NFL expert gives overwhelming grade on Buccaneers' 2023 offseason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't have the start to the offseason they hoped for, but it would appear things didn't turn out half bad anyways. The Buccaneers started their offseason with the departure of the greatest football player of all time. And while we all knew it was likely going to happen, it's still something […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't have the start to the offseason they hoped for, but it would appear things didn't turn out half bad anyways.
The Buccaneers started their offseason with the departure of the greatest football player of all time. And while we all knew it was likely going to happen, it's still something that ended up hurting the Buccaneers and their future plans, in a way.
After Tom Brady released his statement letting the football world know he would officially be done with football, the Buccaneers had to figure out exactly what their quarterback situation would be for 2023. With Kyle Trask on the roster already, Brady and Gabbert on their way out, the Bucs needed to find a guy who can compete with Trask for the starting spot, so they got Baker Mayfield.
All of that to say the Buccaneers' offseason started with a lot of questions. While we don't really expect this team to compete for championships anytime soon, they still were able to give a little clarity on a few of those questions through both free agency and the draft.
Their offseason wasn't half bad. Did I think they blew it out of the water? No, but when you factor in everything they had to work with, they did fairly well, and one NFL analyst seems to think the same.
Offseason Grade: B+
Tampa Bay’s offseason has been surprisingly good, except the answer at the most important position in the game seems to be to allow Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask to battle it out for the starting spot post-Tom Brady. Mayfield played for two different teams last season and earned an awful 50.5 PFF grade between the two stops. Matt Feiler, Greg Gaines, and Ryan Neal are nice, low-cost additions in free agency, and the Buccaneers' draft was a very good one. Calijah Kancey was arguably a top-10 player in this draft, and they were able to get him at No.19 overall. Their Day 2 selections should both contribute and on Day 3 they acquired players big on potential or intriguing traits, such as speedster receiver Trey Palmer and incredibly productive edge rusher Jose Ramirez. –Sam Monson, PFF
The Buccaneers did enough this offseason to potentially compete in the division Now, is that saying a whole lot? No. Last season the NFC South was one of if not the worst division in the league. This year it will be better, but still won't be one that just blows you away.
The Panthers have a great roster but a rookie quarterback and a new head coach. The Saints still don't have Sean Payton and Dennis Allen can't seem to get anything right. The Falcons made some moves that may help them progress to where they want to be in a few years but I doubt they compete.
The Buccaneers on the other hand still have a defense that can make plays, and the offense has playmakers. The quarterback position and offensive line are two units to watch for that could end up hurting them a bit. Overall, I'd agree with the B+.
