The Buccaneers are done. Technically speaking, they still have a pretty good shot at the division, but who actually cares. If you think this team right now has a chance at a deep playoff run, I have some beachfront property in Orlando to sell you.
There is a lot of blame to go around. Todd Bowles as HC is taking the bulk of it. Not saying he doesn’t deserve it, but it feels like players have gotten away with not giving a shit.
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In his latest presser after the loss, he not only dropped fifty fucks, he blamed a lot on player execution. I don’t think him doing that speaks to a great grasp on this locker room, but he isn’t fully wrong. Yes he should be shouldering (and probably will) plenty of blame, this roster should have some overhaul.
Let’s get the most controversial part out of the way first. Despite the less than stellar play over the past month, Baker Mayfield is not going anywhere. Barring some catastrophe, he will be here next season. There have been some grumblings, and while I somewhat agree, it isn’t realistic. The only reason I somewhat agree to be clear is that he just isn’t consistent. He is incredibly streaky even when playing well, which, when you play the most important position, isn’t the best.
I still think he can be a good QB and is suffering from inconsistent play calling, injury, and lack of trust in his back-up receivers. And even if I fully embraced the idea Baker should be shipped off without looking back, there is no good replacement. The Buccaneers, even if they lose every game to end the year won’t be able to draft a viable QB replacement. Free agency isn’t much better. The top free agent QB is Daniel Jones followed by Aaron Rodgers. Yeah no we’re good with that.
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I will also not look at WR just because I do not know what Mike Evans will decide to do, which greatly affects how the room will look.
What we are not good with is TE. I have been one of the more vocal Cade Otton supporters, but I’m not going to come on here to say this guy is particularly elite. He is an above average TE. The biggest problem with him (and really the whole TE room) is that none of his skills are truly exceptional. He can block pretty well, he’s good at catching the ball, and he can run routes ok. Nothing about his game is elite. I think the Bucs can shoot higher when he hits free agency.
The biggest name in free agency is Kyle Pitts. I really don’t want to give him that contract. He is very inconsistent as a receiver, and I just don’t fully trust him living up to a big contract. One name I would like to look at is David Njoku. He has said he wants to stay in Cleveland. However, they may not want to re-sign him because Harold Fannin looks to be pretty good. He is still relatively young at 29 and the Buccaneers may be able to buy low due to a downtick in production; a large part of which I think can be placed on the feet of a stagnant Browns’ offense.
The biggest risk with signing him would be the fact he has been dealing with injury the past two seasons. I also wouldn’t mind looking at Isiaih Likely, especially if Licht wants to address the position in the draft. He has shown potential in his young career opposite Mark Andrews and I think he could be good. He could pair pretty nicely with someone in the draft class.
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Defense is where the real tear down happens. I expect every edge rusher not named Yaya Diaby to be kicked to the curb. Anthony Nelson, Logan Hall, Reddick, Braswell. Just gut the whole position group. The most sought after name will be Trey Hendrickson. Most fans will be happy about that, and he is a really good player. It would also line up with how the Buccaneers have addressed the position the past two seasons. I’m not sure it’s the most viable strategy though. I am getting really sick of this one year rental shit. Trey is 31 years old (same as Reddick), so he is teetering on the age where that will be what he gets. This is on top of him missing multiple games this year. The same can also be said for Khalil Mack.
Dre’mont Jones could be intriguing. He also missed a number of games this year, but is only 28. Why I think he could be even despite bouncing around a lot is he does seem to have that Shaq Barrett to him a little bit. At least, in terms of fire inside. There is an NFL article where he talks about wanting to be one of the best in the league, and feeling like he could do it. It does remind me of Shaq in that way in his time in Denver. Coincidentally, both are fairly similar in terms of height/weight (Shaw is 6′ 2″ 250 while Jones is 6′ 3″ 265).
Despite missing several games, he is fourth on the team in pressures. The other Bengals pass rusher is another name I like. Joseph Ossai is having a career year and is only 25 years old. The Bengals are also incredibly stupid, so they may prioritize Hendrickson over the young guy. There are a ridiculous amount of potential options in free agency. Nothing earth-shattering, but a lot of very good.
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Just blow inside linebacker up. Full purge, no survivors. Everything needs to go. Sorry Lavonte, but you’re done. Retire, you’ll go in the ring of honor and hopefully the HOF. I love you, and I am saying this out of love. You can’t play anymore. SirVocea, no disrespect, please just go away. Unlike these other positions, LB is a position that should probably be addressed in free agency. At least for one of those guys. It’s very difficult to transition from college to the pros (look at the Bengals for evidence of what happens when you try starting two rookies next to each other).
I would absolutely love Devin Lloyd, but that probably won’t happen. I would be shocked if the Jags let him walk. Green Bay is also not letting Quay Walker leave. Nakobe Dean I think will be available. Not exactly a vet, but still has playing time under his belt. The biggest issue with him is the injuries. But since coming back from the torn patellar, he looks like the best blitzing LB in the NFL. 4 sacks, a strip sack, and only a 92.9 passer rating allowed. If paired with a high drafted vet, that could be a lethal duo.
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