One of the best units on the 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the defensive line, and on Tuesday, the team made a move to sure up the depth behind their top-end starters.
Tampa announced the signing of defensive end Trevor Scott, and with that news, put a finishing touch on their defensive end rotation. Scott last played with the Patriots in 2012, but at 28 years, he is a five-year NFL veteran. Terms were not disclosed at this point, but it is assumed to be a 1-year contract.
As far as skill set, Scott has 16.5 sacks over 5 seasons, but when he was a full-time (or near full-time) player in 2009 with the Raiders, he produced 7 sacks in a single season. In Tampa Bay, he won’t be asked to be much more than a rotational player, as the Bucs are blessed with uber-talented ends in Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn. However, they were lacking a consistent veteran behind them, and they addressed quickly with this move.
With the absolute stud that is Gerald McCoy in the middle, Tampa Bay could have one of the highest ceilings on the defensive line in the league. Scott has shown that he can produce pass rush off the edge if given a chance, and with Bowers’ inconsistency, he could see the field in short order.