Jameis Winston showed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers what they could be in the coming years. While the team might have finished fourth in their division, they showed a lot of promised. Now under a new coaching staff, the Buccaneers have to try and capitalize on the momentum and keep it moving. Part of that will be achieved with roster adjustments as Tampa Bay will set their focus on offense first and foremost.
Tampa Bay is looking for consistency and part of that will be achieved by bringing back a lot of the same talent. According to Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report, the Buccaneers will retain Vincent Jackson this year at his current contract price. The receiver is set to earn $9.7 million and be a cap hit of $12.2 million which is a heavy load for a player that is 33 and dealt with knee injuries and rib issues in 2015. He also failed to reach 1,000 yards as a result. However, Jackson has shown promise under Dirk Koetter and Tampa Bay would rather give Winston the same receivers in 2016. The idea of having Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins all back together again means Tampa Bay could be an improve team.
The biggest question now is Doug Martin and his expiring contract. Martin proved he can be a star for the Buccaneers when given the carries to do so. According to general manager Jason Licht via the Tampa Bay Tribune, retaining Martin is a top priority for the team. The running back is expected to seek a contract similar to what DeMarco Murray earned which was around five years and $40 million. If the Buccaneers cannot pay that, a franchise tag will be the likely outcome.
I love it here and I have a beautiful home here,'' Martin said, via the Tampa Bay Tribune. "I'd love to come back. But right now I'm focused on our last game. I'm aware they're talking, but I'll let them handle that for now.''
The Buccaneers must decide if they are willing to shell out that kind of money for a running back which is an under-valued position. Teams normally do not overpay for a running back which could put Martin in a tough spot. He will be popular on the open market. Several teams would love to get the running back in the backfield while Tampa Bay really cannot afford to lose him. A franchise tag could be the likely outcome in order to prevent Martin from hitting the market.
The Buccaneers will still need to add talent to the roster in terms of the receiver position. Given Jackson's age and injury history, the Buccaneers cannot afford to be short on depth. The team could look to the draft for help and acquire someone like Braxton Miller or Josh Doctson to develop. If they want to spend a bit of money, Rishard Matthews, Marvin Jones or Travis Benjamin would be solid additions to the offense.