4 free agents the Buccaneers missed out on thanks to Tom Brady’s retirement

3. Miles Sanders

With the Buccaneers losing Brady this offseason, it seems likely that they will be more active with their running game in 2023. When looking at their current options at running back, it is fair to argue that they could use a boost at the position. Rachaad White is currently viewed as their No. 1 option and although the 24-year-old certainly has good promise, it would have been wise for the Buccaneers to try to add a star running back like Mile Sanders.

Sanders of course landed his sweet payday, as he signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. With the Panthers being on the rise and making several other notable moves this offseason, it is understandable that he was willing to join them. With Brady out of the picture, the Buccaneers likely did not stand out from the pack for his services.

Nevertheless, it is disappointing that the Buccaneers could not land a very talented running back like Sanders. He would have greatly improved the Buccaneers at the running back position, and he could have been the perfect replacement for veteran Leonard Fournette.

In 17 games last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders recorded 11 touchdowns, 259 rushes, and 1,269 rushing yards. He also was justifiably named to his first Pro Bowl in the process.