Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 To Watch vs. Bengals

Aug 6, 2015; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Bruce Carter (50) tackles running back Doug Martin (22) works out during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

SLB Bruce Carter

Although the Buccaneers don’t owe Carter anything beyond the 2015 season due to his lack of dead cap after this year, the team did seem pretty high on him when they signed him in free agency to a deal worth up to $17 million over four seasons. It looked like Smith and the Bucs organization saw him as a great fit in their Tampa 2 as a middle linebacker after he picked off five passes and had eight passes defended for the Dallas Cowboys last year, but his work at MLB didn’t last long.

Earlier this week, the Bucs replaced him with Kwon Alexander on the inside despite the fact that both players had rough days in coverage against Minnesota, though Alexander has seemingly outplayed the veteran in training camp. That isn’t overly surprising, because Alexander is a fourth-round pick out of LSU with plenty of draftniks on his side, a 4.55 forty time, and plenty of athleticism/upside/explosiveness. He’s raw and could bottom-out as a deep backup, but Alexander is indeed rising.

Carter is now competing with quiet 2014 breakout player Danny Lansanah at strong-side linebacker, and based on last season’s tape, Carter has plenty of work to do when it comes to carving out a roster spot. He needs to make a statement today, and given his high amount of interceptions last season, he has the playmaking ability to do that on one play.

Next: Will Playmaking Swearinger Show Up On Gameday?