Free agency will start in eight days, and that means we'll see plenty of rumors between now and then. In fact, the rumors have already started: according to Gregg Rosenthal, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 'expected' to be among the favorites for cornerback Cortland Finnegan's services. Similarly, Jason Cole reports that the Bucs are among six teams expected to make a run at wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
Both players would represent a massive upgrade for the team at their respective positions. Vincent Jackson is the top receiver likely to hit the market - a big-bodied receiver with reliable hands who consistently produces big plays. Cortland Finnegan is a tough cornerback with excellent skills in coverage, who also has the strength and tenacity to hold up as a tackler against the run.
But will the Bucs really go after these players? Keep in mind that these reports talk about outside expectations, not actual inside information. One thing at least strongly points to a spending spree, though: this is the first time in years the Bucs have stated that they will be active in free agency This has been the main message this offseason: the Bucs will be active in free agency. Whether they'll get the right players is the question.