Giovani Bernard is no longer the only outside free agent brought in by the Buccaneers – the team announced Wednesday they have signed veteran free agents linebacker Joseph Jones and safety Raven Greene.
We've signed S Raven Greene and LB Joseph Jones.#GoBucshttps://t.co/KZsoV7VloY
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 5, 2021
Jones comes to the Buccaneers after four years with the Broncos where we was primarily a special teams player. He totaled 26 special teams tackles which the highest amongst player in his four-year stint. Jones also had 31 tackles in a rotational role on defense. Jones looks to compete with Kevin Minter and new draft picks K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard for the fourth linebacker role in the team.
Greene has more playing experience. Seeing action in the secondary in 20 games, with one start, in his three years in Green Bay. Greene racked up 51 tackles, seven passes defensed, four quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in that span. Greene will compete with first year safety Javon Hagan in camp for the fourth and final safety spot.
Jones and Greene offer veteran depth and special teams at position that have rookie or first year players as back ups. They bring speed and competition to a roster at both back up spots and special teams. One other small wrinkle, now that the draft has passed these signings don’t affect the compensatory pick calculations for next years draft.
Depth is always a good thing, especially when you’re trying to win your second consecutive Super Bowl. Both signings make sense, as well, considering the Bucs need competition for their fourth safety spot and are still carving out depth behind Lavonte David, Devin White, and Kevin Minter.
What do you think about the Buccaneers’ new veteran free agents? Let us know in the comment section below!
