One week from tomorrow, March 18, 2020, the new league year begins for the NFL with the official start of free agency. Teams with significant cap space will likely be active players in a rich market that’ll feature names like Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and more.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to keep the momentum going after a strong 4-2 finish to 2019. But, if the Bucs seriously want to contend for a postseason spot in 2020, they are going to have to be wise spenders.
That’s easier said than done.
Sometimes, free agents exceed expectations, like linebacker Shaq Barrett, who led the NFL last season with 19.5 sacks after signing just a one-year deal with Tampa Bay last offseason. Barrett is in line for a big payday this offseason, most likely from the Bucs. After his dominant 2019 season, it’s no surprise that Barrett was named as the Bucs’ best free agent signing over the last five years by ESPN.
As for who ESPN’s Jenna Laine thinks was the team’s worst free agent signing since 2015, well, that distinction goes to former DT Chris Baker.
Per Laine:
“He signed a three-year deal worth $15.75 million in 2017 but was gone after one season. While Baker provided comedic relief on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks,’ players and coaches became increasingly frustrated by his perceived lack of effort. The breaking point came when he was smiling after an encroachment penalty that cost the Bucs a win against the Panthers, resulting in a shouting match with several players in the locker room.“
The shouting match Laine is referring to involved both Jameis Winston and former Bucs LB Kwon Alexander confronting Baker, who lasted just one season with the Bucs.
Hopefully, Tampa Bay will find another Barrett rather than Baker in free agency this year.
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