15 Free Agents That Make Sense For The Bucs
Even after bringing back Anthony Nelson and Cam Gill, the Bucs still need to add to the pass rush this offseason with an emphasis on getting faster. While the best way to achieve that will be with young talent throughout the draft, they could look to the free agent market to bolster the room. The team hasn’t ruled out bringing back Carl Nassib either, as there remains some uncertainty on when Shaq Barrett will be able to return after suffering an Achilles injury early last season.
If the Bucs choose to go the veteran route there are a few players that could be of interest. Kyle Van Noy who spent last season with the Chargers has the versatility Bowles covets from his defenders. He finished last season compiling 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks on 32 pressures and a forced fumble in 15 starts.
Bowles could also look to a reunion with Cardinals edge rusher Markus Golden who he coached in Arizona. Golden ended 2022 with 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks on 46 pressures in 14 starts.
If the Bucs are looking to try to find a young resurrection project like they did a few years back with Shaq Barrett, they could target another Shaq in Shaq Lawson. The Bills former first-round pick finished last season with four sacks on 20 total pressures. He started six games in 2022 racking up 31 tackles, six for-a-loss and a forced fumble.
Another player they could look at is the Texan’s Rasheem Green. Just 25, Green finished last season with five sacks on 26 total pressures. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, he brings great size to the outside. He racked up 42 tackles, including five tackles for loss in 2022.
Inside Linebacker
The Bucs are set to return both starters at the position after locking in Lavonte David to a one-year deal. However, the team has mostly unknown’s behind them. K.J. Britt has been a core special teamer, but hasn’t shown he can be relied upon, or good, if he was to be thrust into a starting role.
While the draft isn’t loaded with impact starters at the position the Bucs don’t need that for this season. Mid-round selections like Auburn’s Owen Pappoe or Jackson State’s Aubrey Miller Jr.would fill the need for an upside backup.
Though if the Bucs were to look towards free agency Cardinals linebacker Ben Nieman could make a lot of sense. Still just 27 years old, he logged 43 percent of the snaps on defense for Arizona in 2022. Perhaps his best attribute is his tackling, posting a 90.3 tackling grade. Nieman finished with 70 total tackles, with just one missed tackle all season, and a fumble recovery. He’s also a core special teamer with 181 snaps and two special teams tackles.
