In the ever-volatile landscape of the NFL, free agency is a time of high stakes and calculated risks. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2024 offseason has been a whirlwind of strategic signings and critical evaluations. Among the myriad of moves, one decision stands out as particularly daring and risky: the signing of offensive lineman Sua Opeta. This bold acquisition has sparked interesting discussions among the team's fans. Many are questioning whether the potential rewards outweigh the significant risks associated with Opeta's arrival. As the Buccaneers gear up for a season filled with high expectations, the gamble on Opeta could very well define their success—or lack thereof—in the months to come.
The Buccaneers So Far
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers approached the 2024 offseason with several potential gaps in their roster. Instead of gambling on the open market, the Bucs prioritized retaining their own top players. In fact, many of them were among the best free agents available this year.
Thanks to Tom Brady’s contract finally being off the books, the Bucs actually had a bit more cap space this year for the offseason. Tampa Bay has been able to avoid the usual financial gymnastics. After securing key starters, the Bucs are now focusing on adding depth across the roster.
The reigning NFC South champions successfully re-signed their two most crucial players. These were quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield is coming off the best season of his career. He achieved career highs in completion percentage (64.3 percent), passing touchdowns (28), and passing yards (4,044). As for Evans, he co-led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in his first season with Mayfield in 2023. This dynamic duo will remain together for at least the next two seasons, as the Buccaneers aim to become perennial NFC playoff contenders. Sure, losing Shaq Barrett was a setback. However, many teams would have preferred retaining Lavonte David over Barrett at this stage of their careers.
Here we'll look at the one player who is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' riskiest free agency move in the 2024 NFL offseason.
Sua Opeta, OL
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line by signing former Philadelphia Eagles guard Sua Opeta to a one-year deal in free agency. Opeta entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 out of Weber State. He didn’t play in his first season but appeared in 38 games over the next four years. He made 10 career starts for the Eagles, with six of those coming last season.
Opeta joins a Tampa Bay offensive line that needs experienced depth and competition for the starting left guard position. Following the recent signing of former New York Giants guard Ben Bredeson, the Bucs have added multiple contenders for that spot.
Opeta is another depth addition with the potential to start. He started six games for Philadelphia last season. For now, however, he looks like a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix for Tampa Bay’s offensive line.
Risky Bet?
A significant presence along the Eagles' offensive line over the past four seasons, Sua Opeta brings physicality and toughness to Tampa Bay's trenches. His contract is team-friendly. It allows GM Jason Licht the flexibility to move on if the experiment doesn’t pan out in 2024.
However, Opeta’s 2023 season saw a decline in performance. Recall that he allowed career highs in pressures (25) and hurries (20) in his six starts. Increased playing time at the unfamiliar right guard position gave him the chance to prove his worth. However, 18 pressures allowed in his first five starts led Eagles GM Howie Roseman to lose faith in his long-term potential, thus allowing Opeta to enter free agency.
Currently expected to start alongside left tackle Tristan Wirfs, Opeta’s ability to quickly return to his early-career form is crucial for the overall success of Tampa Bay's offense.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decision to sign Sua Opeta stands as their riskiest move of the offseason. Yes, the potential for reward exists. However, the substantial risks involved cannot be overlooked. Opeta's history of injuries and inconsistency casts a shadow over his prospects, but his physical attributes and versatility offer a glimmer of hope. For the Buccaneers, this signing is a calculated gamble that could either fortify their offensive line or leave them scrambling to fill a critical position. The upcoming season will be the ultimate test of whether this high-risk move was a masterstroke or a misstep. The eyes of Buccaneers fans and the broader NFL community will be watching closely to see if Opeta can rise to the occasion and justify the faith placed in him by Tampa Bay's front office.
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