The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed back to the playoffs for the third year in a row, keeping their Super Bowl window open just a little longer with Tom Brady and company.
Things could change in a big way this offseason, though, as the Bucs have big names on both sides of the ball headed for free agency, and a challenging salary cap situation that could make it difficult to keep all of them (or bring in quality replacements).
As the Bucs head into the homestretch of this season, here’s an updated look at their biggest areas of need looking ahead to the 2023 NFL draft:
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The Bucs are set to lose two of their top three cornerbacks (Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting) to free agency this offseason, leaving little in terms of proven depth behind Carlton Davis III. Even if fifth-round rookie Zyon McCollum makes a big leap in his second season, the Bucs will need another starting-caliber corner if they lose both Dean and SMB.
(AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Another unit that could be depleted by free agency, the Bucs have three safeties on expiring contracts this year. Mike Edwards is on the final year of his rookie deal, while veterans Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal are both on one-year contracts. Bringing them all back is highly unlikely, so look for the Bucs to spend a draft pick to help reload their depth here.
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Anthony Nelson and Carl Nassib are both set to hit the open market, while Shaq Barrett is 30 years old and will be coming off a torn Achilles when he returns next season. Joe-Tryon Shoyinka has flashed lofty potential at times, but still needs to be more consistent, especially against the run. Tampa Bay will need to reload their stable of edge defenders of they want to keep getting after opposing quarterbacks.
(AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Bucs fans may not want to hear it, but it’s time to start planning for life without Lavonte David. The team’s longtime defensive captain is on the final year of his current contract, and even if he returns, he’ll be 33 next season. Tampa Bay might not need an immediate replacement in the starting lineup, but they need to start grooming his eventual successor sooner than later.
(AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
All-Pro Tristan Wirfs is obviously the anchor of this unit for the foreseeable future, and there are some other veterans (Ryan Jensen, Shaq…
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