensive coordinator Dave Canales departed for the Carolina Panthers head coaching vacancy, the Bucs quickly filled the void with the experienced Liam Coen, formerly the Rams’ offensive coordinator. Several talented assistants were also added to bolster third-year head coach Todd Bowles’ staff.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason strategy diverged from the typical free agency frenzy. Instead of chasing external stars, General Manager Jason Licht prioritized retaining core players like quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans, who were set to hit the market. This approach reflected the team’s unexpected success in 2023, exceeding expectations and exceeding them convincingly. Bringing back key contributors who were instrumental in the Bucs’ impressive run was a logical priority.
Despite their focus on continuity, the Buccaneers still have needs to address. The offensive line remains a concern, and finding a reliable edge rusher to complement the defense would be a significant boost. While Licht has addressed key areas through re-signings, the upcoming draft and potential remaining free-agent signings will be crucial in solidifying the roster and bolstering the Buccaneers’ championship aspirations.
The retirement of Ryan Jensen creates a significant void in the heart of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line. Jensen’s blend of athleticism, physicality, and leadership were sorely missed during his injury-plagued seasons. While Robert Hainsey has filled in admirably, he hasn’t been able to fully replicate Jensen’s impact.
Addressing the center position is a top priority for General Manager Jason Licht. The team can pursue this upgrade in two ways: signing a quality veteran free agent or drafting a high-caliber prospect with skillsets similar to Jensen’s.
The struggles at left guard persist as well. While veterans like Matt Feiler and the recently acquired Ben Bredeson and Iosua Opeta add depth, none have come close to replacing the production of retired guard Ali Marpet. The ideal scenario would see the Bucs “double-dip” in the early rounds of the draft, solidifying both center and left guard with long-term starters. Finding high-quality interior linemen to line up next to Tristan Wirfs is crucial for the Buccaneers’ offensive success in 2024 and beyond.
The departure of veteran pass rusher Shaq Barrett creates a significant void on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line. While this move frees up valuable salary cap space, it leaves the Bucs searching for a reliable replacement.
Rookie YaYa Diaby emerged as a bright spot last season, showcasing promise as a potential long-term solution. However, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the team’s 2021 first-round pick, enters a crucial year with the Bucs declining his fifth-year option. Beyond Diaby, the cupboard is bare at the edge rusher position.
General Manager Jason Licht has two primary options to address this need. A top free-agent pass rusher could be brought in to immediately bolster the defense, but this approach would require significant financial investment. Alternatively, the Bucs could utilize an early-round draft pick to secure a talented young edge rusher and develop him into a future cornerstone of the defense. Whichever path Licht chooses, finding a quality edge rusher to complement Diaby remains a top priority for the Buccaneers in 2024.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast one of the league’s premier safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr., their secondary presents a tale of two positions. Winfield, a first-team All-Pro in 2023, is a lockdown presence, and negotiations are underway to make him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.
The glaring weakness lies at the free safety spot. Ryan Neal’s struggles in 2023 and impending free agency for Dee Delaney necessitate a significant upgrade. Zyon McCollum, primarily a cornerback, filled in admirably last season, but the Bucs ideally need a dedicated starter alongside Winfield. Former Jets’ safety, Jordan Whitehead, will likely get the first crack at the job after signing in free agency, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them add more depth here.
The cornerback position requires some attention as well. The trade of Carlton Davis III creates a vacancy opposite Jamel Dean. While both Dean and Davis have struggled with durability, the lack of depth behind them is concerning. Christian Izien provides solid depth as a nickel defender, and McCollum’s versatility adds value, but the Bucs would benefit from adding another capable cornerback, ideally a starter-caliber player, to solidify their secondary. Tavierre Thomas (Texans) and Bryce Hall (Jets) were signed during free agency, but calling on them to play starting snaps is a big ask.
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