The Buccaneers are going into this offseason with a less than ideal cap situation, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need to fill out their roster.
This list will be filled with long shots, guys past their prime, or guys who’ve never had a prime. And that’s ok, because the Buccaneers can’t afford to sign the type of quality veterans they’ve been able to in the Brady era.
So without further ado, here are some quality but realistic free agency options for the Bucs.
Marcus Davenport, EDGE
Davenport’s market is difficult to judge. Pass rushers do typically get paid, especially talented ones like Davenport. But man did he look horrendous last year, and he hasn’t cracked double digit sacks in his career. Teams could very well be willing to drop a bit of change on a high-upside former first rounder, which prices the Buccaneers out of the conversation, but if not he could be another EDGE reclamation project similar to Shaq Barrett and JPP.
Jabril Peppers, Safety
Another former first rounder who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations (this will be a theme), Peppers signed a one year prove it deal with the Patriots worth about $2 million following an ACL injury. Peppers could use more playing time and another prove it type of deal to try to secure a more long term deal, and the Bucs have both of those things to give him, with only Antoine Winfield rostered at this position. Perhaps Peppers takes a bit more money elsewhere, but the Bucs could offer him a solid chance to get plenty of snaps.
N’Keal Harry, Wide Receiver
Phew, we’re really going to the bottom of the barrel now. After a season in Chicafo Harry will hit the open market after racking up 7 catches in as many games for a little over 100 yards. This is very much a depth move, but that’s what the Bucs are going to have to do with a lot of signings. Harry will be cheap and (hopefully) motivated to try to prove he’s not the bust he’s been to this point in his career.
Benny Snell Jr., Running Back
Snell hasn’t run for over 100 yards on the season for the past couple of years. However, he’s a big body power back who can fight for tough yards and be brought in for those short yardage situations. He’s not going to be a starter barring any major injuries to Mr. White and whoever else the Bucs bring in for this position, but he’s another guy to bring in for depth to fill out the roster.
Eric Fisher, Left Tackle
Fisher was signed mid-season by the Dolphins to shift to right tackle, but the left side is where he’s spent the majority of his career. If he’s eager to get a starting job, the Bucs have just that to give him, especially with their draft position not providing a great plethora of options at the blind side. Fisher won’t be an All-Pro, but he’s been around and can give the Bucs some veteran presence on an offensive line that could look very different next season.
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