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Free agency is just around the corner and things are set to pick up around the league this week. Currently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t expected to be very active on the open market, but will for sure be looking to add depth players in the second and third wave of free agency.
One name that is interesting and could be a viable depth option for Tampa Bay is Maxx Williams, a tight end from the Baltimore Ravens.
Maxx Williams Career
In four seasons with the Ravens, Williams had only 63 catches for 493 yards and three touchdowns. He also has missed significant time during his four year career, in fact, he has missed at least four games in each of the last three seasons and has never played a full season in the NFL. With that being said, Williams was the 16th ranked tight end last season according to PFF and finished the year with an overall grade of 71.6. He is more of a blocking tight end, something Tampa Bay could use, to help out the offensive line.
Why The Buccaneers Need Him
We will have to wait and see on this. I think it’s safe to assume that both Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard will be back for 2019, but the rest of the guys are up in the air. It is yet to be determined how the new coaching staff views a guy like Anthony Auclair. If Bruce Arians feels like he can get a better depth tight end, it wouldn’t shock me to see the Bucs inquire on Williams.
What Will Williams Cost?
This is another interesting question. We just saw Baltimore give out a $6 million dollar deal to a blocking tight end in Nick Boyle, so that doesn’t exactly help set a good market for other teams. I don’t anticipate Williams getting that much, but he could command anywhere from $3-$5 million.
Will It Happen?
My gut tells me I doubt it. With bigger needs at right guard and in the secondary, I expect the Buccaneers to fully invest in those two areas and leave the tight end position group alone. Williams, wouldn’t be a bad option, I just don’t see the Buccaneers shelling out that kind of cash with already so much invested in the group.