Tampa Bay and what’s up this offseason

 Contents of the following article-

•Pending free agents , who’s coming back for the Bucs?(top 3)

Pending Free Agents 

It’s no secret that the post-Brady era in Tampa Bay would cause some cap problems; however, General Manager Jason Licht has done a fantastic job so far in keeping his most prized possessions. This offseason, however, may be deemed the most challenging of his tenure yet.

 

Career-long Bucs and Canton-bound legends Mike Evans and Lavonte David are both ready to hit the free agent market with their contracts expiring this offseason. Lavonte’s impact on this defence is one of those things you just don’t question. He’s been arguably the most consistent LB of the decade gone by. His teammate Mike Evans continues to build a very strong case for the Hall of Fame, as he has eclipsed his 10th straight 1,000-yard receiving season, second only to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.

Pictured : Lavonte David with Mike Evans. 

What does this mean for the Bucs, you might ask?

 

 

Lavonte David, who had his fourth-best season in the NFL at age 33, took a hometown discount of sorts last season to remain with the Bucs, signing a $7 million, one-year deal. The worry is not whether Lavonte will accept the same deal this offseason; rather, will he actually play another season in the league? Time will only tell, but sadly, Bucs fans, I’m not holding my breath.

 

Lavonte stated after the season that he is “just taking it day by day” and not thinking about next year right now.

Mike Evans’ production this season can be arguably a “career year” for the 10-year veteran, as he leads the league in touchdowns at 13, tied with Tyreek Hill. Evans is coming off a relatively "team-friendly" deal that allowed Tampa to make genuine progress towards their second Super Bowl title. However,, with the inflation of the wide receiver market, it begs the question: will the 31-year-old  play for sub-20 million again or will he command 30+?

 

Evans’ teammates clearly hold him in high regard, as superstar left tackle Tristan Wirfs stated, “Mike will be a Buccaneer for life... He deserves it."

His quarterback, Baker Mayfield, also said he is “the best wide receiver (he’s) ever played with." Mayfield also stated the importance of Evans remaining a “Buc for life.”

 

 

One potential team to keep an eye on is the Houston Texans, Evans’ hometown team, who have recently “turned the screw” in their franchise by drafting CJ Stroud and Will Anderson. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year, may attempt to recruit Evans in pursuit of a Super Bowl.

Now comes the defensive maestro, Antoine Winfield Jr. If you’ve been clued in with NFL media this season, you’ll know the story behind his season.

Winfield broke multiple records this season from his free safety position; however, the most impressive to me is the fact that he is the first player since 1994 to record 100 tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.

Surprisingly, despite this and the season-saving end zone breakups, Winfield was snubbed from the pro-bowl; he was however selected for the First Team All-Pro.

His importance to the Bucs is evident, and it’ll be worrying for head coach Todd Bowles as we tick closer to free agency with him still unsigned.

Personally, I believe Winfield should be the top priority this offseason for the Bucs as they look to "build for the future."

Mike Evans is where my second priority would be right now. It's clear that Evans wants to remain a Buc, and it's clear that his contribution to the team is still as important as ever.

Lavonte David would be priority three for me, only due to his age factor. Personally, I believe his play has gotten better, and he's almost a "fine wine" of sorts. It's also important to note that Tampa has young linebackers on the roster who'll need mentoring, and who better than a man who's done it for 12 seasons?

Pictured : Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield