Where do these Bucs fall on the list of Top 101 NFL free agents of 2020?

Find out where these Tampa Bay Buccaneers players landed on NFL.com’s list of the top 101 NFL free agents of 2020.

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis as teams prepare for April’s NFL draft. But before that all-important day there’s the free agency period, and this year’s class is shaping up to be one of the best ever with players like Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and Jadeveon Clowney just a few of the big names on the list.

Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling of NFL.com tried to make sense of it all by listing their top 101 free agents of 2020. A few Buccaneers found themselves on the list, including linebacker Shaq Barrett, who led the NFL last season with 19.5 sacks. Barrett landed all the way at No. 5.

“Hard to expect a repeat of his 19.5-sack coming-out party, but that’s not to suggest Barrett is a one-year wonder. He busted out of the gate with nine sacks in September, closed strong with seven more in December and constantly battered quarterbacks throughout the 16-game race.”

As for quarterback Jameis Winston, he landed at No. 26, which seems like a solid spot for the much-maligned QB with the big arm.

“Winston never saw a sliver he couldn’t exploit, clinging to a gunslinging style which gooses his receivers’ counting numbers as well as his opponents’ takeaway totals. Can that recklessness be coached out of him without forfeiting the fearlessness necessary for big plays? To this point in his career, he’s thrown his team into more trouble than salvation.”

Jason Pierre-Paul came in at No. 32 and Ndamukong Suh at 66. Suffice it to say, the Bucs will have some tough financial decisions to make next month, ones that could have drastic ramifications on the 2020 season.

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Jason Pierre-Paul posts cryptic message on Instagram

Could this Instagram post from Jason Pierre-Paul indicate his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is over?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a few bright spots this past season, and arguably none stood out more than their shutdown rushing defense. Allowing a mere 73.8 yards per game, the Bucs defense allowed 13.1 yards less than the next closest team, the New York Jets (86.9 ypg) and stifled running backs on opposing teams.

10-year veteran Jason Pierre-Paul has spent the past two seasons with the Buccaneers, totaling 21 sacks, 85 tackles, and three forced fumbles. Most importantly, JPP brings the intangible winning mentality and veteran leadership, plus a Super Bowl ring.

Expiring contracts following the 2019 season for the Buccaneers are plentiful, and Pierre-Paul’s name is included on that list. Speculation is swirling about what the Buccaneers will do with Pierre-Paul and fellow defensive standout, Ndamukung Suh, whom are both unrestricted free agents. Coach Bruce Arians has stated that he wants to keep the defense together, as they seemingly started to gel in the latter part of the season very well.

$90 million is the total amount in the Buccaneers’ cap space bank, however, with the amount of free agents on their roster, that well may dry up quicker than the organization would like. Jameis Winston and Shaq Barrett are also free agents, mean the team could lose the NFL sack leader and not have a starting quarterback on the roster. Fans have been asking, “Is the team able to re-sign both Suh and Pierre-Paul?” It’s entirely possible, but with so many gaps that must be addressed, it’s hard to fathom that all the stars align and the Buccaneers can accomplish everything.

Pierre-Paul posted on this Instagram, with a caption that simply read “All I did was try my best. 90PC.”

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All I did was try my best. 90PC

A post shared by JPP (@iamjasonpierrepaul) on

The message could be either very blunt, or cryptic – you decide. Has Pierre-Paul wrapped up his time in a Buccaneers uniform? If you take this at face value, it’s a fairly astounding yes and contract negotiations have stalled, or both the Buccaneers and Pierre-Paul have come to a mutual agreement that the 10-year veteran will test the free agency waters.

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The Buccaneers’ linebackers were a force to be reckoned with in 2019

Take a look at this highlight video from the Buccaneers showcasing the dominance of their pass rush this season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be taking part in the divisional round of the postseason this weekend, but, given how well they looked during the second half of the season, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to find them in the playoffs next year.

The Buccaneers have gone 12-straight seasons without a postseason trip, and haven’t won a playoff game since their victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.

But this Bucs team has a new swagger to them, thanks in large part to the arrival of head coach Bruce Arians. The two-time NFL Coach of the Year has this team buying what he’s selling, and the results are starting to come together.

Tampa Bay’s defense, especially, had a big turnaround under Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, jumping from 27th in 2018 to 15th this year, even ranking first in rush defense.

So, while we wait and see what the future holds for some of their unrestricted free agents, here’s a little highlight video from the Bucs showcasing the dominance of the team’s pass rush this year.

Enjoy.

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🔥 2019 LBs 🔥

A post shared by Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@buccaneers) on

Tampa Bay holds the 14th pick in the upcoming NFL draft. They’ve held that spot just once before, and, fortunately, it turned out pretty well for them.

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Bucs-Falcons Final Injury Report: Jason Pierre-Paul is a go for Sunday

See the final injury report for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons ahead of Sunday’s Week 12 showdown.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to get back on the winning track this week as they take on the suddenly streaking Atlanta Falcons, who have won their past two games by outscoring their opponents 55-12.

The Bucs’ offense looked out of sync in Week 11’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, so getting Jameis Winston comfortable early on will be key for offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Bay will have star pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul back for Sunday’s action. JPP had been dealing with a knee issue early in the week, but was a full participant at Friday’s practice.

Two Bucs have been ruled out for Sunday’s game, OLB Anthony Nelson and DB M.J. Stewart. OLB Carl Nassib has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, but Bruce Arians expects him to be back on the field.

Here is the final injury report for both teams.

Buccaneers

T Demar Dotson (not injury related) – Full Participation

DL William Gholston (ankle) – Full Participation

OLB Carl Nassib (groin) – Full Participation (Questionable)

OLB Anthony Nelson (hamstring) – Did Not Participate (Out)

OLB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) – Full Participation

CB M.J. Stewart (knee) – Did Not Participate (Out)

QB Jameis Winston (ankle) – Full Participation

DL Ndamukong Suh (not injury related) – Did Not Participate

Falcons

DE Adrian Clayborn (groin) – Limited Participation

DE John Cominsky (ankle) – Limited Participation (Questionable)

RB Devonta Freeman (foot) – Did Not Participate (Out)

TE Austin Hooper (knee) – Did Not Participate (Out)

S Kemal Ishmael (concussion) – Did Not Participate (Out)

WR Julio Jones (foot) – Full Participation

DE Takkarist McKinley (shoulder) – Limited Participation (Questionable)

QB Matt Ryan (ankle) – Full Participation

CB Desmond Trufant (toe) – Full Participation

DB Kendall Sheffield (illness) – Did Not Participate (Questionable)

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