Devonta Freeman Would Be Ideal Consolation Prize for Bucs After Missing Out on Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon
By Jack Murphy
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already are having a huge offseason after landing the six-time Super Bowl champ in Tom Brady. In order for the Bucs to take reach the next level, they have to address their situation at running back.
After watching both Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon sign with the Falcons and Broncos, respectively, Tampa should have its sights set on Devonta Freeman, who was recently released by Atlanta.
The #Falcons are releasing RB Devonta Freeman, source says, saving more than $3M against the salary cap and moving on from their former starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
It just seems like a perfect fit. Tom Brady loves throwing to his running backs and Freeman recorded 59 receptions in 2019. Pair him with a receiving core of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans and the Buccaneers offense has the potential to be absurd.
Not to mention, having played his whole career in Atlanta, the 28-year-old has plenty of familiarity with NFC South defenses.
You @Buccaneers fans like Devonta Freeman as a FA? I do at the right price 1 year 3-5 million. He just turned 28, had 59 catches last year, elite pass catcher and screen runner, good in PP perfect fit for Brady!
— FanStreamSports JP Peterson (@FanStreamJP) March 20, 2020
Comment below join the convo#JPShow #theBig8 820 AM 4pm live https://t.co/jYts3UBEI0
The tandem of Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones just isn't getting the job done in Tampa, and bringing in a proven talent like Freeman to handle most of the load could benefit the entire offense.
It's clear that the Buccaneers are trying to do damage as soon as possible. Right now, the best option to improve the run game is Freeman, who could likely be had at an affordable price on a one or two-year deal.