Bucs Get Stronger up Front With Chris Baker

The Bucs didn't just go after one former Redskin player they went after another in DT Chris Baker who has signed to a new 3 year deal with the Bucs per Ian Rapoport.

Chris Baker 3-yr deal with Bucs...$6M+ per yr

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017

 The Bucs needed to upgrade the DT position and add someone to pair with Gerald McCoy especially someone who can help stop the run and get after the Qb as well. Well after doing more research, Chris Baker might just be that guy as he has really come on as a player over the last 3 seasons. Here is the proof in this graphic below per Buccaneers.com

Another one! 💪💪💪
DL Chris Baker agrees to terms with the #Bucs! pic.twitter.com/WJgvHbVs2B

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) March 9, 2017

Baker has been really good the last two seasons as he has collected 100 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 5 force fumbles combined in those two seasons. That puts him up with some of the best d-linemen in the league which is only good news for the Bucs front four going forward. This should make the Bucs interior d-line a strength as they now have McCoy, Baker, and Mcdonald which is a very good trio of defensive tackles. The Bucs not only improved their run defense but the pass rush should be improved as Baker can take hands away from McCoy and can also collapse the pocket with his size.

Chris Baker here splits the tackle and guard and takes Dalton down. Big boy can move. pic.twitter.com/hzxqg0eYDt

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 10, 2017

I really like this signing and he should make us tougher up front especially with our top run defender from last year in Will Gholston returning as well. Baker has a similar makeup to Robert Ayers in which they both play angry and like to play physical on every down. Baker is a big addition to this team and I think his impact will be noticed immediately.

Because Baker is so big it's hard to move him. He drives his way straight to the ball carrier here. pic.twitter.com/AFZIN2Efha

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 10, 2017

Bucs Get Their Guy in Desean Jackson

Update: Here is the official deal for Desean Jackson per Adam Schefter.

Buccaneers reached agreement with DeSean Jackson on a three-year, $35-million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017

The Bucs knew once the off-season started they needed to add speed to the offense as there was not enough explosive plays last season. Both HC Dirk Koetter and GM Jason Licht said they wanted to add more playmakers and it looks like they have done that today. Bucs are expected to sign WR Desean Jackson who was their top free agent target per NFL Network's Ian Rapport.

The #Bucs are expected to sign #Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, source said. A deal they’ve expected, but a big one.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017

Expect this deal to become official right at 4pm once free agency begins which is great news for the Bucs offense and Jameis Winston. The Bucs needed another receiver to pair up with Mike Evans, but most importantly someone who is dynamic and can make big plays. Well the Bucs are getting just that in Desean Jackson who still has plenty of speed and led the NFL in yards per catch at 18. Jackson, 30 is a big time playmaker as he had 4 catches of 50 yards or more last season while the Bucs as a team had none in 2016. With Jackson now, the Bucs have the capability to produce more explosive plays down the field which creates quick strike ability for the Bucs offense. More details expected later today stay tuned. Right now it's a great day in Tampa Bay!

Here it is...Touchdown to Jackson. Two plays! And Redskins have 7. #explosive. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/yz1XWzJhdA

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) March 5, 2017

Bucs Bring Back Gholston!

As we said back in January, the Bucs first priority going into the off-season was signing back DE/DT Will Gholston. Only 25 years old, Gholston is one of the top run defenders in the league and is improving as a pass rusher every year. Today, the Bucs got their guy back as they have signed him to a new 5 year deal per Adam Caplan.

Gholston terms with #Buccaneers: 5 years, max $37m, $13.5m fully gtd. He's 1 of the better run DEs in NFL. He was a big priority to re-sign.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 6, 2017

Both sides win here as it is a great deal for everyone involved and the Bucs get a key piece of their defense back for this season and beyond. The Bucs retain cap flexibility with this deal as they only give Gholston 13.5 million guaranteed which is important because if the Bucs decide to move on from Gholston they can without having a cap penalty. Gholston got good value as he will make about a little over 5 million per year which is a good number for his production per Mike Garafolo.

DE William Gholston's deal with the Buccaneers is worth $27.5m base value over five years, source says. Can earn another $9m in incentives.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2017

This is great news for the Bucs front four as they can maintain their flexibility and depth as Gholston can play anywhere along the line and makes them very stout against the run. The Bucs now have four solid ends in Ayers, Spence, Gholston, and Smith which provides a solid rotation for the team. Hopefully Jay Hayes can continue to work his magic with Gholston and help him get better overall with his game. I think Gholston has the potential to be a 5 to 7 sack guy with 50 plus tackles per year which would be great if he can reach that.

Now what is next for the Bucs, I expect the team to re-sign more of their own. Look for Jacquizz Rodgers and Akeem Spence to be the next signings over the next few days along with Russell Shepard at some point as well. Now in regards to pending free agent Calais Campbell, who has been linked to the Bucs in various reports. I think the Bucs will still show interest but with Gholston back I don't see it as likely now but if they do get Calais then the Bucs would have maybe the best D-line in the NFL. Free agency starts Thursday, buckle up it's going to be a wild ride.

FA Target: S Duron Harmon

Only a week away from the start of NFL free agency as we will finally find out what direction the Bucs are going to go in. One main topic has been the safety position and will the team go after FA Tony Jefferson who right now is the best safety available. However, with the Chiefs resigning Eric Berry to a big contract, I expect that Tony Jefferson is going to command top dollar which might push the Bucs away from targeting him. So with that in mind I have a player that the Bucs could target instead and would come at a much cheaper rate.

That would be Patriots S Duron Harmon who I think would be a great fit for this Bucs defense and could add much needed depth at the safety position. Harmon, 26 was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2013 draft and so far has been a key contributor to their defense and special teams.
This past season, Harmon got on the field more and was a big part of the team's superbowl run including starting all three post season games. Harmon is a good athlete who has 4.5 speed along with good size at 6'1 205lbs and has quickness to make plays on the ball. Harmon is a ballhawk with 7 interceptions and 12 pass breakups which is outstanding for only having 12 starts in his career.

Harmon is versatile as he plays that nickel safety role and can play deep middle or play in the slot if need be. I think with the opportunity to start in Tampa, he could really blossom into a big time playmaking safety. He is ranked 11th on pro football focus free agent rankings and is ahead of Tony Jefferson which is high praise.

Harmon would be a good value pick up for the Bucs and has already won two superbowls so he knows what winning looks like. With the Bucs only having two safeties on the roster right now, look for them to add one in free agency and the draft. Adding a playmaker like Harmon would be a good start and would fit well in Mike Smith's scheme.

Bucs Will Look to Add Playmakers

The hot topic this off-season for the Bucs has been about adding more weapons for Jameis and the offense. Well today Bucs Gm Jason Licht spoke in front of the media at the NFL Scouting Combine and started it off by saying this per Gregg Rosenthal.

Bucs GM Licht: we want to add playmakers. (I expect them to be very active in FA)

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) March 1, 2017

It sure seems like Licht agrees with the fans in that this team needs more weapons around Winston and the offense. I believe the Bucs will be aggressive in free agency and the draft but will be smart and focus on value as well. The team needs to add players with more speed, someone who can be a game changer, especially at the RB or WR position. The Bucs have Mike Evans and Cam Brate but need more around them to become a more complete offense. The NFL is about big plays and last year the Bucs offense didn't have enough, so look for the team to look for players that can make defenders miss and create big plays. This is why I believe the Bucs will target FA WR Desean Jackson once free agency begins as he brings speed and big play ability plus being a great number 2 next to Mike Evans. Others that I think the Bucs look at include S Tony Jefferson, DE/DT Calais Campbell, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, TE Jack Doyle and S Duron Harmon. These are players I can see the Bucs targeting to help fill needs and add depth.

Again not expecting the Bucs to sign every free agent, but similar to last year in which they will add four to five which will include some high level starters. This team is very close and I think Jason Licht understands that and will be aggressive in his efforts to improve the personnel. In addition, this year's draft has good depth at positions that the Bucs need to add to which should help this team take that next step if the proper moves are made. I will say this if the Bucs can add a Desean Jackson, then in the draft pick up a combo of TE D.Njoku, WR C.Henderson, and RB K.Hunt, the Bucs would become instant playoff contenders. Only eight days away till free agency begins, lets hope Licht and his staff come out throwing the heat.

FA Target: TE Jack Doyle

Much talk has been about the Bucs need at WR and RB, but there is another position that the Bucs could use more depth and upgrades and that is TE. Now Doug (Follow @Ren_Daxt) went into this a few weeks back and talked about specific TE options for the team(Click Here). One of the options was signing UFA Jack Doyle from the Colts, who had a breakout season last year and would instantly upgrade the position.

The Bucs like to run two tight end sets as it gives the offense more flexibility and makes it harder for the defense to predict run or pass. Many times last year, the Bucs had to bring in Luke Stocker or Brandon Myers and right away most defenses knew it was a run play due to both not being a threat as a receiver. Doyle at 6-6 267lbs provides size and decent speed to be threat in the redzone and a key piece in the run game.

If the Bucs could add Doyle, it would automatically improve their offense as they can run two tight end sets with Brate in the slot which is a mismatch. The Bucs could pair Luke Stocker and Doyle as their two main blocking tight ends which would allow the Bucs to be more versatile in the run game. Allowing Brate to operate more as pass option instead of having to block will be good for the Bucs offense as it will create more balance overall.

Now there are two issues for the Bucs that could stop them from going after Doyle in free agency. One would be cost as Doyle who is only 26 could have many suitors for his services which could jack up the cost. Two is that the TE position is very deep this year in the NFL draft and the team could get someone with a similar skill set to Doyle at a much lower cost. With that being said, adding a player like Doyle makes sense for the offense and would definitely improve the running game which is needed. I think the Bucs go with drafting a tight end, but if they do go the free agent route, Jack Doyle is definitely the guy to go after. Here is D'Qwell Jackson on teammate Jack Doyle per Colts.com.

“He does all the dirty work and comes to work with his hard hat on. He’s a guy you need on every team. You get a bunch of Jack Doyle’s on your team, you’re going to be successful. You know what you’re going to get every time he steps on the field.”

FA Target: WR Desean Jackson

It's starting to get closer to that time where we start getting a idea of what direction teams are going to take during the off-season. For the Bucs it is pretty simple as they have to add more weapons on offense for Jameis Winston and company. The unit needs more speed and dynamic playmakers to compliment Mike Evans and Cameron Brate. Recently, I mention the possibility of signing Redskins WR Pierre Garcon who is set to become a free agent as he could be a solid number two option for the Bucs. However in the article, I also mention Desean Jackson who is also a free agent and is already a hot topic among Bucs fans as they really want more speed added to the team. Well earlier today, Espn's Josina Anderson got Bucs fans excited with this tweet about a possible connection with the Bucs and Desean Jackson.

I’m told #Bucs could be a posb destination for impending FA WR Desean Jackson. Understanding is Jameis Winston has an existing rapport w/ DJ

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 21, 2017

This just shows what kind of man Jameis Winston is as it looks like he has build multiple connections through his football career. This also shows that many veterans around the league respect his game and wouldn't mind being on his team. I think adding a player like Desean Jackson would be a solid move for the Bucs as he could be that veteran WR plus provide speed that can open up the field for Mike Evans to operate. With that being said, Jackson has been on record that he would like to stay in Washington but also left the door open to go elsewhere as well per Redskins.com.

“I do want to still be here,” Jackson said Thursday, via Redskins.com. “My family and my house, I have everything here and I don’t want to be in a transaction and move. First things first, I do want to be here and hopefully we can make it work. But once again this is a business so things happen. I’m just really excited about the opportunity I have to sit and now the ball’s in my corner a little bit and see what we can do. I’m just excited and I’m going to let my agent care of all that. Ready to just sit back and whatever offers come in but obviously, like I said, I do want to be here.”

Jackson is coming off a 1000 yard season in which he averaged 18 yards per catch which still shows even at age 30, he has the speed to make big plays downfield. Critics tend to point out his size and injury concerns but I would say he has done a good job to overcome those and only missed one game last season. I feel Jackson could have the type of impact that a former Buc had back from 2005 to 2007 if healthy. That former Buc would be Joey Galloway who put up three consecutive 1000 yard seasons and at the time was the Bucs go to guy. He did this while being in his mid 30's and without much help as well. Galloway was the offense for the Bucs during that time and that was with Brian Griese, Chris Sims, and Jeff Garcia as his QB.

 

I think Jackson can make a similar impact as he still has top notch speed and is in great shape. 

Plus he will have a coach who can scheme to his strengths and a legit number one Wr next to him in Mike Evans which will allow Jackson to face single coverage which is already a mismatch. Now some would say the Bucs need someone younger and with more size who has a bigger catch radius since Jameis struggles with the deep ball. Those are valid points and there are signs that Dirk Koetter's offense does work better with bigger wideouts and Jameis is used to taller targets i.e Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin. However, I feel Desean is a rare athlete and would only make this offense better and ultimately help Jameis grow as a QB and take that step towards elite.

With Jameis and Desean already having that connection, it should help the Bucs if they do decide to target Jackson in free agency. I have said multiple times that the Bucs are going to add multiple receivers this off-season and getting a player like Desean Jackson wouldn't be a bad start. Now there will be competition for his services as he will have multiple suitors so it could come down to how much the Bucs are willing to pay and if they think he is the right fit for the team. I say the Bucs will be definitely one of the first teams to call Jackson once free agency begins.

FA Target: WR Pierre Garcon

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the Bucs and Desean Jackson as the team is definitely looking to add more speed to the offense. The team here at realbucstalk are fans of Desean Jackson as we believe he would be a solid number two behind Mike Evans, but what about his teammate as an option. Redskins WR Pierre Garcon is also a free agent to be, and could be the veteran presence and the quality number two receiver the team is looking for. Jackson would be nice to have but could have many suitors which could make him tough to acquire plus has history of injuries.

With that being said, the Bucs could target Garcon who has put up consistent numbers throughout his career and has been very reliable as he has only missed two games over the last three seasons. Garcon will be 31 in August, but has shown no signs of slowing down as he put up 79 receptions, 1,041 yds, and 3 tds. Garcon still has enough speed too as he had a long of 70 yards and can still get behind the defense if presented the opportunity. Garcon spoke recently with the washington post about that he is not a possession WR and that he is a player that can do it all to get the job done.

“I’m a football player, not a categorized football player,” Garcon continued. “I’m not one thing. I’m not a one-trick pony. I do it all, so it’s not, ‘Hey, you’re a possession receiver.’ I can go deep, I can go short, I can break tackles, I can block, I can make plays — big plays, short plays, crucial plays. It’s what I do on the field, not what box they try to put me in, especially when I was coming out of college, saying, ‘Hey, you’re a D-III player.’ Especially when I was coming from Indy, saying, ‘Hey, you’ve never been a number one receiver.’ Especially when I led the league in catches and they’re like, ‘Hey, you just got lucky because you were on a bad team.’ ”

I have stated before that the Bucs will likely add multiple receivers this off-season as they need to rebuild the wide receiver core. Signing a player like Garcon would give the Bucs offense someone who can make other teams pay when they double Mike Evans and provide another weapon for Jameis Winston. Now Garcon is going to have competition for his services according to NFLUpdate which could make him tougher to sign.

Redskins Free Agent Pierre Garcon is expected to command $9M annually.

Redskins, Rams, Eagles, Bears, Cowboys & 49ers reportedly interested

— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) February 12, 2017

The same could be said for Desean Jackson so either way I would expect the Bucs to go after one of them. Personally I feel Garcon is better fit as of now with his ability to make tough catches plus still being explosive as well. If the Bucs can land a player like Garcon, and then add young dynamic receiver via the NFL draft then all of sudden the WR core looks that much better. Only 22 days until free agency, will the Bucs make a call to Mr. Garcon? I say open up the check book and see if you can get him in red and pewter.

The Only Thing I Can Say "He's Legit"

Bucs new linebacker Daryl Smith took some time today to speak with the media today as it was the first time hearing Smith speak since joining the team. Smith touch on working for Mike Smith again and how the defense is very similar to his days in Jacksonville, and how the defense will be very aggressive in nature. Smith is very excited to work with fellow linebackers in Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David, and also said he will help them in any way he can. During this time, Smith had a straight face, just answering questions, and then was asked what his thoughts were of Jameis Winston. Smith's face got excited and had a big smile and went on to say the following per Greg Auman.

Daryl Smith on Bucs QB Jameis Winston: "The only thing I can say is he's legit."

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) April 14, 2016

That's strong praise from a veteran that has won a lot of football games, and just shows the kind of impact Jameis is having on this football team. Jameis has the attention of the whole team, and for a great veteran player like Daryl Smith to say that, so soon just displays what kind of leader Jameis is already and that he is the heart of this team. Smith believes in this team and most likely having Jameis on the team is a main reason he decided to come here.

Buccaneers Are Building A Contender Under Jason Licht

The Buccaneers haven't been a contender in the NFL for a while as they have had 5 straight seasons of last place finishes in their division. That could be changing soon as Gm Jason Licht is quietly building a perennial contender by learning from his past free agency mistakes along with two strong draft classes.  Licht has transform the offense with his past two drafts getting Wr Mike Evans, Te Austin Seferian Jenkins, Rb Charles Sims, and G Kevin Pamphile. Then last year, getting franchise Qb Jameis Winston, left tackle Donovan Smith, and right guard Ali Marpet, plus Licht got an impact linebacker in Kwon Alexander. Licht has also gotten smarter in free agency as 2014 didn't work out, but he was better in 2015, and has been great so far in 2016.

Licht has acquired solid players in Alterraun Verner, Clinton Mcdonald, Chris Conte, and this year has added Brent Grimes, Robert Ayers, Daryl Smith, Josh Robinson, and JR Sweezy. All of these guys are solid veterans and most will be key contributors, but it also brings more depth to the roster. Where Licht has been really good is with his late pre-season additions, acquiring key players in Jacquies Smith, Cameron Brate, Joe Hawely, and Howard Jones. Licht said when hired he would build this team the right way by getting star players in the draft, and then getting solid consistent players in free agency.

"Our philosophy will be to build through the draft. That's where we'll get our stars. We will supplement our roster through free agency. We're going to look for value, we're going to spend wisely. The better teams in the NFL that compete year after year are the teams that draft the best."

Licht and his staff are acquiring talented football players and now have a quality coaching staff led by new head coach Dirk Koetter, who led the Bucs last year to the 5th ranked offense as offensive coordinator. Now in full control of the roster, Licht is building his team the way he wants it, and has the foundation in place and will just keep adding to it. Licht has a good mix of veterans, and younger players who are heading into their key years which makes this a dangerous team for the next 5 years. With only a few weeks away from the draft, look for Licht to be aggressive in addressing the defense as he will look to add perhaps a pass rusher like Shaq Lawson whom I have written about in-depth at realbucstalk. The Buccaneers can compete for the playoffs as the roster is right now, and should only be stronger after Licht and his staff put together another strong draft class. 

Licht is building a contender for the long term as he is trying to get this team back to its winning ways like it did in the late 90's and early 2000's. When the Buccaneers start winning this year, it will be because of Gm Jason Licht and how he has built this team the right way. Watch out NFL, the Buccaneers are coming and will be one of the top teams very soon. Here is a video of Licht talking at the combine and how he takes the best player available per Buccaneers.com.

Seahawks Wanted Sweezy Back

One of the Bucs big acquisitions this off-season was guard J.R Sweezy, who is expected to be the starter at the left guard position. Sweezy had a lot of suitors after his services as much as ten teams and for him to pick the Bucs says he really wants to be here. According to Anthony Becht, Sweezy's former team in the Seattle Seahawks had very high regard for him and tried very hard to re-sign Sweezy to bring him back. (click here to see video)

Becht went on to say that Sweezy is everything the Bucs want in their offensive lineman, which is strong at point of attack, athletic feet, and able to finish. Sweezy who is only 26 is going into the prime years of his career, and should bring some power to the Bucs running game which should be stronger in 2016. Sweezy and Ali Marpet should form one of the top guard duo's in the league which is only good news for the Buccaneers.

Buccaneers Have Signed LB Daryl Smith

The Buccaneers had Daryl Smith in today for an visit and have come to agreement hours later via Peter Schrager of FoxSports.

Buccaneers have agreed to a 1 year deal w/ LB Daryl Smith. @NFLonFOX

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 18, 2016

This is another good move by Jason Licht as Smith has familarity with DC Mike Smith and LB coach Mark Duffner. Even though Smith is 34, he has been playing quality football the past three years and can be a veteran leader for this defense as he will likely be the new starting strongside Linebacker. This will be good for fellow linebackers Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander and possible rookie pick as I expect the Bucs still to draft a linebacker possibly Aaron Wallace or Deion Jones. Now with Ayers, Grimes, and Smith the Bucs have a veteran at every level of the defense.  Smith has been a consistent player his whole career and should bring an impact to the Bucs run defense as well being able to make a play or two in the passing game.

Buccaneers meeting with LB Daryl Smith

Buccaneers are meeting with former Ravens Lb Daryl Smith per Adam Schefter of Espn.

Former Ravens LB Daryl Smith visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2016

Smith came into the NFL under new Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith, so there is a connection there, and Smith can still play as he has put up good numbers the past three years per Greg Auman.

Daryl Smith is 34, but had at least 120 tackles in each of last three years with Ravens. 30.5 career sacks, 11 career INTs ...

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 17, 2016

It looks like the Bucs want more veterans on defense, and that is never a bad thing as long as they are quality players, and Smith is definitely one of them. Smith would be an instant starter at the SAM linebacker position.

Bucs Sign DE Robert Ayers

The Bucs have finally got a defensive end signing former Giants DE Robert Ayers to a three yr deal per Ian Rapport of the NFL Network.

The #Bucs have agreed to terms with former #Giants DE Robert Ayers on a 3-year deal worth $21M, source said, with $10.5M guaranteed.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2016

Ayers is a solid player who can play defensive end or tackle, and is coming off his best season with 9.5 sacks. Ayers gives the team a capable pass rusher who can stop the run as well. Its another good addition for the team like the earlier addition of Brent Grimes as Ayers can be a good veteran leader along with McCoy for the defensive line. Fans wanted the Bucs to do something in free agency, well they answered the bell today!

Bucs Add Pro Bowl CB Brent Grimes!

Everyone was wanting the Bucs to go get a big name free agent especially a pass rusher or a defensive back. Well today the Bucs have answer the call by bringing in pro bowl corner Brent Grimes per Rick Stroud.

Bucs agreed to terms with CB Brent Grimes.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 11, 2016

Grimes, who has been solid player his whole career will be reunited with his former coach in defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Under Smith, Grimes played his best football and has continued to play well with the dolphins combining for 13 interceptions over the past three years. With Grimes, the Bucs get a veteran starter who brings playmaking ability to the secondary and can help young players like Jonathan Banks get better. The Bucs only had two interceptions last year from their corners, so adding a guy like Grimes should improve that number.

Bucs Rushing Attack Will Be Strong Again in 2016

The Bucs had the 5th best rushing attack in 2015, with 135.1 yds per game and helped the offense earn a top ten ranking. Led by the best 1-2 RB duo in Doug Martin and Charles Sims, the team rushed for over 2000 yds and 4.8 avg per rush. Doug Martin had a big year with over 1400 yds rushing, while Sims was great as the change of pace back with over 500 yds rushing and receiving. The running game was a strength for the team, and some could say that it wasn't utilized enough during the season at times. Well so far this off-season, it looks like the Bucs and new head coach Dirk Koetter want to make the running attack even stronger.

Bucs went out and resigned star running back Doug Martin,which was the number one priority as it keeps continuity for the offense, and helps with the growth of franchise QB Jameis Winston. Shortly after signing Martin back, the Bucs decided to add to their offensive line by adding guard J.R Sweezy, who is mauler and will bring a nastiness that will help the team in the trenches. These two moves suggest the Bucs want to be more of a power run team to go along with big play ability in the passing game with Jameis at QB. However, the Bucs might not be done adding to the offensive line as they might be targeting a former Bengal. According to Darren Wolfson, the Bucs have interest in big boy right tackle Andre Smith.

Told the Bucs are another team interested in OL Andre Smith. #Vikings

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) March 10, 2016

If the Bucs add Smith, that would give them a stout run blocking line with Donovan Smith, J.R Sweezy, Ali Marpet, and Andre Smith. Those four are maulers and love to run block, I could see Martin easily put up over 1500 yds behind that line. Either way, it looks like the Bucs are looking to model their team after the Seattle Seahawks which isn't a bad team to be like right now.

LB Tahir Whitehead Visiting With Bucs Today

The Bucs have an opening at the strongside linebacker position after not tendering Danny Lansanah and releasing Bruce Carter. The team has set their eyes on Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who has 23 starts, 136 tackles, and 3 ints over the past two seasons. Whitehead is an athletic run stopper and can make plays in the pass game at times. According to Dave Birkett, Whitehead is on his way to Tampa for a visit.

Lions LB Tahir Whitehead is visiting the Bucs today

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 10, 2016

This would be another smart signing by Jason Licht and his staff, as Whitehead is only 25, has upside, and would be great fit at strongside linebacker. He is 6'2 242lbs, ran a 4.7 40 along with 37 inch vertical, which shows he has solid athleticism. If the Bucs add that to a linebacking group that has Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander already, that gives the team a pretty athletic group. Hopefully the Bucs can lock this guy up today, it would be a nice addition for the defense.

Chris Long Has Respect For Sweezy

Shortly after the Bucs signed guard J.R Sweezy, there were a lot of negative reactions from fans and overreactions after pro football focus said he was the 9th worst guard in the league last year. Former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht defended Sweezy and even went on to say its a upgrade for the Bucs.

No disrespect to them... The #Bucs upgraded the position today https://t.co/Iw2weDVVjC

— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) March 9, 2016

The conversation even drew the attention of former Rams defensive end Chris Long, who has gone against Sweezy mulitple times, and had nothing but positives things about the signing.

@Anthony_Becht @PFF I think he's pretty good

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 10, 2016

This shows the Bucs are doing their homework, even though some fans are upset just because the team hasn't signed every free agent available. Chris Long even went on to say Sweezy is the enforcer type and should do very well here for the Bucs. Speaking of Chris Long, whom is one of realbucstalk Dline targets would be a very good fit for this team and could provide some pass rush. Anthony Becht seemed to agree as he intently mention how nice it is here in Tampa.

.@JOEL9ONE by way buddy weathers awfully nice down here😜

— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) March 10, 2016

This is just day one of free agency, and the fun is only getting started here at realbucstalk. Stay tuned!

Bucs Hosting DE Robert Ayers Tonight

Bucs fans want a pass rusher so bad that they were freaking out every time a defensive lineman was link to another team or ending up signing with that team. Bucs fans really wanted Olivier Vernon as he was probably the best edge rusher on the market, but he went on to sign with the Giants, landing the biggest deal ever for a defensive end. Shortly after that move was announced, we found out that the Bucs will have DE Robert Ayers in for a visit, per Adam Caplan.

Former Giants DE Robert Ayers to visit the Buccaneers this evening, source confirmed.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2016

Ayers is a great fit in a 4-3 front, and is coming off a career best 9.5 sack season, and was probably the Giants best lineman last year.  Ayers would be a decent pick up for the Bucs and shouldn't be too pricey, would bring experience and competition to the defensive end position.

Bucs Sign Guard J.R. Sweezy

The Bucs have signed former Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy today per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Sweezy is a solid signing who will bring toughness and grit to the run game, and above average athletic ability for a guard. I think he will provide good depth and has starting experience, will battle Pamphile for the starting left guard position. Anthony Becht thinks adding Sweezy is an upgrade for the Bucs.

I like it👊🏻 #Bucs https://t.co/30L1b4tOb4

— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) March 9, 2016

Becht went on to say he is better than Logan Mankins, I'm not so sure on that one but I respect his opinion. I think its a solid move for the Bucs, and provides more depth for a group that had already a pretty good core.