This is the time of year when NFL fans turn into kids in a candy store. Free agency arrives, and fans drool over prospective players who could grace their teams. Although this year the Tampa Bay Bucs might be more like the diabetic kid, short of choice! It’s no secret at this point that the Buccaneers are not flush with cap space, so high profile pickups are unlikely. There’s also the tricky matter of the Bucs’ own free agents, primarily Donovan Smith, Kwon Alexander and Adam Humphries.
Cap space was cleared by the released Vinny Curry, who won’t be the only cap casualty to trim some fat from the wage bill. With the recent tweet from ESPN’s Jenna Laine suggesting that Alexander might get a better offer outside of Tampa, free agency could be a balancing act of price versus ability.
So who might the Buccaneers’ front office be looking at?
Jay Ajayi – HB – Ajayi has had injury concerns in the past but has definite ability. There is need of a new HB in Tampa, and it’s unlikely to come from the draft. This is where Ajayi will fit as he will probably accept a low cost “prove it” contract.
C.J. Mosley – ILB – At 27 Mosley still has good years ahead of him and could be an acceptable replacement should Alexander leave. Cost could be an issue if a bidding war starts, but he has the tools to play in a multiple front. Also Jordan Hicks from Philly could be an alternative should cost demand.
Morris Claiborne – CB – Claiborne could use a fresh start to display why he was a highly recruited first round pick, and the Bucs need a veteran leader in the secondary. Morris wouldn’t command a huge contract either, so a potential good fit for both teams.
So who do you have?
