Protecting Jameis Winston

To look at Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston's numbers, one would believe they are witnessing the rise of one of the best young signal callers in the league.  Winston's 11,636 passing yards and 69 touchdown passes over his first three seasons ranks him with some of the best as their careers began.  Winston's ability to throw the football and lead a top offense gives the Buccaneers a chance to win each and every season.  But after finishing 2017 with a 3-10 record as a starter, Winston has created a question as to the direction his career is going.

To tell the entire story, Winston improved his turnover numbers from 2016 where he led the league.  Winston was also protected by one of the more questionable offensive lines in the league as well.  But he's entirely too talented to lose seven out of ten starts in a season.

The Buccaneers will once again have the cap space available to chase and sign anyone who reaches the free agent market.  Tampa shuffled their offensive line in 2017 with mixed results.  While Winston had some of his best offensive numbers of his career, he was still sacked 33 times in 13 games.  Winston was sacked 35 times in 2016.  The running game was not dependable as it ranked just 27th in league and carried a 3.7 yard per carry average.  One can expect at least another running back to be added to the roster either through free agency or the NFL Draft.  A focus on improving the line play in 2018 should return the Buccaneers to competition in the NFC South.

Tampa was a mess defensively due to a combination of injuries and ineffective play.  The damage done to the pass rush left the Buccaneers with a group that collected just 22 sacks on the season, ranking last in the NFL.  Getting after the opposing quarterback will be another point of emphasis this offseason.

After a 9-7 2016, the Buccaneers took a step backward in 2017.  What 2018 turns into will depend on key additions this March and April.

Offensive Ranking: 9th

Defensive Ranking: 32nd

Key Free Agents:  

Brent Grimes - CB - The 34 year old cornerback continues to be productive late into his career.  Grimes intercepted three passes in 2017, to add to his four interceptions in 2016 as a member of the Buccaneers.  Should command a quality contract for a short amount of service time.

TJ Ward - S - A pot possession arrest will not help his bargaining power as a veteran free agent.  Should be looking at a suspension to start 2018 depending on the speed of the legal proceedings.  Started just four games in 2017.

Evan Smith - C/G - Split time with Kevin Pamphile this season.  Played in 15 games with six starts in 2017.

Kevin Pamphile - G - Has started 29 games over the past two seasons 

Charles Sims - RB - Just 21 rushing attempts in 2017.  Has not been able to duplicate his 1,000 yards from scrimmage season of 2015.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Mike Evans - WR - Carries a $13M cap hit for 2018.  The ultra-productive Evans is certainly deserving of a long term contract that would allow the Buccaneers to secure his future while also lowering his cap hit.  

Doug Martin - RB - Was not the same player in 2017 after serving his PED suspension.  Did not have the burst that he played with in late 2016.  Averaged just 2.9 yards per carry.  Cap savings: $6.7M 

William Gholston - DE - Recorded zero sacks in 2017 after showing steady improvement over his first three seasons.  Certainly is not worth the cap number he carries in 2018.  Cap savings: $6.5M

Robert Ayers - DE - Injuries limited Ayers to just two sacks in 2017.  The team could part ways with Ayers if they decide to rebuild the defensive line this offseason.  Cap savings: $6M

Chris Baker - DT - A free agent addition last offseason that didn't play to his cap figure.  Can be cut this offseason without incurring any additional cap ramifications.  Recorded just 0.5 sacks in 2017.  Cap savings: $4.8M