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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the youngest secondaries in the league. At the moment, their senior leader is Vernon Hargreaves who is entering his fourth season but has missed most of the last two seasons with injury. The future may be bright with the young guns at corner and safety, but the Buccaneers need to look for some veteran leadership, some experience to the defensive backs room.
In order to do so, they are going to have to find someone through free agency or trade. Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby will be hitting the market soon and he comes from a franchise with a recent history of solid defensive play - especially from the secondary.
Bradley Roby’s Career
Roby was drafted out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has started 29 games in his five seasons, racking up seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three sacks, three touchdowns, 60 passes defensed and 238 tackles. Bear in mind, the starting numbers are slightly skewed considering he has played mostly slot corner, but he did start fifteen games in 2018.
Why The Buccaneers Need Him
Roby has been a reliable guy when on the field with solid tackling ability as well as quick hands, allowing him to break up passes. His closing speed is solid and he flourishes in that press man coverage that we believe the Buccaneers are going to be moving to under Todd Bowles. He has postseason experience as well as a Super Bowl ring under his belt. Again, the veteran leadership, getting someone with his success and pedigree in the defensive backs room could go a long way with this defense.
What Will Roby Cost?
Roby is a statistical comparison to the likes of Dre Kirkpatrick and Desmond Trufont, so he won’t come cheap. Spotrac is estimating his market value at $11.5-million per year, which doesn’t bode well for the Bucs. Given the fact that corners as young and talented as Roby don’t hit the market often, he’s going to be in high demand and will command a contract much higher than he probably should earn.
Will It Happen?
For the first time in my spotlight players, I am going to say no. However, it isn’t a money thing. If the Bucs want him bad enough, they have ways to create the cap space to get him. To me, it’s more about fit. I think Roby is a phenomenal talent and his leadership can’t be understated. However, he’s a slot corner. The Buccaneers already have one in Hargreaves who is in a situation where he has to ball out if he is going to get anywhere close to a decent contract when he hits free agency. There’s no sense in bumping him back to the outside and an outside corner is what this team needs opporsite Carlton Davis. In the end, it just isn’t the right fit.