The NFL Scouting Combine begins in Indianapolis this weekend, where this year’s crop of talent for the NFL draft will be on full display for executives and coaches from all over the league.
But before the draft rolls around in April, there’s the all-important free agency period. And, for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they’ll likely be active players this year given the number of free agents they have hitting the market coupled with their projected $85 million in cap room.
While several early mock drafts think Tampa Bay could go with an offensive tackle at the 14th spot, there’s a big-name tackle out there in Jack Conklin that could be lured to Tampa Bay via free agency.
“Signing the accomplished right tackle would be a coup for Tampa Bay, too. Bruce Arians doesn’t like drafting offensive linemen, and the Buccaneers have a need at right tackle. That seems to make for an excellent fit with Conklin, who rebounded from injury to play well for Tennessee’s run-first offense in 2019. Conklin is Gregg Rosenthal’s No. 25 free agent in this class and would provide an immediate long-term solution at the position, replacing 34-year-old veteran Demar Dotson.”
Conklin was the eighth overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Tennessee Titans. As a rookie in 2016, Conklin played in and started all 16 games, earning first-team All-Pro honors. He again started 16 games in 2017, but tore his ACL in a playoff game against the New England Patriots, which limited him to just nine games in 2018. Last offseason, the Titans announced they would not be picking up Conklin’s fifth-year option, which is why he’s hitting the market now.
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