How Buccaneers Can Answer 'Last Question Mark' With NFL Free Agent
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had loads of questions following the 2022 NFL Season, and believe it or not many of them were bigger than just how would the team replace quarterback Tom Brady.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht has surprised many by finding a way to retain linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Jamel Dean, and by bringing in solid free agents who project to start or at least contribute like offensive lineman Matt Feiler.
But there's one big glaring area of need still remaining outside of just figuring out whether or not Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask can be the team's quarterback of the future.
And that need lives in the defensive backfield behind safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Ryan Neal.
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"Safety remains the last question mark, especially if Antoine Winfield Jr. continues to spend a lot of time in the slot," says Pro Football Focus' Brad Spielberger while recommending free agent safety Joshua Kalu as a potential post-NFL Draft signing. "Kalu played significant snaps for the first time in his career in 2022 and earned a 93.5 run-defense grade with 16 defensive stops on just 135 run-defense snaps to go along with an interception and three pass breakups. He can provide depth at free safety and in the slot in a pinch if needed."
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An undrafted free agent out of Nebraska in 2018, Kalu had spent four seasons with the Tennessee Titans appearing in 44 games during that stretch.
In 2022 he made the first five starts of his career grabbing one interception and making 42 tackles in the process.
As a post-NFL Draft free agent, the price tag wouldn't be high, and given that Kalu comes with four years of experience and turns 28 in August would be a solid chance to take without a lot of risks.
With just three safeties identified on the Buccaneers' roster right now the need for depth is clear, and if you have the opportunity to add a younger option who brings solid experience, there aren't a lot of reasons not to do it.
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Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82
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