Earlier this week, just before the start of the 2013 open market, we ran down the top 20 UFA signings for the Buccaneers during the first 20 years of NFL free agency.  That same day, we asked you to vote on the single best signing by the Bucs in that period.  We picked Hardy Nickerson as the top signing; you voted for Simeon Rice.

You folks are smart. Continue reading →

In 1993, the first collective bargaining agreement ushered in the modern era of free agency in the NFL.  The system has undergone some tweaks in the interim, but the main structure remains pretty much the same as what was put in place 20 years ago.  There are unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, franchise tags, transition tags and a salary cap.  There were huge free agency hits when the market first opened (Reggie White) just as there are now (Drew Brees).  And, of course, there were (Scott Mitchell) and are (Nnamdi Asomugha) just as many big-ticket misses.

Like every team, the Bucs have had entries in both categories.  The less we speak about Alvin Harper the better, but from Hardy Nickerson to Vincent Jackson, some of the team’s best performers have come to Tampa through unrestricted free agency.

NFL teams have now had exactly 20 cracks at unrestricted free agency.  With the 2013 market about to open on Tuesday, let’s count down the best UFA signings in Buccaneer history.  This is a topic ripe for debate, so feel to share your thoughts (and/or derision) in the comments below. Continue reading →

Andrew, a couple weeks ago, we debated which of the potential 2013 free agents would be most coveted once the market opened on March 12.  (Factoring in which pending free agents would eventually be unavailable due to franchise tags was part of the game, so my choices of Henry Melton and Anthony Spencer now add up to a major fail.  Sigh.)

Now that free agency is almost upon us and the franchise tags have been put in place (only eight, down from 21 last year), let’s take a look at the player market one more time, but from the other end of the spectrum.  The question now, with several hundred players about to flood the market, is which ones are currently flying under the radar?  That is, can you identify a player or two who hasn’t generated much buzz yet but might end up being a very valuable lower-profile signing?

We’ve all heard the top names expected to be on the market, the Mike Wallaces and Cliff Avrils and Dashon Goldsons.  Let’s find a few players outside of the obvious who can make a difference.  And, unlike in our previous exercise, let’s take the Buccaneers’ own needs into consideration.  That is, your selections should be players who not only have value, but have specific value to the Bucs at this time.

I magnanimously grant you first choice. Continue reading →

Monday was the last day for NFL teams to elect to use a franchise or transition tag on any of their pending free agents.  Eight teams did, 24 declined…and now the clock is ticking on the final week before the start of free agency.

The teams that used their tags know with virtual certainty that those players will remain with them in 2013.  Conversely, the teams that had what appeared to be viable candidates for franchise tags but didn’t use the option are not necessarily saying good bye.  In fact, this last week – and especially the next four days – is a last opportunity for deals to get done before the market opens and all 32 teams are in play. Continue reading →