General Manager Jason Licht and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck gold this offseason, managing to re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield and All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evens.
However, as the rest of the NFC South loaded up on offensive talent this offseason, and given a lack of quality proven depth behind Evans and Chris Godwin at wide receiver, bolstering Mayfield’s supporting cast in the passing game could be an area Licht and the Buccaneers should still prioritize as the 2024 season nears.
Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness lists bolstering receiver depth as the top area the Buccaneers still need to address.
“Mike Evans and Chris Godwin combined for 281 targets in 2023,” McGuinness writes. “With tight end Cade Otton and Trey Palmer seeing 86 and 70, respectively. They do have a little more depth at wide receiver with the addition of Washington’s Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but one more signing would tighten up the group.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Best Remaining WR Options
As free agency rounds into its bargain bin phase with training camps rapidly approaching this summer, the Buccaneers are going to need to get creative if they are going to continue to go shopping to build around Mayfield.
According to Spotrac, the Buccaneers have just $398,298.00 in remaining cap space.
So, Licht and Tampa Bay may need to make some difficult decisions in terms of potential cap casualties and restructuring veteran players’ deals in order to compete for remaining talent.
Still, here’s a look at three potential ideal fits for the Buccaneers if Tampa is looking to add a receiver.
Zay Jones
Jones, a former second-round selection of the Buffalo Bills, spent the past two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being released as a cap casualty back in March.
In recent weeks, Jones has visited the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. With enough speed to be a field-stretcher, Jones has reliable hands and big-play ability, as illustrated by his 3,028 career receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.
Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow is as adept as they come at creating opportunities from the slot.
Through his first five seasons with the Raiders, Renfrow has caught 269 passes for 2,884 yards with 17 touchdowns. Two years removed from making a Pro Bowl, Renfrow has shown that if he can stay healthy he’s capable of being a big-play threat.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling is fresh off making a significant impact on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory last season.
A six-yer veteran, Scantling has caught 186 passes for 3,155 yards with 16 touchdowns and offers plenty of upside when it comes to stretching field. Valdes-Scantling could be the perfect complement to Evans and Godwin in Mayfield’s arsenal.
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