Expect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be among the most aggressive teams in free agency, which officially starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Because the current players don’t necessarily fit.
“We have systems that we want to run and this roster wasn’t set up with our systems in mind,’’ new coach Lovie Smith said, according to Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune. “Not that it’s going to be that different, but we have some changes we have to make.’’
The Buccaneers, who have a little more than $24 million in cap space, can address numerous holes (defensive end, offensive tackle and guard, tight end and linebacker). One of the biggest uncertainties, however, is at quarterback.
Mike Glennon took over as the starter last season in his rookie year and had mixed success. Although he showed glimpses of promise, he may not be the franchise quarterback of the future.
“To say right now that Mike is the answer and he’s our quarterback of the future and we’re going to build around him and give him a 20-year contract, we’re not there,’’ Smith said.
“I like him as one of our quarterbacks right now, but we’re going to have at least four in camp and at least one (veteran) will be in the mix. And then you just let it all play out.”
It’s not just Smith that’s recognizing the need for new additions; general manager Jason Licht feels the same way.
“We’re going to try to fill as many holes as we can in free agency and we’re going to do it wisely,” Licht said. “We only have five picks (in the 2014 draft), so we’re hoping to (maximize free agency). I don’t want to go into the draft with our first pick, having to pick a position.”
Possible free agent additions
Quarterback: It’s clear that the Bucs want to add a veteran presence. Michael Vick is the best option available, but a more realistic choice is Josh McCown, who was a backup in Chicago while Smith was the head coach.
Offensive line: With the release of guard Davin Joseph, the Buccaneers now have holes at both the guard and tackle positions. Possible free-agent targets could be former Baltimore Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe, former Oakland Raiders tackle Jared Veldheer and former St. Louis Ram Roger Saffold, who has versatility at both guard and tackle spots.
Defensive line: Michael Bennett might be the best available pass rusher, but because of his previous stint in Tampa Bay, he likely won’t be returning to the franchise after one season with the Seattle Seahawks. A more likely option is former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson.