Three Cornerbacks Signed Today; Bucs Still Looking
It has been the story of this young off-season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help at cornerback, but when are they going to address it?
Today did not help their case.
Early on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network told me that Sean Smith would be signing today with someone. He was right.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Sean Smith to a 3-year, $18 million contract with $11 million guaranteed. An average of $6 million per season.
A few hours later, another cornerback was signed. The New Orleans Saints signed Keenan Lewis to a 5-year, $26 million contract with $11 million guaranteed as well. An average of slightly more than $5 million per season. While Lewis had no interceptions in 2012, he did have 16 passes defensed and excels in man coverage.
Shortly after Lewis' signing, the Philadelphia Eagles signed former Ravens cornerback Cary Williams to a 3-year, $17 million contract. An average of less than $6 million per season.
The Buccaneers have continued to be linked to a trade with Darrelle Revis. The conspiracy theorist in me wants to believe that an agreement might have already taken place behiond the scenes because it seems crazy that the Buccaneers would not even be mentioned with any of these free agent cornerbacks.
Another name to watch for, and has been linked to the Bucs, is former Falcons CB Brent Grimes. After seeing the salaries of the cornerbacks signed today, I believe the Bucs would still have enough cap room to fit both Revis and Grimes if they act fast.
Oh, and EJ Biggers is still on the market, so there's that too!
For updates on the Buccaneers off-season moves in free agency and the NFL Draft, be sure to follow Justin Pawlowski and 98.7 The Fan on twitter.
Catch The Commish weekdays from 9-12 on 98.7 The Fan.
for more features.