The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the entire NFL are eagerly anticipating the beginning of free agency. Just four days away now on March 16th we may possibly see one of the craziest free agency periods in awhile.
Red-Headed Priority
One of the Buccaneers priorities in free agency is keeping some of their key players. With wide receiver Chris Godwin recently being franchise tagged, the priority must now turn to center Ryan Jensen. Yes I know, the team’s quarterback situation is still fluid, but Jensen is a huge piece of the Bucs offense. Him being locked up is also a valuable tool for recruiting and protecting whoever the quarterback ends up being. Just ask Tom Brady.
Jensen’s physicality and attitude is one of his greatest assets. He sets the tone for the offensive line from the first snap to the final whistle, every game. You could make the argument that Jensen sets the tone for the entire team.
“It Is Absolutely Necessary”
Recently the Joe’s at JoeBucsFan.com spoke with former Buccaneers scout and New York Jets personnel executive Pat Kirwan about Jensen. “Call him the captain of the line if you wish,” Kirwan stated. “He makes the calls. He can coordinate everything. He communicates with the quarterback all the time. The Marpet part is really important. I think [the Bucs] — first of all I think they needed [Jensen] no matter what Marpet was doing. Now [with Marpet gone], I think it is absolutely necessary to bring [Jensen] back.”
Kirwan is a co-host with Jim Miller on Movin’ The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio. He pointed out that with Ali Marpet retiring, the Bucs must re-sign Jensen for the team to be a contender.
The market for Jensen will be robust to say the least. Reports have several teams interested in Jensen including the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets. General manager Jason Licht has his work cut out for him.
Magic Time, Again
The Buccaneers pulled off some salary cap magic last season, this year they’ll have to repeat that magic. If Jensen isn’t re-signed, the Buccaneers will be losing two Pro Bowl linemen in Marpet and Jensen. That could be a blow that ripples through the organization and sends this franchise back to the basement. Jason needs to leave the “Licht on” until Jensen is back under contract with the pewter and red.
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
