Bailey Adams’ Strategy Blueprint for the 2024 Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season where they clinched their third consecutive NFC South championship under head coach Todd Bowles in his second year. The team finished with a 9-8 record, winning a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Panthers to secure their divisional title. They also won a home playoff game against the Eagles, extending Bowles’ tenure. Although they were tied with Detroit heading into the fourth quarter of the Divisional round of the playoffs, they ultimately lost. However, there’s optimism that the Buccaneers can maintain their dominance in the NFC South by retaining key free agents.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans signed a two-year extension, and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was franchise tagged. The focus now shifts to securing Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield before free agency begins, followed by re-signing linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin.
Despite having around $21 million in salary cap space after retaining Evans and Winfield, there’s flexibility for assistant general manager Mike Greenberg to restructure contracts to free up more space if necessary. While the team faces nearly $22 million in dead cap money, it’s a significant improvement from last year’s figure of nearly $80 million.
The Buccaneers have already announced the release of outside linebacker Shaq Barrett and center Ryan Jensen’s retirement due to a career-ending knee injury. Additionally, oft-injured receiver Russell Gage and cornerback Carlton Davis III could be released to clear cap space.
With 18 unrestricted free agents, including key starters Mayfield, David, McLaughlin, and long snapper Zach Triner, decisions need to be made. Notably, the Buccaneers won’t be re-signing inside linebacker Devin White or safety Ryan Neal.
Bowles has made changes to the coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Dave Canales departing to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Several other coaches, including offensive line coaches Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert, receivers coach Brad Idzik, and special teams coach Keith Armstrong, have also left. Liam Coen has been hired as the new offensive coordinator, and Thomas McGaughey as the special teams coordinator. Kevin Carberry and Bryan McClendon are the new offensive line coach and wide receivers coach, respectively, while Josh Grizzard joins as the passing game coordinator.
