Buccaneers must focus on defensive backfield in free agency
The Buccaneers have needs a plenty as the work for the 2018 season begins. The three most pressing needs are along the defensive line, the defensive backfield and the running back position. You can make a strong case that unless the offensive line gets an upgrade, the Bucs will not be able to run the ball effectively.
Let’s start with the defensive backs. This position was a cause of concern before the rumours starting going around that Brent Grimes may not come back for another season. Grimes was by far the best DB the Bucs put on the field in 2017. Robert McClain and TJ Ward are also UFA and could sign elsewhere.
Grimes despite missing three games tied for the team in interceptions with three and was eighth on the team with 49 tackles. Grimes was also the only DB who consistently could cover opposing receivers one on one, a skill that was much needed with the Bucs lacking a decent pass rush.
McClain finished seventh on the team in tackles with 50, and also had three picks one of which was returned for a TD. If the money is right. I would’nt mind seeing McClain come back. McClain did a decent job in coverage and was a good veteran leader in the locker room.
TJ Ward did not live up to expectations and the Bucs should let him walk. He was just a shell of the former player he used to be.
Let’s start with the worst case scenario that Grimes retires and McClain is not resigned. Who is available that the Bucs could bring in and give a boost to this secondary? Some of the cornerbacks who will be available include:
Malcolm Butler of the New England Patriots. Butler 28 years old has been on the rise ever since he made that big play in Super Bowl 49 to secure the Patriots win against the Seahawks.
EJ Gaines of the Buffalo Bills. Gaines who is 26 years old is a Pro Bowl caliber Corner when healthy. Gaines has been injury prone his prior seasons in the league missing 26 games.
Trumaine Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson who is 28, missed the majority of the season with a leg injury. John son has demonstrated in the past that he can be an impact player and become a shutdown corner.
The Bucs do have one player on the roster that is coming up on a make or break season. Vernon Hargraves. Hargraves who missed substantial time this season with an injury, took a step back in year two. Hargraves struggled mightily in all aspects of the game. Opposing QB’s had a rating well over 120 when throwing at Hargraves. Hargraves has a lot to work on this off-season and we are all expecting improvements in 2018.
At the safety position my top four free agents include:
Morgan Burnett of the Green Bay Packers. Burnett 29 years of age has been part of a Packers defense that has been terrible the past few years. Burnett is a capable of playing multiple positions in the defensive backfield and should have some good years left.
Lamarcus Joyner of the Los Angeles Rams. Joyner a four year veteran has shown improvement every year he has been in the league, Joyner should be one of the top safeties in demand.
Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers. Reid 26 years old missed substantial playing time this year due to various injuries. Reid is very good in coverage but his tackling needs work. The ceiling is high for Reid and is ready for a break out season.
Kenny Vaccaro of the New Orleans Saints. The 27 year old Vaccaro suffered a groin injury and was plced on IR. Vaccaro can also play corner and will be sought after as a free agent.
The Bucs front office may decide to build this position through the draft and pass on these Free agents. Whatever avenue the Bucs decide to pursue, this is an area that needs an overall upgrade to be a contender in 2018.
