The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not made the NFL playoffs since the 2007 season, and one person who tired of losing is none other than Bucs star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Two players immediately came to mind for McCoy when he was asked by reporters who the Bucs should target in free agency: Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett and Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.
In an article written by Mark Cook of PewterReport.com, the six-time Pro Bowler opened up about the direction he would like the team to take regarding the upcoming free agent market.
His response was instantaneous, as he brought up two former Tampa Bay players, citing how they would bring a winning culture back to the Bucs.
“Mike Bennett,” McCoy said. “Aqib Talib. I want to get all the guys back together. When you (free agents) come into our building, whatever made you a champion, or whatever made you who you are, bring that. Show us what it takes to be a champion, show us what it takes to be successful. Because most of the guys we are going to bring in are going to be playoff players. Have been in the playoffs. Had success. Have rings. Been to a Super Bowl, or have been deep in the playoffs. Bring that. Show us what it takes to get there. We have to get there.”
Talib was the Bucs' first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft before he was traded to the New England Patriots in November of 2012. During his four seasons with the Broncos, Talib has been to the Pro Bowl all four years while winning a Super Bowl ring.
Bennett was a member of the Bucs for four seasons in 2009-2012 before his second stint with the Seattle Seahawks. McCoy said that he admires how Bennett and Talib play the game of football, especially when they were with Tampa Bay.
“Mike was never a practice warrior, but he was a solider – a warrior – on Sunday and that’s what you need,” McCoy said. “Mike Bennett would never kill himself in practice, but he’d die on Sundays for his brothers. Aqib was the same way. But Aqib practiced hard and brought it on Sunday.”
The Bucs, who finished the season with a very underwhelming 5-11 record, must make a decent splash in free agency in order to keep up with the other three playoff-caliber teams in the NFC South.
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