The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished their 2024 season with a 10-7 record and won the NFC South before failing in the postseason.
With enough key pieces to be considered close to a contending team in the NFC, the Buccaneers had one weakness, and it was defensively, with the unit ranked 16th, conceding 22.6 points per game.
There is value in getting another pass rusher to complement Yaya Diaby and Co., and for ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the franchise is in a good spot, but reinforcing the defense is a must this offseason.
“The Buccaneers are in the mix in the NFC, which is why investing in a few defensive players would be prudent,” Fowler writes. “The Bucs made their Super Bowl run five years ago with a dominant pass rush and multiple corners with man-to-man ability. Adding to both positions either in free agency or high in the draft will give coach Todd Bowles more flexibility in key matchups.
“Among key free agents to re-sign include wide receiver Chris Godwin, who seems like a Buc for life, and surprisingly good guard Ben Bredeson. Tampa Bay can save $4.5 million against the cap by releasing safety Jordan Whitehead.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles
© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles have shown the power of what a strong defensive line can do, even on the most talented quarterback in football in the Super Bowl. While it might be recency bias, perhaps the shift in focus to the defensive side will be key.
That is how Tampa won its Super Bowl in 2020 with Tom Brady, and in Todd Bowles, the Bucs have a sharp defensive mind, and adding some key pieces at crucial positions could solidify what is being built for the Buccaneers.
Getting another weapon for Baker Mayfield looms as one key thought, but it appears that defense will be the order of the day for Tamp this offseason.
