Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) walks on the sidelines as the Carolina Panthers beat the Buccaneers 20-14 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
With the offseason now officially upon us after the conclusion of the Super Bowl, the next big event is the start of free agency, which begins on Mar. 10.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have 13 unrestricted and restricted free agents in which they must make decisions on.
The list is as follows:
Unrestricted free agents:
DL Da’Quan Bowers (21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, in 11 games)
DL Adrian Clayborn (1 tackle in one game)
DL Lawrence Sidbury (1 tackle in one game)
OL Oniel Cousins (16 games, seven starts)
LB Larry English (12 tackles, one sack in in 12 games)
LB Dane Fletcher (39 tackles, 0.5 sacks in in 16 games
LB Mason Foster (62 tackles in 10 games)
LB Jason Williams (7 tackles in three games)
CB Mike Jenkins (1 tackle in one game)
SS Major Wright (51 tackles in 12 games)
TE Luke Stocker (7 catches for 41 yards in 13 games)
Restricted free agents:
DB Leonard Johnson (45 tackles, four forced fumbles, one interception in 16 games)
RB Bobby Rainey (406 rushing yards, 315 receiving yards, two touchdowns in 15 games)
The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets is Apr. 24.
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Dane Fletcher (50) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In terms of the Bucs’ unrestricted free agents, the vast majority of them will not return, as they are depth players at best. The most interesting cases are of Foster, Clayborn and Wright. Foster has been a mainstay for the Bucs the last four seasons but he saw his playing time diminish this season due to the emergence of Danny Lansanah. There will certainly be a market for Foster but whether the Bucs are part of it remains to be seen.
Clayborn, the 20th overall pick in the 2011 draft, has essentially missed two of his four pro seasons due to injury. However, he had a very good 2013 season proving that when healthy he can be a valuable part of the defensive line.
Wright could also be inked to a new deal, likely a one-year term again, although his play does continue to be hit and miss. Though experienced, he is a player that can be replaced easily.
As for Rainey and Johnson, it would appear as though the Bucs would have interest in re-signing both players.
Of course, this list could grow bigger if the Buccaneers decide to cut players who have not lived up to expectations or if they decide to make salary cap cost cutting moves.