As a Buccaneers fan, I was thrilled to hear the news that the team has reportedly signed safety Ryan Neal. Neal, who was previously with the Seattle Seahawks, is known for his versatility on defense and strong tackling abilities. With the addition of Neal to an already star-studded lineup, the Bucs are sure to have a formidable defense this upcoming season. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table and how he helps the team on their journey to another Super Bowl championship.
Introduction
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off their Super Bowl victory in February, have been hard at work during the offseason. The front office has been busy making moves to ensure that the team can remain competitive next season.
One of those moves reportedly involves the signing of safety Ryan Neal. While the team has not officially announced the signing, reports indicate that Neal has agreed to a deal with the Buccaneers.
So who is Ryan Neal, and what can he bring to the table for the defending champions? Let’s take a closer look.
Background
Ryan Neal went undrafted out of Southern Illinois in 2018 but was later signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad and was eventually waived in 2019.
Neal then spent time on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad before making his NFL debut in November 2019. He played in six games that season and recorded two interceptions.
In 2020, Neal played in 14 games for the Seahawks and made two starts. He recorded 44 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble.
The 25-year-old is listed at 6’3″ and 200 pounds and is known for his size and athleticism. He also has experience playing on special teams, which could be a factor in his signing with the Buccaneers.
Fit with the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers already have a talented group of safeties, including Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, and Mike Edwards. However, adding depth at the position is never a bad thing, especially given the physical nature of the game.
Neal could potentially be used as a backup for Winfield Jr. or Whitehead, both of whom had standout seasons in 2020. He could also see playing time on special teams, where he has experience.
The Buccaneers’ defense was a key factor in their Super Bowl run, and adding depth to the secondary can only help in their quest to defend their title.
The Impact of the Signing
While Neal may not be a household name, he could end up making an impact for the Buccaneers next season. Depth is critical in the NFL, and having a talented player like Neal as a backup can help in the event of injuries or fatigue.
Furthermore, Neal’s versatility on special teams can provide the team with an added boost. In a league where field position and momentum can swing games, having a reliable special teams unit can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Finally, Neal’s signing also provides some insurance for the future. Winfield Jr. and Whitehead are both young and talented, but there is always the possibility that they could leave in free agency or suffer injuries. Having a player like Neal on the roster ensures that the team is prepared for any scenario.
Conclusion
The signing of Ryan Neal may not make headlines, but it could end up being a wise move for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Neal’s size and athleticism make him a valuable asset on defense, and his experience on special teams can provide an added boost for the team.
While the Buccaneers already have a talented group of safeties, adding depth is never a bad thing. With the physical nature of the game, injuries are always a possibility, and having a reliable backup is crucial.
Overall, the signing of Ryan Neal may not be flashy, but it could end up being a critical move for the defending champions. As they look to defend their Super Bowl title next season, having depth and versatility on both sides of the ball will be key, and Neal can provide both.