by Nick Wershing
A year ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were the team to make a splash in the offseason with the signings and acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins and Ronnie Brown. This year, the biggest offseason movers are the new-look Buccaneers. New head coach Greg Schiano is implementing a new attitude in Tampa Bay and looking to make a big impact in his first year.
The Buccaneers started the offseason by signing arguably the best free agent on the market, Carl Nicks. Nicks is thought to be the best guard in the league, and should sure up the guard position for a long time in Tampa. They also brought in WR Vincent Jackson, who was unhappy with his situation in San Diego. Jackson is regarded as a number one receiver in the league. His presence will give Josh Freeman a great new target, as well as allow Mike Williams to run as a number two receiver, or a slot guy, where his speed can be more effective. Along with these two bigger signings, the Bucs also brought in CB Eric Wright, who had 4 Ints and 74 tackles last year, and Amobi Okoye, the 10th overall pick in 2007 who has 15.0 career sacks, to team with Gerald McCoy and Albert Haynesworth.
The Bucs then addressed more needs in the draft. They brought in RB Doug Martin, who many expect to beat out LeGarrette Blount for the starting role, and Lavonte David, the second best Inside Linebacker in the draft this year. Martin is a great signing because he is a do-it-all back, not just a pure runner. He will catch out of the backfield and block for Freeman in pass protection. David is a talent that any team would love to have and should mature into a great long-term piece in the middle of their 4-3 defense.
They Bucs also resigned two of their best players, in CB Ronde Barber and K Connor Barth. Along with the new players, Greg Sciano is bringing a new attitude to Tampa. He wants players who want to be there and want to improve. When safety Tanard Jackson failed a physical, he was released. Then TE Kellen Winslow, their top option the past two years, decided not to show up to the optional camps, the Bucs put him on the trade block and ended up shipping him to Seattle.
And just when you thought they were done making moves…. They bring in TE Dallas Clark. One of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets the past few years, Clark is an upgrade even from Winslow at the position. Clark is an elite TE, in league with Antonio Gates, Rob Gronkowski, and Jason Witten.
The Bucs are set on Freeman as the QB of the future. After a disappointing year last year, they are setting him up for success. If Freeman can’t succeed with the pieces they are placing around him now, then the Bucs will need to reevaluate his future. But if he plays as they, and many experts, believe he can, the Bucs will be contending with the Saints and the Falcons for the NFC South division title.
