Evaluating the Bucs’ Biggest Offseason Needs

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Now that the season is in the books, it is time for Jason Licht and the Buccaneers’ front office to plan for the new season. A big offseason is coming up for the franchise. Where does Tampa need to upgrade this year? Here is a look at a few areas the Bucs need to put their main focus on in free agency and in the draft:

Defensive Backfield

The Buccaneers’ secondary is one of the worst in the league. Spending two second-round picks on cornerbacks M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis was a first step in the right direction. However, with Grimes declining heavily—and most likely not returning—and the uncertainty surrounding Vernon Hargreaves after he missed almost the whole season because of an injury, the Bucs are still in dire need of acquiring at least one high-caliber defensive back.

Offensive Line

Bruce Arians has made it clear that Jameis Winston is the main reason he took the job in Tampa. Providing him with decent protection, something that was not the case this year, again, will be one of the new head coach’s main responsibilities. Winston can be one of the best in the league if he is protected well. Needless to say, upgrading an abysmal running game should be another task because it will take pressure off of Winston.

In addition to that, defensive line and middle linebacker could be an issue here, depending on whether the team decides to keep Gerald McCoy or Kwon Alexander. If the team parts ways with either one of them, replacements need to found, as both McCoy and Alexander are important key players at their position.

Some may argue the Bucs need to upgrade the running back position, especially in regards to Ronald Jones’ highly disappointing rookie season. Yet upgrading the offensive line is the more important issue here. With a good line, running lanes will be there. Even though there are attractive options on the market with Le’Veon Bell and the Jaguars reportedly shopping Leonard Fournette, spending a load of money on a running back would be the wrong way to go for the Buccaneers.

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