Free Agent Secondary Options for the Buccaneers

The Buccaneers rolled into victory Monday feeling good after a strong showing against Washington. Unfortunately they also got banged up in the secondary. Bryce Hall was ruled out, Zyon McCollum left early with a concussion, Antoine Winfield Jr is out for multiple weeks, and Josh Hayes was hurt as well.

This has left the secondary very thin for a team that looks to repeat as the NFC South Champions. So the team may need to jump into free agency early this season to fill holes. So here are some key names available.

Coming off of playing for two teams last season, the Chargers and Patriots, J.C. Jackson remains a free agent. the 28 year old last season had nine pass deflections and an interception on the stat line in ten games. Targeted 64 times he allowed 35 catches for a completion percentage of 54.7% and a passer rating of 100.5. he allowed five touchdowns in coverage last year.

Xavien Howard at 31 years old still sits in free agency having played in Miami last season. In thirteen games last season he notched one interception and 12 pass deflections. Though his completion percentage allowed, 62.9%, is more than Jackson’s, he has a better passer rating allowed at 81.3. with only one touchdown allowed on a similar 62 targets. Unfortunately, he may be asking for more money than the Buccaneers are willing to spend. Last season he was sitting at the $18 million dollar mark.

At 34 years old Patrick Peterson is going to be the oldest option available to the Buccaneers but still seems to be playing at a decent level. Last season in Pittsburgh he logged in 17 games, starting 16, and was able to deflect nine passes and intercept two. On 64 targets he allowed 38 receptions for a 59.4% completion percentage. Couple this with a 91.5 passer rating allowed, he is still a viable option to come in for a period of time and help. Add in the relationship with Bruce Arians and he may find himself back in the state he was born in.

Ahkello Witherspoon represents a less expensive individual to fill in. At 29 years old and coming off a full season where he started all 17 games he should be strongly considered to be brought in. Last season he had 14 pass deflections and three interceptions on  106 targets. Though targeted in high numbers Witherspoon only allowed a completion percentage of 48.1% and a quarterback rating of 75.7. Meanwhile he allowed five touchdowns.

Some of the injuries seem serious, others not so much but either way players are going to miss some time.  So a quick roster addition should be seriously entertained. Of these Witherspoon represents the best bang for the Bucs and is a solid contributor. But the Buccaneers should act quickly. Following week one I see at least six other teams in need of some corner help. Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and the Rams may be players in the market. So acting fast keeps this defense in competition and will help make it so this team does not need to come down to the wire at the end of the season.

I would also add in Hasson Reddick on the list after a corner, if the Buccaneers can add more pressure against the quarterback the corners job becomes easier. I still believe he’ll propel this defense into the next level.