TAMPA- It’s no secret that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to remain vigilant and aggressive when it comes to making splash-free agent signings, as they enter year three with Tom Brady at quarterback.
As Brady returns for his twenty-third season at the upcoming age of forty-five, he will do so under a different head coach this time around with Todd Bowles being the lead man of the Buccaneers. It’s no secret that with always reliable target Rob Gronkowski has now announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) and Tampa Bay is keeping an eye out for potential veteran replacements for Brady’s old sidekick.
The Buccaneers are not just keeping an eye out for another tight end to add to the roster, but Tampa Bay is also looking for possibly another receiver to bring on board. Tampa Bay is still holding out hope that star receiver Chris Godwin will return from his ACL injury in time for the regular season, but in the meantime names have been thrown around like old Brady teammate Julian Edelman and Julio Jones.
Now with NFL Training Camp just days away, it’s almost that time for the season to get going. We take a closer look at the best of the rest when it comes to free agency and who the Buccaneers could be looking to add and what might make sense as we near training camp.
Odell Beckham Jr.: This potential addition would make more sense if Beckham Jr. wasn’t also coming off a knee injury like Godwin. Got to throw in that Beckham Jr. has always wanted to play with Brady.
Julio Jones: The 33-year old had a down year last season with the Tennessee Titans, but some of that can be attested to Jones playing with Ryan Tannehill. Maybe a season with Brady would be one that would reinvigorate Jones.
Kyle Rudolph: Here’s a tight end target on the free agent market that could make a lot of sense. The former Viking/Giant could be exactly what Tampa Bay needs to fill the void left by Gronkowski.
Cole Beasley: I mean, we all know the kind of career Brady has had with terrific slot receivers and Beasley would be an interesting pickup for Tampa Bay. Beasley was very dependable for Buffalo in recent years and would be likened to Edelman, Danny Amendola, Wes Welker type.
Emmanuel Sanders: Another former Buffalo receiver now a free agent and Sanders would not only provide a slot receiver, but a potential deep threat that could stretch that field that much more.
Julian Edelman: Could we see the reunion everyone has been clamoring for? Well, though Edelman had been adamant before he wouldn’t come out of retirement for any team not named New England, he’s been a bit softer on that stance and has even teased coming back for one more run.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
