5 positions the Buccaneers must address this offseason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already made one huge change this offseason by firing head coach Lovie Smith. How that impacts the rest of the offseason is set to be seen, but it'll be one of the more interesting situations to monitor.
The Buccaneers showed major signs of improvement in just a one year span, going from having the first pick and drafting quarterback Jameis Winston, to at one point being in the thick of the Wild Card mix. Now, they did finish the season at 6-10, so it's obvious there are multiple areas where they need to improve this offseason.
Let's take a look at the five positions that the Buccaneers must address this offseason.
1. Defensive end
Jacquies Smith looks like a strong option for the future, while William Gholston has carved out a role as well. Regardless, the Buccaneers still need to find a consistent rush from their ends moving forward, so getting a pass rusher this offseason could be key to their 2016 success. With a few high-dollar options like Jason Pierre-Paul and Muhammad Wilkerson set to be free agents, the Buccaneers could go that direction. If not, don't be surprised to see them look at Robert Ayers, or possibly even Greg Hardy, yes, Greg Hardy. Tampa Bay had interest before Dallas signed him, so it would make sense.
2. Cornerback
The Buccaneers played musical chairs with their cornerbacks at times last season, but the nickel corner spot is going to be one the team really needs to address. While Sterling Moore has shown upside, he's set to be a free agent this offseason. Alterraun Verner is probably the only corner who the Buccaneers can fully trust at this point. Sean Smith and Prince Amukamara will be hot names this offseason, but Morris Claiborne is a player who actually improved last season, and one who the Buccaneers likely wouldn't have to overpay for.
3. Safety
Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald have played admirably this year, but obviously an upgrade at this position could be on the horizon. If I personally had to make the call, I'd expect Conte to not be re-signed this offseason, as he's currently a free agent. This opens things up for the Buccaneers to check out free agency to fill the need. How about Eric Berry? He's going to be pretty highly sought after, but he'd be a nice addition.
4. Wide receiver
Vincent Jackson is due some serious money still, and not only is he getting up there in age, but he's also starting to find himself dealing with injury issues as well. While Adam Humphries has shown upside, Jameis Winston is going to need another target to go along with Mike Evans for the future. Rishard Matthews has proven to be a strong option, and could fit well next to Evans. Another name to watch is Mohamed Sanu, while Sanu fell behind A.J. Green and Marvin Jones, he showed some serious upside in 2014, catching 56 passes for 790 yards and five scores. Neither of these players would likely command huge contracts either.
5. Offensive line
With the rumors that Logan Mankins may actually retire, the Buccaneers could look to add some talent to pair with young players Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. Joe Hawley, Gosder Cherilus and Demar Dotson are all still under contract, so the depth is definitely still there. It's not a massively glaring need, but having depth and strength on the line is never a bad thing. This may wind up being a position more focused on the draft, but if the team chooses to address it during free agency, consider Ted Larsen or J.R. Sweezy.
*All salary cap information comes from Spotrac.com
Jeff Smith writes about the NFL for FOX Sports. You can find him on Twitter @JSM8ith.
