Former Pro Bowl WR would be a great fit with the Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in good shape when it comes to the 2023 salary cap. As a matter of fact, they're in awful shape. Per Over The Cap, the Buccaneers are currently $55 million over the salary cap, which is the second-worst cap situation in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints are the […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not in good shape when it comes to the 2023 salary cap.
As a matter of fact, they're in awful shape.
Per Over The Cap, the Buccaneers are currently $55 million over the salary cap, which is the second-worst cap situation in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints are the only team in worse shape than Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers are obviously going to have to make moves to get out of the red. Tom Brady can help alleviate a little more than $24 million, but it remains to be seen how that plays out.
Regardless, the Buccaneers are going to have to be very judicious when it comes to how they operate during free agency. It's highly likely any big-name players are out of the picture unless something drastic happens in the context of dollars and sense.
But, there's one free agent wide receiver who will not only be affordable, but he can provide a big boost in different areas: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver and impending free agent Mecole Hardman.
Hardman was on pace for one of the best seasons of his career, but he missed the final nine games of the year after he was placed on injured reserve with an abdominal injury. Before that -and throughout his career- he was showing an ability to make big plays in the passing game, running game, and return game.
All one needs to do is go back to his Week 7 performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Hardman scored three total touchdowns in that game, with two of them coming on the ground. Hardman never got to build off that momentum, however, as the Chiefs' bye week followed the win over the 9ers and then Hardman's injury occurred.
Spotrac currently has Hardman's market value at $11 million per year. Spotrac is usually pretty accurate when it comes to projected market value, but they have also been wrong on multiple occasions. $11 million per year certainly seems high for Hardman – it's more likely he signs elsewhere for $6-$7 million per year.
The Buccaneers have invested a ton of money into the receiver position, but they don't have a player like Hardman. Deven Thompkins is about as close as it gets and Thompkins doesn't have the resumé nor the capabilities Hardman possesses.
Hardman immediately gives the Buccaneers a deep threat, a jet sweep/running option out of the backfield, and a Pro Bowl-caliber returner on special teams. He also provides a very, very viable depth option, which is crucial because as we've seen, the Buccaneers have had trouble keeping their receivers healthy over the last two years. It's a big reason why the team signed Julio Jones before the 2022 season started.
Overall, Hardman makes a ton of sense, especially if the price point is right.
Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
