Breaking: Buccaneers Pushing to Tign Top OL as Robert Hainsey Replacement to Bolster Offense

After the surprising success the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed in 2023, the next step for them is to find a way to keep their momentum into 2024. While signing Baker Mayfield to an extension is at the top of their priority list, other positions within the team could use improvements.

One aspect that could use a boost this offseason is the offensive line. While they aren’t the weakest in the NFL, a boost in their performance could help boost the team’s chances when it matters most.

There is a wealth of talent the team can target in the offseason, and one player should immediately make them into an interesting team when September rolls around.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to move for Tennessee OL Aaron Brewer

One of the top offensive linemen the Buccaneers could target Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Aaron Brewer during the offseason to boost an offensive line that was underwhelming for much of the season.

Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report suggested the lineman as a possible replacement for Robert Hainsey in 2024. While he’s undersized at 6’1″ and 295 lbs, he more than makes up for it with his elite athleticism to battle it out with the league’s best defensive tackles.

Keith Carter, Brewer’s former o-line coach at Tennessee, could not stop singing praises for the 26-year-old:

“Aaron is an unbelievable athlete,” Carter said. “So, he has a really unbelievable way to recover when he gets stuck in some bad positions. For him, it’s getting as big as he can, but not losing that part of his game. And then just being consistent from a technique standpoint. I think he’s come a long way and I am excited to see where he goes.”

The Titans only gave Aaron Brewer a one-year contract last year, and he made sure they regret not giving him a bigger contract. Despite playing for an underperforming Titans in 2023, he established himself as a solid lineman.

Baker Mayfield enjoyed a resurgent season in Tampa Bay after signing a one-year deal with the Bucs, but the team is set to use the franchise tag on another player

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a big decision about Baker Mayfield’s contract, which could see the quarterback hitting the open market.

Mayfield had a great season with the Bucs after signing a one-year deal in 2023, even making it to the Pro Bowl for the first time and leading the team to the NFC South title Divisional round of the playoffs.

But instead of using the franchise tag to keep Mayfield at Raymond James Stadium, the team is planning to use it on star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. The 25-year-old safety had an amazing season in 2023, earning First-team All-Pro honours.

If the Bucs use the franchise tag on Winfield, he’ll get $16.2 million guaranteed next season. The transition tag would cost less at $14m, but the Bucs would be taking a risk if another team offered the star safety a contract.

This decision means the Bucs might lose their quarterback when the new league year starts next month. Mayfield, who used to play for the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, had his best season this year, throwing for career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28), while only throwing 10 interceptions as the Bucs went 9-8 in the regular season.

Mayfield, who was the top pick in 2018, did well in the playoffs too. He led his team to a surprise win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. Then they lost a tough game to the Detroit Lions the next week.

Last season, Mayfield didn’t do well with the Panthers after the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson to replace him. But he got better when he played for the Rams at the end of the year before signing a deal for one year and $4 million with the Bucs.

He could make more money this year because of his performances in 2023. Other teams might want him, too. And with offensive coordinator Dave Canales leaving to be the head coach for the Panthers, Mayfield has to think about what he’ll do. But Liam Coen, who worked with him at the Rams, is joining the Bucs, which might convince Mayfield stay.

“It all just kind of depends,” Mayfield said at the Pro Bowl, before Coen joined the team. “Obviously, Tampa, we’re going though a little bit of a OC search right now. It’ll start there. They were the first ones that gave me a chance, and (I’m) thankful for them. We’ll see. Taking it one day at a time.

“My agent and them, I think they engaged a little bit. But obviously when Canales left – and happy for him, as well, getting a head coaching job, he deserves that – but when they started the OC search, I think they know that we’ve got to know who’s calling plays before anything’s done.”

No matter whether Mayfield stays or goes, his contract will still have an impact on the Bucs’ wage bill for the 2024 season. His agreement was cancelled on Monday, leaving a $2.3m hit on the cap. If the Bucs had used the franchise label on Mayfield, it would have cost them $36.3m for the season. For quarterbacks, the transition tag is set at $31.2m.