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Alshon Jeffery: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By Brad Weiss

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC, South

Ever since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jameis Winston out of Florida State to be their franchise quarterback, the organization has been on an upswing. While Winston was seen as a bit of a gamble coming out of Florida State due to off-the-field issues, he has been nothing but a leader since joining the NFL. The Buccaneers are very close to being a legitimate playoff contender, and they should be looking to make a splash this free agency period.

While Winston was definitely the right choice, their first round selection the year before has also proven to be quite the pick. Mike Evans has emerged to become one of the best wide receivers in all of football since the Bucs took him seventh overall out of Texas A&M, and his production has been incredible considering he does not have a ton of help around him. Vincent Jackson has done a good job in a supplementary role in the wide receiving corps, but the Bucs need another big-time receiver if they want to take the next step as an organization.

Going after Jeffery would give the Bucs two standout wide receivers, making it very difficult for defenses to scheme against their passing game. Not only would Jeffery make Evans a better player, but he would enable Winston to continue to grow into his role as a franchise quarterback. Both Evans and Jeffery have the ability to stretch the field, and that would give the Bucs a dimension that they have been lacking in recent years.

With the question marks surrounding running back Doug Martin, it is going to be imperative that Winston move the ball without much of a running game next season. The Bucs got a nice shot in the arm by players like Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers in 2016, but they are not a real answer at the running back position. Tight end Cameron Brate proved to be a playmaker at the position, and if the Bucs can somehow sign Jeffery, the Bucs passing game is going to be fun to watch next season.

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