Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency
1. OLB Nick Perry (Released by Green Bay Packers)
Ah, the aforementioned pass rush of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The numbers in 2018 were significantly better than the previous season when the team finished with a league-low 22 quarterback traps. Led by newcomers such as Jason Pierre-Paul (12.5) and Carl Nassib (6.5), the team finished with a respectable 38 sacks. But that pressure on opposing quarterbacks was nowhere to be found down the stretch.
The Bucs closed the season with four consecutive losses and totaled a combined five sacks in those setbacks.
The last time the Buccaneers totaled at least 40 quarterback traps in a single season was back in 2004 (45). A year ago, the team managed two or fewer sacks in nine of their 16 outings. In 2018, only six teams allowed more passing yards per game than this club, which parted ways with defensive coordinator Mike Smith after only five games this past year.
So can new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles make a difference when it comes to the pass rush? Tampa has already added outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett and versatile Deone Bucannon via free agency.
dark. Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kinnan's final projection
Back in 2012, the Green Bay Packers made Nick Perry the 28th overall pick in the draft. The former USC standout enjoyed an up-and-down career in “Titletown,” totaling just 32 sacks in 81 regular-season contests. This offseason, the Pack cut ties with the seven-year veteran and he remains on the open market. While he has gotten a few look-sees from a few teams this offseason, he could be a fit in Bowles’ multi-faceted defenses.