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Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 10: Head Coach Bruce Arians speaks to the media during the introductory press conference for new Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians on January 10, 2019 at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa,FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 10: Head Coach Bruce Arians speaks to the media during the introductory press conference for new Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians on January 10, 2019 at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa,FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates an interception by inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney #55 (not pictured) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. DB Tyrann Mathieu (Houston Texans)

There seems to be little doubt that the Houston Texans would love to have the “Honey Badger” back in 2019. And understandably so as talented defensive back Tyrann Mathieu enjoyed a solid first season for the eventual AFC South champions. A 16-game starter, the six-year pro finished third on the team with 89 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, eight passes defensed and one fumble recovery. He was a big positive for a team that ranked 12th in the NFL in total defense but allowed the fifth-most passing yards in the league.

To say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help on defense would be an understatement. Last offseason, general manager Jason Licht made a concentrated effort to improve the worst pass rush in the league. The team traded for Jason Pierre-Paul, signed Vinny Curry after he was cut loose by the Philadelphia Eagles, used a first-round draft choice on interior defender Vita Vea and grabbed end Carl Nassib off waivers from the Browns in September. Tampa went from 22 sacks in ’17 to 38 QB traps this past season.

But the Bucs also gave up the second-most points in the league. The team allowed 53 offensive touchdowns, including 34 through the air. So Bruce Arians’ team could certainly use a familiar and talented face in a secondary that could lose veterans such as cornerback Brent Grimes and safety Chris Conte (limited to 3 games in ’18) to free agency.

Next: Markus Golden

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