Buccaneers reportedly restructure Ali Marpet’s contract to free up cap space

Could the Buccaneers be getting ready to sign veteran free agent cornerback Richard Sherman? If so, they’ve started with making decisions on their end to help free up some cap space.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates, Tampa Bay has freed up $4-million in their cap by converting $5-million of guard Ali Marpet’s contract to a bonus.

The Buccaneers have been tied to Sherman since last week and head coach Bruce Arians admitted they team has looked into the possibility. Sherman, who is his own agent, may have been looking for a certain dollar amount before returning to the league to play. And if it feels that the Bucs are a good spot for him, then perhaps this is why we are seeing this move on Marpet’s contract by general manager Jason Licht.

Tampa Bay’s secondary has struggled with quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Dak Prescott picking them apart at times while also missing several tackles once opposing receivers have the ball in their hands. Arians has voiced his concerns with missed tackles from the secondary and with one of Sherman’s strengths being his tackling ability, a signing could be on the horizon.