Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2016 record: 9-7 — 2nd place, NFC South
What’s new? They’re coming off their first winning season since 2010.
Projected salary cap space: $68 million — Only three teams have more money to spend.
Key in-house free agents: S Bradley McDougald, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Vincent Jackson, C Joe Hawley
Rodgers had his moments last year and might be available at a nice rate, but they do have Doug Martin and Charles Sims. Jackson is 34 and appears to be out of gas. Hawley has started 29 games the last two years but is basically a replacement-level center. The only guy who it would really hurt to lose is McDougald. With 79 tackles and a pair of picks in 16 starts, the 26-year-old turned into a fine starting strong safety this year.
Key needs: Cornerback, wide receiver, safety if McDougald leaves and potentially running back.
Draft breakdown: They have the No. 19 overall pick and it’s status quo from there.
Other potential priorities:
Outlook: Lots of money to spend, which is pretty sweet for a 9-7 team with few in-house free agents. The young Bucs should keep improving.
