The Los Angeles Rams delivered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their 1st playoff loss with Tom Brady under center. The Buccaneers have done a great job surrounding TB12 with talent the last two seasons. Now that the season is over, here are some of the storylines to keep an eye on this offseason.
1. Tom Brady's Future
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tom Brady is under contract to be a Buccaneer next season. But Brady will be 45 next season, and at some point he will call it quits. This is not only the top storyline for the Buccaneers this offseason, but one of the top storylines in all the NFL. If Brady comes back, then the Bucs are contenders again. If he calls it a career then it will be interesting to see if the Bucs start a rebuild, or they try to retool on the fly with a veteran who can come in and right the ship.
2. Prioritize Free Agents
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 05: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball after a reception against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers have $22.5 million in salary cap space heading into an offseason where 10 significant players are free agents. Chris Godwin, Ryan Jensen, OJ Howard, Rob Gronkowski, Ronald Jones, Leonard Fournette, Giovani Bernard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh, and William Gholston are all unrestricted free agents. If Brady returns, then we know Tampa is a destination for free agents who are ring chasing. How many of the names listed above will be back with the Bucs in 2022?
3. Continuity is King
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich talks with Tom Brady #12 in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers were in a unique position heading into 2021: Super Bowl champs returning both offensive and defensive coordinator. Byron Leftwich and Todd Bowles have interviewed with the Bears and the Jaguars while Todd Bowles has also interviewed with the Vikings. Arians could take over play calling on offense if Byron Leftwich leaves according to Pro Football Talk.
4. NFL Draft
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: A fan holds a jersey after Joe Tryon is announced as the 32nd pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was the 1st round draft pick of the Bucs last year- this was not a great pick. This is a team that has to have a “win now” mentality with an aging quarterback. The Bucs need to draft a player who can contribute in 2022 with the 27th overall pick.