Buccaneers needs 2017 Part one
This is the first of a series of articles that will focus on the needs of the Buccaners for 2017. For this series we will look at the top free agents who are likely not to re-sign with their current teams. A big play wide receiver, safety, and offensive line depth are the main areas that need to improve for the Bucs. Defensive line depth and and a stud running back should also be an area that is looked at.
?As the Buccaneers prepare for 2017 a big play wide receiver opposite Mike Evans is a necessity if the offense is to take that step to the next level. The Bucs have somewhere north of 65 million dollars to spend on free agents. Here are 5 potential wide receiver candidates that the Bucs could pursue once the free agency period starts.
--Alshon Jeffrey Chicago Bears. A second round pick of the Bears in 2012, the knock on Jeffrey is his staying healthy. Jeffrey has also been suspended once for PED use. When healthy, Jeffrey is good for 80-90 catches a season. He is 27 years old and the Bears will try to re-sign him at a reduced rate.
--Pierre Garçon Washington Redskins. 31 years of age, Garcon is the best route runner of any of the potential free agents on the market. Drafted in 2008 by the Indianapolis Colts, Garçon has established himself as a very reliable go to receiver. Although small in size at just 6 feet, Garcon has a knack for getting open due to his excellent route running ability. His best year was in 2013 when Garcon had 113 catches for the Redskins. if the Bucs pursue him, Garçon would be an excellent no. 2 receiver opposite Mike Evans.
--Kenny Britt Los Angeles Rams. A first round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2009, Britt has been productive when healthy. He has battled some injuries over the years and has been known to have mental lapses on the field and not give 100 percent. Very talented receiver, but don't know how well his sometimes lethargic attitude would go over with Dirk Koetter and the Bucs coaching staff. Had his best season in 2016 with 68 catches and 5 TD's.
--Michael Floyd New England Patriots. Traded by Arizona to the Patriots late in the season, Floyd like Britt has had lethargy issues on the field and Some off- the field issues. He does come with some baggage but is very talented. Floyd is a bigger wide receiver who can beat corners off the line of scrimmage, but again consistency is a big issue with Floyd.
--Kenny Stills Miami Dolphins. Only 25 years old, Stills is one of the best deep threats in the NFL. His hands are not great and he drops too many passes in key situations. If Stills ever gets this figured, out
he will be a big time threat for his team. Britt had 42 catches with 9 TD's for Miami this past season.
Kendall Wright of the Titans, Anquan Boldin of the Lions, and now Victor Cruz of the Giants are also available. Boldin is 36 and on the backside of his career. Kendall Wright is still trying to be consistent and get the NFL game figured out. Victor Cruz after the surgery will probably never be the receiver he was before his injury, although someone will will take a flyer on him.
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