3 Buccaneers FAs Jacksonville Jaguars should target this offseason

Shaquil Barrett can help the Jacksonville Jaguars bolster their pass rush.

Lavonte David was one of many Buccaneers players that held the Chiefs’ high-powered offense to a paltry nine points in Super Bowl 55. Fellow linebackers Devin White and Shaquil Barrett also played at a high level. The latter had a tackle for a loss and a sack, and just like David, is scheduled to become a free agent.

An undrafted free agent in 2014, it took Barrett a few years to get in a groove. During his five-year stint with the Denver Broncos, he logged 151 total tackles (25 for a loss), 14 sacks, and seven forced fumbles.

However, the Colorado State product signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in 2019 and had a breakout year, registering 58 total tackles (19 for a loss), 19.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and once interceptions. This prompted Tampa Bay to use the franchise tag on him last season. Although he amassed just eight sacks in 2020, he still had 57 total tackles and two forced fumbles.

The ‘Bucs’ will have a hard time bringing Barrett back this offseason due to their salary cap constraints. If he hits the open market, the Jaguars shouldn’t pass up the chance to sign him. Defensive end Josh Allen should be fully healthy after dealing with a knee injury in 2020 and K’Lavon Chaisson should keep taking strides in his development.

Nevertheless, this Jacksonville team needs help in the pass rush department and Barrett could help. The fact he was part of the Super Bowl-winning team will probably increase his value in the open market, but this shouldn’t deter the ‘Jags’ from pursuing him.