The main objective for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the offseason should be retaining wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield, both unrestricted free agents.
While that’s the priority, Tampa will need to make other moves as it tries to reach the postseason for a fifth consecutive season in 2024, the first time in franchise history.
Here are three moves — one trade, cut and signing — the Bucs should consider making.
TRADE: Cornerback Carlton Davis III and 2024 fourth-round pick (126th overall) to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2024 third-round pick (69th overall)
Davis is entering the final year of his three-year, $44.5 million contract extension he signed in 2022. The Bucs re-upped on Jamel Dean for four years, $52 million last year. And after second-year defensive back Zyon McCollum emerged as a valuable contributor, Tampa may want to trade Davis instead of allowing him to walk for nothing at the end of the upcoming season.
The Chargers should be in the market for a cornerback after ranking 30th against the pass. Cornerback Michael Davis struggled in 13 starts, allowing a career-worst 119.2 passer rating when targeted, and is an unrestricted free agent. L.A.’s trade package for the Bucs corner takes a similar shape to the Bills’ deal for Rasul Douglas at last year’s trade deadline when it sent a third-rounder to Green Bay and also received a fifth-round pick.
CUT: Wide receiver Russell Gage
The six-year wideout is set to count approximately $13.4 million against the cap in 2024, the seventh-highest total on the team, after suffering a season-ending knee injury during a preseason practice with the Giants. The Bucs, who have Chris Godwin under contract and want to bring Evans back, could find a No. 3 wide receiver in April’s draft for much cheaper. In Tankathon’s most recent mock draft, for example, Tampa selects North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker in the third round at No. 89 overall. Per Over The Cap, the No. 89 pick has a cap charge slightly above $1 million in 2024.
SIGNING: Guard Graham Glasgow
The Bucs have had the league’s worst rush offense for the past two seasons, largely due to their ineffective offensive line. The unit ranked last in ESPN’s run-block win-rate rankings in 2023, but adding Glasgow could help get it on track. Last season, the eight-year vet ranked second in ESPN’s run-block win-rate rankings for interior offensive linemen. In part due to his strong season, Detroit finished the season fifth in rushing, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.