Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Outlook: Safety Position
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shift their focus to the offseason, there are question marks at every position on the roster. In this series, we’ll look at each position grouping and see what the Bucs have on the roster who is an impending free agent, and the outlook for the 2024 season.
On The Roster
Kaevon Merriweather
Merriweather started two games for the Bucs and the Iowa product didn't look out of place. The Bucs were pleased with his development though they will most certainly bring in competition for the first year safety. He finished the season with 21 tackles and a pass breakup.
Richard LeCounte III
LeCounte III signed with the Bucs the last week of training camp. He signed with the practice squad after final cutdowns and spent the year there. The third-year safety was elevated for two games and saw four snaps on special teams. Lecounte III signed a futures contract with the team in January.
Impending Free Agents
Antoine Winfield Jr.
After an All-Pro season, Winfield is set to cash in. He put up a ridiculous stat line in 2023 of 122 tackles, six for loss, six sacks, six forced fumbles, four recoveries, 12 pass breakups, and three interceptions. He cemented himself as one of the best safeties in the game and will be a part of the Bucs in 2024 either with a new long-term extension or by way of the franchise tag.
Ryan Neal
After a breakout year with the Seahawks in 2023, Neal signed with the Bucs on a veteran minimum deal in the offseason. There were high expectations on what Neal and Winfield could do together in the defensive secondary but those never came to fruition. Neal was often a liability in pass coverage and gave up big plays all season. He logged 76 tackles in 13 starts but was a liability in coverage and likely played his only season with the team.
2024 Outlook
With Winfield Jr. back either on an extension or franchise tag the Bucs will retain their top playmaker in 2024. The question then becomes who will start beside him. After taking care of their own free agents, the Bucs won't have much to spend on an outside impact player. They could and likely should, turn to the draft where they can bring in a cost-controlled starter next to him after shelling out large money to Dean, Davis, and Winfield himself.
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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