Buccaneers needs 2017 part 2 Safety
?In our last blog post, we talked about the Buccaneers needs for 2017 and the no. 1 need for a big play Wide Receiver opposite Mike Evans. We looked at the free agents available and who may be a good fit for the Bucs. We now look at the Safety position and the top 5 free agents that may be a good fit for the Bucs.
The Bucs will have to dip into the free agent market to sign a safety or two. Both Chris Conte and Bradley Mcdougald are free agents. Based on their play and the need to upgrade the position it is not likely that the Bucs bring theses safeties back.
The top 5 free agent safeties are as follows:
--Eric Berry Kansas City Cheifs. Without a doubt the no. 1 free agent safety on the market. Just 2 years ago, Berry was in a fight for his life with Hodgkin's disease. Berry beat that disease and is entering free agency as the no. 1 safety available. Berry, just 26 years old has a lot of years ahead of him and would hold down the safety position for years to come. The Cheifs will have to overpay to keep Berry in KC.
--Tony Jefferson Arizona. 2016 was a good season for Jefferson as he finally figured it out. This was his best season to date and he is looking to cash in on that first big contract. Jefferson is just 25 years of age.
--John Cyprien Jacksonville. Just 27 years of age, Cyprien had his best season of his career in 2016, after being a bust his first three seasons in the league. Cyprien a second round pick in 2013 finally performed as one of the top safeties in the NFL. The Jags will have to pay dearly to re-sign him.
--Barry Church Dallas. Church has always been a very good NFL safety and 2016 was no exception. Church had 85 tackles, 2 picks and one FF. Church would certainly look good in pewter red and white in 2017.
--TJ McDonald Los Angeles. 64 tackles, 1 pick and 1 sack capped off another solid season for TJ McDonald. McDonald has been a consistent performer since he came into the league in 2013. McDonald would be an upgrade for the Bucs in 2017.
Other options at safety for the Bucs via free agency could include, Jaleel Addae of the Chargers, DJ Swearinger of the Cardinals, and Micah Hyde of the Packers.
