A top-tier edge rusher is arguably the Buccaneers’ most pressing need heading into the offseason. Someone who, in any circumstance, teams must prepare for, can apply pressure, and can make them into sacks. Shaquil Barrett was precisely that at the beginning of his Bucs career, but his play has declined recently, leading to his release from the team along with a sizable payout. The output that the Buccaneers had anticipated from former first-round selection Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has not materialized. Despite the pressure, the number of sacks has not increased, and he frequently runs out of plays. Midway through the season, he lost his starting position, giving way to newcomer Yaya Diaby, who took over in Week 10. During his first season in the league, the rookie rusher led the team in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (12), demonstrating great promise.
He will likely start just one game next season. Although Tryon-Shoyinka had a contract until 2024, the team did not choose to pick up his fifth-year option for the following campaign. Anthony Nelson, who had three sacks and seven tackles for loss in 16 games with the Bucs, is the top reserve behind them.
Both Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez, the other two rookies on the team, impressed Tampa Bay enough to be considered for berths on the squad the following season. It’s unclear if Cam Gill, an unrestricted free agent, will rejoin the team. Don’t count out Barrett and yourself getting back together either; if things don’t work out for the Bucs, both of them would like to come back.
BRYCE HUFF A legitimate number-one pass rusher is what the Bucs need. Huff may be the team’s best choice if they decide to invest money in the position. Last season, the 25-year-old pass rusher posted an incredible 22.7% pass rush victory rate. His excellent first step, which he employs with a variety of pass-rush techniques, gives him an advantage in many ways. With 67 pressures in just 481 snaps, he finished the previous season with 10 sacks for the Jets. Estimates place Huff’s contract signing at $50 million for three years.
JOSH UCHE Uche would essentially be on a one-year probationary period. Over his four years with the Patriots, the seasoned pass rusher has had 19 sacks, but he has generally played a more supporting role. After a year off, he had 12 sacks and an 87.8 pass-rush grade, so the Bucs may find him to be a good stopgap. His estimated asking price for a one-year contract is $9 million. Andrew Van Ginkel During the previous season, Van Ginkel was a versatile linebacker for the Dolphins. He finished the season with 53 pressures and a career-high eight sacks. He is fluid in coverage and equally skilled at pressuring the passer. He got a pick-six for Miami in the previous season. Despite his tendency to be swallowed up by blockers and reliance on a quick stride to get into the backfield, he would be a good fit for the Bucs opposite Diaby and could move into a rotational role should the Bucs decide to enhance at the position the following season. Van Ginkel will probably agree to a two-year contract worth roughly $13 million.
