Well, the Buccaneers just lost some leverage in the trade talks with the New York Jets over Sean Smith. Free agent cornerback Sean Smith signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal, per Jason LaCanfora and apparently half of Twitter. I'm pretty sure his agent sent out some mass text. Smith was my favorite cornerback on the market: big, physical but a little inconsistent. With no real top talent at cornerback available, he was the best...around.
According to Pro Football Talk, Smith signed for $5 million per year, which is the same amount as Derek Cox. It's a little surprising that the Buccaneers didn't jump into the market at that price point, as they could have had Smith and Cox for a combined price of $10 million per year. Sean Smith got $18 million over three years, with $11 million guaranteed, per Jason Cole. Add Derek Cox at $5 million per year, and you're looking at two solid but not great starters for $11 million per year. Certainly not too much for two quality cornerbacks. Then again, this may speak to the Bucs' apparent new strategy in free agency: pay top dollar for top talent.
Regardless, this reduces the Bucs' leverage a little in their negotiations with the New York Jets for the services of Darrelle Revis. But there's still plenty of decent talent on the market: Keenan Lewis, Cary Williams and Brent Grimes are a few of the names that come to mind.