Free Agency 2014: Sleeper Signings For The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Rob Clement
Dec 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (59) calls a play in the defensive huddle during the first quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers
London Fletcher
How far away is this Buccaneers defense from turning the franchise into a contender right away? Really it’s tough to tell.
I tend to believe with key cogs in place such as Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, Darrelle Revis, Mark Barron, and Dashon Goldson, the turnaround may be closer than most think. If Lovie Smith agrees, which he very well could, he may look to bring a veteran with something left in the tank and something left to prove. With relatively unexperienced linebacker coach Hardy Nickerson in the fold the defense could certainly benefit from bringing in a player like London Fletcher for one last hurrah.
While Fletcher is 38, he also racked up 111 tackles last year with Washington. The potential Hall Of Fame linebacker, has also never missed a game, starting 256 straight since 1998.
Even though he will likely retire, a player with this sort of mental toughness and leadership prowess could really help continue the development of young players David and Mason Foster. If he were to come into the fold this would also allow Foster to mover to the strong side relieving many of the pressures that are put on Lovie’s middle linebacker.
Defensive Backs
Brandon Browner
What will the Buccaneers run defensively?
Odds are a mixture/hybrid of zone and man schemes. Either way they need to add depth at cornerback. Brandon Browner was a big, physical corner who was a founding member of that Legion of Boom who just won the Super Bowl for Seattle. After rehabbing from injury, it’s too soon to tell if he will we back to 100% but it’s worth the risk, especially with Jonathan Banks still developing.