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Free Agency isn't over yet, so who could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grab?

TAMPA, FL - JULY 29:  A young fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches play during the team's first pre-season training camp practice July 29, 2011 at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been relatively quiet in free agency, only signing punter Michael Koenen as an external free agent, and re-signing Jeremy Trueblood, Davin Joseph and Quincy Black as unrestricted free agents. But free agency is far from over, and a slew of players will be released and signed in the next couple of days. Other free agents who have not seen much interest yet will be signed as well, as the second wave of free agency will begin. So, who could the Bucs be after. 

Resigning their own role players

The Buccaneers have a number of free agent role players they could re-sign. Cadillac Williams is the most obvious re-signing, as the Bucs lack a trustworthy third-down back. Earnest Graham could take on that role as a blocker, but lacks skills as a receiver, making Cadillac very valuable to the Bucs. The Bucs seem to be working on making that happen, as they met with Caddy's agent earlier today,according to Roy Commings. im Crowder would add depth as a decent defensive end who could provide the Bucs with some certainty behind two talented rookies. Stylez G. White would offer the same, with a little more pass rush prowess, a lot more age and not as much practice intensity. Adam Hayward would offer experience and quality special teams play 

Other possible but unlikely re-signings include Maurice Stovall, who would offer mostly special teams value and a little depth at wide receiver, and Barrett Ruud, who would immediately start at MLB if he was re-signed. These re-signings are long shots, though.

Star-divide

Unrestricted Free Agency

Jared Gaither, OT: Gaither is a solid, young offensive tackle who has seen his career slowed by injuries and questions about his motivation. He reportedly reached an agreement with the Oakland Raiders earlier this week, but has not yet signed with them, possibly because of medical issues. 

Jammal Brown, OT: The former Saint used to be a pretty good left tackle, but has lost a lot after having hip surgery in 2009. He played at right tackle last season for the Redskins and was serviceable there. The Bucs aren't likely to look at an older tackle with injury issues, but it is an option. 

Malcolm Floyd, WR: Floyd offers a big body and speed downfield as an inferior version of Vincent Jackson. He would add size to the Bucs' receiving corps, and could turn into a down-field weapon. 

Braylon Edwards, WR: Edwards is a supremely talented receiver who has never lived up to his potential. He is still just 28, however, and had very few drops last season, while that was a major problem for him earlier in his career. Similar to Malcolm Floyd, he offers a big body with speed. Multiple legal issues including a DUI and a no contest plea to an aggravated assault charge make him unlikely to land with the Bucs. 

Steve Smith (NYG), WR: Smith is a very, very good slot receiver - when healthy. But injury issues have slowed him down, and no one knows how much he will have left after going through microfracture surgery this offseason. 

Stephen Tulloch, LB: If the Bucs want a run-stuffing middle linebacker with little ability in coverage, this is the guy they go after. The linebacker market is fairly dry, however, and Tulloch would limit the Bucs' scheme. The Bucs are more likely to re-sign Ruud than go after Tulloch. 

Cullen Jenkins, DT/DE: Cullen Jenkins is a very good penetrating defensive linemen. His versatility would be a plus for the Bucs, who have dabbled with 3-linemen sets in the past year. Unfortunately, he is old and has missed many games with injury over his past seasons. In addition, with Roy Miller, Brian Price and Gerald McCoy the Bucs seem set at DT, and have quality young players at DE as well. 

Zach Miller, TE: Miller is one of the best and most versatile TEs in the business. The Bucs, however, already have Kellen Winslow and fourth-round pick Luke Stocker. They might go after Miller and he would certainly be an upgrade, but it is a very long shot. 

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I'm pretty sure they'll add one or two before this is over

MLB seems pretty unlikely at this juncture- looks like this is a battle btw. McKenzie and Foster, with an outside shot of Ruud coming back on a limited contract. Malcolm Floyd would be an intriguing pickup, as would James Jones (is he still available?). Depth at OL seems like a key area- besides Gaither, does anyone have thoughts as to who might suit?

by RookTakesYou on Jul 30, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions  

There not likely to sign more players...

It goes against their plan that was established from the beginning. Its obvious there only drafting people they think will play and start and they like who they have in place and will stick behind them as long as they prove they can play

by huntin0 on Jul 30, 2011 12:45 PM EDT reply actions  

What if the Bucs add Ronnie Brown as a third down back?

I think he’d be better at this point than EG. Also Braylon Edwards or Cromartie? Also do you think the Bucs could or would trade for Assante Samuels? He’s a great Zone corner!

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 12:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

They'll go with Caddy over Ronnie Brown

Cromartie has no shot, he can’t tackle and is very one-sided. Samuel has a better shot as he’s a great zone corner, but he too can’t tackle and that probably keeps him out. Also, the Bucs would have to give up picks or players for him. That’s not happening.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think Samuel would be a solid upgrade at the position-

As for Ronnie I meant instead of EG. Blount, Brown, Williams!

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 12:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

That's not happening either

The Bucs love Graham’s versatility. Special teams, fullback, running back, third-down back. His versatility makes it easy for them to keep him on the roster.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

You don't think Ronnie would be a solid upgrade to our running game???

I really think he’d be great-

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 1:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Ronnie is basically the same as Caddy now

Can’t rely on him as a running back, has had numerous injuries, but provides some depth and ability as a third-down back.

They’re really the same player at this point in their careers. No point to signing them both.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

I didn't realize Ronnie had that many massive injuries as Caddy-

I’ve always seen him as a really good trenches back, with some flex- but if he’s had that many injuries I see. What about Ahmad Bradshaw?

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 1:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I do not.

Ronnie has been very up and down since he came back into the league. Caddy is proven to be a great passblocker and is yard per carry went way up with the emergence of Blount. So did Ernest Grahams. I would prefer to stick to the high character guys that our team loves. They are proven captains and add a spark to our youth movement.

by IBleedPewter on Jul 30, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Retract Braylon, forgot about Steve Smith!

Also I just realized we could reunite the War Eagle backfield?!?!

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 12:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Vonta Leach FB from Houston

It seems Raheem wants a power running team with Blount,and drafting Bradford seems to support that. I think if we could bring in Leach it would be similar to when we had Lorenzo Neal blocking for Alstott, and I think thats when Alstott had his best numbers rushing wise but I’m not sure.

by flimsy2147 on Jul 30, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe we shouldn't have mentioned him lol.

He will probably end up the next player that everyone will have a Sh^& fit with if we don’t sign him :P.

by IBleedPewter on Jul 30, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

If the Glazers don't pony up for Leach, they're CHEAP!!!

Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?

by Kilgore on Jul 30, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Lo pretty much helped every back he's ever played with...

If Leach is that type of blocker, I’d take him!

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Jul 30, 2011 1:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

how about blalock

i mean he is no superstar but he has no weaknesses..a real upgrade plus would hurt the dirtybirds they would have lost both staerting guards then

by 69her on Jul 30, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sure

Right tackle, MLB (though I don’t see anyone the Bucs may be interested in – small chance of Nick Barnett). Wide Receiver as well. Behind Mike Williams and Benn there isn’t much depth of players on the outside, and Benn is coming off an ACL injury. There’s Dez Briscoe there, but any decent free agent is likely to better than him.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'll take Dez Briscoe over any of the remaining WR FA's

RT, sure

MLB, you think a FA could walk off the street and call defensive plays? Plus we drafted foster to start either later this year or next year. Don’t throw money at a stop gap….

www.dhazebay.com

by putupyourDUKES on Jul 30, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I tend to agree with your thinking on MLB

But it could happen. The most likely candidate there would be Nick Barnett on a very short-term contract, but even then I doubt it happens.

At WR, I think Steve Smith could be very useful if he’s healthy (which is a major question mark). He’d be a very, very good slot receiver. Malcolm Floyd and Braylon Edwards would both add skills at receiver that the team doesn’t have at this point: size.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

As for the CBs still out there...

Carlos Rogers and Brandon Carr are about it…

by Cracker Ball on Jul 31, 2011 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

As far as Braylon goes
Multiple legal issues including a DUI and a no contest plea to an aggravated assault charge make him unlikely to land with the Bucs.

Are you kidding me? Since when do the Bucs give a crap about legal issues? They’re keeping Talib on the team aren’t they?

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Braylon sucks

I focus on money my hands touch
If that right there don’t add up
I gotta let you know your math sucks
You don’t ever talk to a calculator
You don’t get caught with an ounce of paper
Every convo is about a favour

by 4QB on Jul 30, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

oh I absolutely agree

I just think it’s ridiculous to say that the Bucs would shy away from a player with “character issues” given the current roster

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Who on the current roster has character issues.

Besides Aqib Talib and T-Jack, whom both were not drafted by Dom and Raheem. Also, Aqibs latest infraction hasn’t been proven. And we don’t even know if we are going to keep T-Jack.

by IBleedPewter on Jul 30, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

you're absolutely right; character issues are everywhere in the NFL

and it doesn’t bother me at all. i’m not looking to these guys for moral guidance, i just want them to win some damn football games..

I was just saying that given the stance the Bucs are taking with Talib, it seems a little ridiculous to act all sanctimonious and claim that a DUI and assault charge would be enough to keep a guy off the roster

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nothing sanctimonious about that, and I generally don't care about players doing that stuff either

But I’m basing this on what I’ve seen the Bucs in terms of bringing in new guys, as well as as what they have said about character and representing the community over the past years.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

There was a PFT article linked in a Fanshot

that said 10 Bucs have been arrested since January of 2010. My whole point was that the Bucs have not exactly been running a monastery, so I would not expect them to pass on a talented player with character issues if the price was right. (not that Braylon is that player.. i would stay away from him because he’s an overrated bum for sure, but not because of the DUI and the assault charge)

But you follow the team a lot closer than I do and it would make sense that Dom would want to bring in better character players given the arrest record of the guys we have now (if for no other reason than to eliminate the possibility of half the entire roster being suspended on a whim one week)

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think there's a price and player for which they'll overlook that stuff

But it’d have to be a special player who clearly makes the team better. Santonio Holmes, for instance.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

They're not bringing in anyone with legal issues

Once in the building they’ll keep them to a certain point (and with a talent like Talib, can’t really blame them), but they’re not going to bring in anyone with a history of legal issues unless he comes cheap and represents a massive upgrade. And even then Dominik may not want a PR disaster like that.

Look at the players they’ve brought in over the past three drafts: almost all of them had reputations as high-character guys, hard workers who don’t get in trouble, and that’s held true for the players brought in under this regime. The exceptions were Legarrette Blount and Mike Williams, neither of whom had had any kind of legal trouble and both were seen as players who loved the game.

by Sander on Jul 30, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

What about Manny Lawson?

He never quite worked out in 3/4 but maybe for us? He certainly has the speed. This is exactly the type of player that Dom seems to have no interest in signing though. Maybe we have to just accept that we’re not going to sign any name players at this point.

by Brooklyn Buc on Jul 30, 2011 2:23 PM EDT reply actions  

off topic

do you live in Brooklyn currently? If so do you know of a Bucs bar either in Brooklyn or in the city? I’ve been searching unsuccessfully for somewhere to watch the games, it seems like every other team in the league has a bar in the city that caters to them except for the Bucs

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have not found a Bucs bar no. And it's not for lack of trying.

I finally settled on Pipin’s Pub in Bay Ridge if you ever want to come by.

by Brooklyn Buc on Jul 30, 2011 2:42 PM EDT reply actions  

that would be nice

Bay Ridge is a hassle for me to get to though. I’m in Windsor Terrace off the F train. I usually go to Dram Shop on 9th Street but they have a limited number of TVs so it’s never guaranteed the Bucs will be on, I always have to call beforehand to check.

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dude, that's like 20 minutes away.

I eventually stopped traveling for the game too though. I find that going to a place nearby everytime means I never have to worry about getting the game on. And all the Jets fans don’t care enough about the Bucs to give me too much of a hard time. Especially after the beating they gave us the last time we played.

by Brooklyn Buc on Jul 30, 2011 2:55 PM EDT reply actions  

I don't have a car

so i would have to take the F to the R and then take the R all the way down to 95th..which (factoring in the wait for the R to actually show up) would be waaaaay longer than 20 minutes

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

will do

I know there’s a couple FSU bars in the city, i wonder if there’s enough of an overlap between fanbases if they would agree to show bucs games too

by ArsonistSavior on Jul 30, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

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