As I promised, I will be discussing here the moves the Buccaneers have made in day one of free agency. As most people expected, they were not big spenders as they never are. However, I think the moves they did make were good and the players they chose to not bring back made sense (except for, you know).
Let’s go over the one that pissed the most people off. Cade Otton has been re-signed for $10 million a year. Unfortunately, he still will not buy gloves. But there were plenty of people who did not like it. Likely because they just have an endless loop of that Rams drop that led to a pick-6. In reality, he is an above average TE. Not truly great at anything, but pretty damn reliable. He doesn’t drop too many passes (although he does have the strange inability to drop easy catches), can block pretty well, and does most everything that is asked of him. And his pay puts him as the 15th most paid TE, which seems about fair for him. Also less than most people thought he could get elsewhere.
Now, let’s switch gears to a move nearly everyone loved. The Bucs managed to snag Alex Anzalone for 2 years $17 million. If Cade Otton was a discount, then Anzalone was like a clearance sale. Anzalone was expected to get way more than this, so it was a bit of a shock when the Bucs got him for what is less than $9 mil a year.
With that said, he is 31 years old, so not the LB of the future. At least, not for much longer beyond the parameters of this deal. He excels in coverage still and has a knack for getting sacks. Also, not sure what this signing means for Lavonte David’s future, so don’t ask. If I had to guess, the Buccaneers are operating as if he will not be back for another year. So, my prediction is they will get an LB on day 2 to sit behind Anzalone and maybe Lavonte for a year.
And then there’s Kenneth Gainwell. This is by no means a terrible move. He is essentially the Rachaad White replacement. He is an incredible pass catching back (he had 73 catches, which is insane), can also pass block, and can get yards on third down. Like I said, a White replacement. I would’ve preferred paying a little bit less than they ultimately did. 2 years $14 million is a bit expensive for your number #2 back. Even one that can do as much as Gainwell can. With that said, after seeing what Tyler Allegeier got, I think I would’ve preferred that. Gainwell is probably a better player, but I would’ve preferred spending less here.
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