3 surprise cuts the Buccaneers could make this offseason

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with head coach Bruce Arians after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 30: William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs drills during training camp at AdventHealth Training Center on August 30, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2. DE William Gholston

Throughout much of 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive unit was known for clamping down on the run while giving up far too many big pass plays. During the regular season, Todd Bowles’ unit finished sixth in the league in fewest total yards allowed per game and was No. 1 in the NFL in rushing defense for the second consecutive year. But the Bucs were 21st against the pass and of the 39 offensive touchdowns permitted by the club, 29 came through the air. The club racked up 48 sacks (9.5 by Jason Pierre-Paul) and came up with 25 takeaways.

During the four-game postseason sweep of Washington, the Saints, Packers and Chiefs, Bruce Arians’ team combined for nine sacks and forced nine turnovers. The front-seven was led by Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh, pass-rushing terror Shaquil Barrett and aggressive linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White. But the reality is that all but White and Pierre-Paul can become unrestricted free agents. Could general manager Jason Licht slap the franchise tag on Barrett for a second straight year?

Eight-year pro William Gholston has put up modest statistics during his career and could be replaced by some younger talent via the draft. More importantly, it’s vital that Barrett, David and Suh are retained if the team is to build on the defense’s two-year performance under Bowles.

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