In the 30th of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
On offense, the Buccaneers made acquisitions to the receiving corps in 2022. They signed Russell Gage of Baton Rouge, Louisiana to a three-year contract worth $30 million and Julio Jones of Foley, Alabama to a one-year contract worth $6 million. Last season Gage had 66 catches for 770 yards and four touchdowns with the Atlanta Falcons, while Jones had 31 catches for 434 yards and one touchdown with the Tennessee Titans. Even though Jones was with the Titans last season, he is best known for his time with the Falcons, who he was with from 2011 to 2020. The seven-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in receptions in 2015 (136), and receiving yards in 2015 (1871) and in 2018 (1677).
Meanwhile on the offensive line, the Buccaneers acquired right guard Shaq Mason of Columbia, Tennessee from the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on March 15. Mason had spent the last seven seasons with the Patriots and is reunited with Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.
On defense, the Buccaneers signed defensive end Akiem Hicks of Elk Grove. California. Hicks, who attended university in Canada, specifically the University of Regina, signed a one year deal worth $2.39 million. Last year with the Chicago Bears, he had 25 combined tackles (19 solo tackles and six assisted tackles), nine quarterback hits, five tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks.
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Fantasy Stars
Tom Brady of San Mateo, California, the 45-year-old wonder will continue his NFL greatness this season as the number two quarterback in fantasy, only behind Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Last season he led the NFL in completions (485), passing yards (5316), touchdowns (43) and passing yards per game (312.7).
At wide receiver, Mike Evans of Galveston, Texas had 74 catches for 1035 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is ranked sixth in fantasy.
On defense, Tampa Bay is ranked fifth. Last year they gave up only 353 points, the second fewest in the National Football Conference. Only the New Orleans Saints at 335 points, gave up fewer points than the Buccaneers.
Projected Finish
As long as Brady is healthy, the Buccaneers should be just fine. A NFC South Division Title is very realistic.
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