Fansided

Buccaneers must get offseason right in 2018

By Matt Verderame

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks over the defense during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks over the defense during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a disappointment last season, failing to realize their potential. The current group can’t afford another letdown.

After going 9-7 in 2016, the Buccaneers were on the cusp. After watching Jameis Winston improve in completion rate, touchdowns and yardage, it seemed Tampa Bay was going to take off and become a factor in the loaded NFC.

Instead, the Buccaneers cratered after being featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks, going 5-11 while Winston regressed. Winston, the first-overall pick in the 2015 draft, threw 11 interceptions and fumbled 14 times (recovering seven) in 13 games.

Now, entering the third year of the Dirk Koetter-Jason Licht regime, Tampa Bay faces the implied ultimatum of win or get out. Additionally, if Winston can’t curtail his turnover-prone ways, he could be on the proverbial next train out with a new front office and coaching staff on the way.

Licht has already begun the facelift, releasing Chris Baker and Doug Martin. Baker was signed last March to a three-year, $15.75 million deal, and lasted one season after recorded 0.5 sacks. Licht’s other marquee signing from a year ago, DeSean Jackson, was middling at best in 2017. The 31-year-old caught 55 passes for 668 yards and three touchdowns, putting him squarely in bust territory.

As for Martin, the running back agreed to terms on a five-year, $35.75 million contract, playing a grand total of 19 games since then.

Going into free agency, Tampa Bay is flush with cash. The Buccaneers are projected to have well over $70 million under the cap, giving it the opportunity to shore up the roster. Edge rusher is a prime concern, along with both a compliment to Vernon Hargreaves and a safety to play alongside Justin Evans.

In 2017, the Buccaneers ranked dead last in total defense. The biggest weakness was against the pass, surrendering a league-worst 260.6 passing yards while notching only 22 sacks, also ranking 32nd. All told, only Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald had more than three sacks, with McCoy leading the team (6.0).

Licht would be wise to address the secondary in free agency, with ample options on the table. The corner class should be loaded with Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, Trumaine Johnson, Johnathan Joseph and Malcolm Butler hitting the market. There are also some quality safeties in Tre Boston and Tyvon Branch, along with LaMarcus Joyner and Kenny Vaccaro.

The free-agent class for pass-rushers is not nearly as robust, giving Licht the option to fix that problem in the draft. If Licht feels inclined to make a splash, the Buccaneers could try to sign Sheldon Richardson for big money, playing him on the inside of the defensive line alongside Gerald McCoy. Still, Richardson only had one sack in 2017, hardly solving Tampa Bay’s woes in this department.

Next: Best NFL player from each state

Finally, the biggest upgrade for the Buccaneers must come from within. If Winston continues to give the ball away, and Jackson doesn’t play better, Tampa Bay is looking at an overhaul come 2019. Ownership has been patient, but time will run out with one more inept season, and rightfully so.

Then, the looming question will be whether the Buccaneers keep Winston for a fifth year, or if they blow up the whole operation and start from scratch.

The time is now for Licht, Koetter and Winston in Tampa Bay.

Home/NFL Draft