The Falcons might mount a formidable challenge to the three-time reigning NFC South champion Buccaneers in 2024. Action Network lists Tampa Bay (+300) as the second-best odds and Atlanta (-120) as the favorite to win the division.
These are three more actions Tampa needs to take in order to maintain its lead in the NFC South.
Include a forward lineman
Regarded as one of the best interior lineman prospects in this year’s class, Graham Barton was selected by Tampa in the first round. Cody Mauch, a second-year professional who struggled, should have a chance to improve this coming season. Still, in order to strengthen the depth behind their talented young lines, the Bucs ought to sign an experienced lineman via free agency.
In 2022 and 2023, Tampa Bay’s offensive line—which has been struggling lately—helped the team produce the worst rushing attack in the league. Talent like David Bakhtiari and Dalton Risner is still available as a free agent. It would be unfortunate if the Bucs’ outstanding achievement of keeping their star free agents was undone by a subpar offensive line.
Reorganize DL’s contracts OL Vita Vea Tristan Wirfs
Vea and Wirfs are key players in the Bucs’ current run of four straight postseason trips, and by renegotiating their contracts, they might contribute to the team’s continued success. In 2024, the total value of the two former Pro Bowl players will count against the cap at $39.6 million.
Tampa only has $390,599 in available space, but by restructuring Vea’s and Wirfs’ contracts, they may free approximately $23.6 million. Adding an offensive tackle and another weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield are two excellent uses for that money.
Sign Hunter Renfrow, a wide receiver
The best wideout available right now is the former Raider, who would be an ideal slot receiver in an 11-man lineup with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans covering the outside. Renfrow lined up in the slot on a career-high 91.5 percent of his pass snaps in 2023, according to data from Pro Football Focus. Throughout his career, he has been the slot receiver 73% of the time. His last two seasons have been limited by injuries, but in 2021 he recorded 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Renfrow is a potentially lethal weapon when in good health.
