Trent Cole visits the Buccaneers

Pass rusher Trent Cole will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to Adam Caplan. Cole was released by the Philadelphia Eagles last week, mostly because of his high salary.

The Bucs need to find a consistent pass rush for their defense to work. They signed Michael Johnson last year, but he was a major disappointment posting just four sacks on the year. Other than him, there's only unproven Jacquies Smith at defensive end, who looked good in limited time last year. That's not much to build an edge rush.

Cole could be the answer for the Bucs, as the former Eagle has a history of success in a 4-3. He posted 9+ sacks in each of the 2007-2011 seasons. He declined in 2012, still in a 4-3, and was mediocre in Chip Kelly's 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker the past couple of years. Getting him into Lovie Smith's defense could be just what he needs to have another productive year or two at the end of his career.

One issue: Cole will be 33 this season, so there's a solid chance he's just done, regardless of the system he's in.