Day 1 of NFL free agency was an eventful one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Most notably, the franchise lost star wideout Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers, but also added linebacker Alex Anzalone and running back Kenneth Gainwell. The Buccaneers also re-signed Cade Otton to a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed to keep him in-house.

There are still plenty of moves to be made, as Tampa Bay primarily needs help at EDGE, but also on the defensive line. It also wouldn’t hurt to add another corner and some interior offensive line depth, as well.

So, who are the best remaining external free agents that can help fill those voids?

Best remaining free agents after Day 1 of NFL free agency

1. EDGE Trey Hendrickson

Hendrickson is easily the best remaining free agent. He’s clearly taking his time when it comes to his next decision, but there’s been some smoke surrounding the former sack leader and the Buccaneers. Landing Hendrickson would be a massive upgrade to the pass rush and would help Todd Bowles get his defense back on track.

2. DL Calais Campbell

My God, could you imagine Campbell and Vita Vea playing next two each other? Then throw in the quick and shifty Calijah Kancey into the mix (if he’s healthy)?

Talk about nightmare fuel for opposing offensive lines. Bowles said he wants to get bigger this offseason and there’s no better way of doing that than signing the 6-foot-8, 315-pound behemoth that is Campbell. Yes, he turns 40 just before the start of the regular season, but he played over 500 snaps last year and remains an effective player.

There’s also familiarity with Campbell and Bowles going back to the duo’s time in Arizona under Bruce Arians. It’s a fit that makes a ton of sense.

3. EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

If the Buccaneers want to go younger than Hendrickson at EDGE, which is understandable, then Chaisson is a prime target. He’s shown life over the last two seasons after flaming out in Jacksonville and is the bendy, quick pass rusher the Bucs need.

The only question is just how high is his ceiling? He’s a former first-rounder, but as mentioned earlier, is a late bloomer. Can he continue to ascend or is he a 5.0-7.5 sack guy, at best, at 26 years old.

4. CB Rasul Douglas

Douglas is getting up there, but he was a revelation in Miami after joining the club later in the year. His football IQ is off the charts and he’s best suited for a Cover 3 defense, which is what Bowles often runs. His man coverage skills are lacking these days, which is something to flag for sure.

Still, the Buccaneers need to add an experienced cornerback to the mix so he can challenge Benjamin Morrison, who is looking to win the starting job, but hasn’t shown enough to quell any questions surrounding his ability to play at a high level.

5. QB Tyrod Taylor

The Buccaneers need a backup quarterback and Taylor is definitely one of the best options available. He’s always been a tough, team-first guy who can step in and take over for a few games when called upon. He actually looked OK last year despite playing on a miserable Jets offense.

He’s also backed up Baker Mayfield before back in 2018, Mayfield’s rookie year. A leader through actions instead of words, Taylor is the perfect guy to hold the clipboard on the sidelines.

Bonus: G Greg Van Roten

I’m not entirely sure if Van Roten would be down to come in and provide depth after one of the better years of his career, but at the same time, he’s 36, so something has to give.

There aren’t a lot of viable options at guard on the market, so this may be the Bucs’ best shot at landing an external free agent. If not, they’ll have to look to the draft to take care of business.

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