Ezekiel Ansah rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Joe Schiller
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs were everyone’s dark horse candidate in 2017 and their entire season was a complete letdown. While Jameis Winston struggled to stay healthy, it was the defenses’ ability to pressure the quarterback that gave the Bucs a number of problems. They finished dead last with just 22 total sacks on the season. A great way to improve that number this season? Add Ezekiel Ansah in free agency.
Looking Bucs’ defensive depth chart, there aren’t many players who scare you in the pass rush. Maybe Noah Spence or Robert Ayers but they’ve proven to be too inconsistent with injuries. This is by far the best fit for Ansah and one of the biggest needs for the Bucs. Signing him eliminates targeting a pass rusher in the draft, especially in the first round. This allows the possibility of upgrading the cornerback position with either Josh Jackson or Denzel Ward. That would be music to Mike Smith’s ears as defensive coordinator.
Cap room isn’t an issue for the Bucs. They’re hovering over the $70 million range and that number only increases with the recent releases of Doug Martin, Chris Baker, and Nick Folk. Ansah would have the ability to be an immediate starter and earn a very comfortable contract in the process. It seems like the best of both worlds for either side.
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The NFC South has some of the league’s top quarterbacks in Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan. Creating pressure in the pocket is something the Bucs have to do next season or they’re in a heap of trouble.