The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the season 11-5, winning their fourth straight NFC South division title.
The Bucs lost to the Washington Commanders 23-20 in the Wild Card round, a disappointing loss for the Buccaneers as they had their sights set on a deep playoff run.
Despite the success, the Buccaneers’ defense did not perform as well as it should have throughout the season. The defense underperforms every year, which is surprising since Todd Bowles’ specialty is defense.
As free agency heats up, the Buccaneers should be in the market for an edge rusher and a cornerback. However, there are two players on the roster that the Buccaneers should make a priority to resign.
Wide receiver Chris Godwin and guard Ben Bredeson should have been signed yesterday. Bredeson played better than expected and helped solidify the offensive line.
However, the Buccaneers need to improve at two positions: edge rushers and cornerback.
Without an upgrade at these two positions, the Bucs will continue to be a good team, but not a great team that will make deep playoff runs.
There is also no guarantee that linebacker Lavonte David will return for his 14th season. David is now playing on one-year deals, and if he decides to retire, the Bucs will be in the market for a linebacker. If David were to retire, the Bucs would no doubt have to sign a linebacker through free agency.
Chase Young of the Saints is a free agent. Although not as dominant as his first couple of years in the league, Young could immediately step in and help this defense. Young had 66 quarterback pressures last season and can still disrupt opposing offenses.
However, edge rushers and cornerbacks remain the two most important areas of need for this Buccaneers team, and there are some free agents available that the Bucs could pursue.
Although not a free agent, Myles Garrett is available via trade. He has asked for a trade to leave Cleveland. Any team that acquires Garrett would have to package a couple of future number-one draft picks as a minimum to acquire one of the best defensive players in the NFL. But Garrett, paired with Vita Vea, would make the Bucs’ defensive line one of the best in the NFL.
Josh Sweat of the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles is also a free agent. Sweat had eight sacks last season, and the Bucs should kick the tires on this free agent.
Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals and Khalil Mack of the Chargers are also available.
Garrett, Sweat, Hendrickson, or Mack would look good in pewter and white, playing opposite of YaYa Diaby. Any of these edge rushers would be an upgrade over what the Buccaneers now have at that position.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is not the answer at edge rusher.
At cornerback, Byron Murphy of the Vikings and DJ Reed of the Jets are two of the best on the free agent market, and the Buccaneers would be wise to explore making one of them or both Buccaneers.
Murphy had six interceptions, the most of all cornerbacks last season. The only negative aspect of his game is that he missed 22 percent of his tackles. Tackling has been an issue for this team for a few seasons, so the Bucs may pass on Murphy.
According to Pro Football Focus, Reed had a 51.28 lockdown percentage and is one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
Some of these needs will be addressed in the upcoming NFL Draft, but considering how Tampa Bay’s corners played last season and there’s only one true edge rusher in Diaby, a veteran presence or two is needed.
The free agency period begins on Wednesday, March 12, at 4 PM.