On Thursday, NFL teams were given the go-ahead to begin placing franchise tags on players, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have their choice in mind. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay is ‘strongly considering' placing the franchise tag on Shaquil Barrett.
Bucs are strongly considering placing their franchise tag on pass rusher Shaquil Barrett if the two sides are unable to reach a long-term deal, per league source.
Also notable is this: Placing franchise tag on Barrett means there’d be no franchise tag left for Jameis Winston.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2020
Last offseason, the Buccaneers signed Barrett to a one-year deal that was worth $5 million. Prior to arriving in the warm confines of Tampa Bay, Barrett spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.
While with the Broncos, Barrett was constantly given a minimal role due to the talented edge rushers in front of him. The shortlist of edge rushers that prevented Barrett from seeing more playing time included Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, and Bradley Chubb.
After flashing potential in Denver, the Colorado State product chose to test free agency in 2019. Besides the Buccaneers, not many teams expressed interest in Barrett. However, the Buccaneers' decision to sign Barrett was among the best bargains in the NFL.
In his first season starting in 16 games, Barrett tallied a league-high 19.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. As a result, the Buccaneers are adamant about keeping Barrett at all costs this offseason.
In the event that Barrett would receive the franchise tag, that would essentially spell the end of Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay. Winston is an unrestricted free agent, and the team has shown no signs of giving him a long-term deal.
The Buccaneers undoubtedly struck gold by signing Barrett to a team-friendly deal last offseason. Regardless of whether it's the franchise tag or not, Tampa Bay won't get a discount on Barrett this year.
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