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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball after catching a first half pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball after catching a first half pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. CB Morris Claiborne (New York Jets)

Along with the running game, finding a consistent pass rush as well as reliable play in the secondary have been sore spots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last offseason, general manager Jason Licht did his best to rectify some of those defensive issues.

The team dealt for defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, picked up pass rusher Vinny Curry after he was cut loose by the Philadelphia Eagles, signed defensive tackles Beau Allen and Mitch Unrein during free agency and used the 12th pick in the draft on University of Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea.

In early September, they claimed defensive end Carl Nassib off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. The results were a total of 38 sacks, 16 more than the previous season (22). But the Bucs still surrendered a whopping 34 touchdown passes while finishing 26th in the NFL in aerial yards allowed per game.

So is it the pass rush or the play of the secondary? There is currently a lot of youth in the Tampa Bay secondary, led by 2016 first-round cornerback Vernon Hargreaves. After three seasons with the franchise, veteran Brent Grimes has not been re-signed by the club and remains on the open market. So could defensive coordinator Todd Bowles enlist the aid of a familiar face who played for him the past two seasons with the Jets?

The Dallas Cowboys used the sixth overall pick in 2012 on cornerback Morris Claiborne. After a solid rookie campaign, he had problems staying on the field. He missed 32 regular-season games from 2013-16. He latched on with the Green and White in 2017 and over the past two years, played and started in 30 contests. He totaled three interceptions while knocking down 22 passes. The 29-year old performer would be a sound veteran addition.

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