Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs were one of the weakest teams when it came to safeties in 2018. Team reporter Scott Smith writes:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw a significant amount of upheaval at the safety position during the 2018 season. It took five different players to account for the 32 starts at the two back-of-the-secondary spots, and a sixth man to help get through an especially difficult stretch in December. The two players who got the starts on opening day were on injured reserve by season’s end, and in the end it was a rookie who would absorb the most safety snaps.
The Bucs safety unit looks improved, but still has question marks in 2019. Justin Evans showed potential, making 59 tackles and recovering a fumble. The team also signed Kentrell Brice to a one year contract. Brice made 50 tackles including a sack with the Packers in 2018.
Evans received an above average 67.6 from PFF whereas Brice received a below average 51.
Tampa Bay also used a third round pick on safety Mike Edwards out of Kentucky. All three should see the majority of snaps for the Bucs in 2019.
All of that being said, Tampa Bay finished 26th in passing yards allowed in 2018 and 32nd in yards per attempt. Adding talent to their secondary will be key.
Adding Joseph would give the Bucs another young talent to play with. While there would still be uncertainties, their depth would be much better than they had last year. As the Bucs look to sneak into the playoffs, a player like Joseph could end up being a key cog.
