Fansided

5 free agents the Buccaneers must sign this offseason

By Cole Thompson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 03: Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown with Chris Godwin #14 during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 03: Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown with Chris Godwin #14 during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans Saints
Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans Saints. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints. Sheldon Rankins. 4.. 15. DL. Pick Analysis. player. Scouting Report

The Buccaneers ended the 2019 season with the top run defense in the NFL. They saw the same results in 2020 with even better production from Vita Vea, William Gholston and Ndamukong Suh. That run-heavy front seven might be coming to an end in 2021.

Tampa Bay will be all-in on Vea’s fifth-year option, but what about Suh? Will he want to play another season? And if so, how much is he truly worth when there’s plenty of names in the NFL Draft that are younger and cheaper.

The Bucs need a bridge defensive lineman, meaning a name like Rankins could fit the bill. When healthy, the fifth-year pro is a quality defender up the middle. As a run stopper, he continues to make plays yet can struggle to generate a pass rush.

Rankins spent his entire career in a 4-3 defensive front down in the bayou. Could he have a Suh like revival playing in a different scheme after even struggling to win as a three-tech? Overall, the former top 15 pick has skills needed in Tampa for next season. As a former postseason player, that also adds value.

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