As a football analyst, I often wonder what would be best for players and their teams. Recently, there has been speculation about a possible reunion between Donovan Smith and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith is a reliable offensive lineman who has been with the team for six seasons, but his contract could cause financial strain for the Bucs. Is it in their best interest to keep him? Or should they pursue other options? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of a Donovan Smith-Buccaneers reunion.
Introduction
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had an eventful offseason, with key players like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski joining the team. Another player that has made headlines is left tackle Donovan Smith, who has been a starter for the Buccaneers since 2015. Smith has been a controversial figure in Tampa Bay, with fans and analysts questioning his consistency and play on the field. However, with the team’s success last season, many are speculating whether a reunion between Smith and the Buccaneers would be best for both parties.
Donovan Smith’s Performance in Tampa Bay
Donovan Smith was drafted by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and immediately became a starter on the offensive line. Since then, Smith has started every game for the Buccaneers, a total of 94 games. Despite this consistency, Smith has been criticized by fans and analysts for his inconsistency on the field. Smith has been known to have lapses in concentration, leading to missed blocks and sacks.
In 2019, Smith was ranked 56th out of 85 tackles in pass-blocking efficiency by Pro Football Focus, a website that grades players based on their performance. However, Smith did improve in 2020, ranking 27th out of 79 tackles in pass-blocking efficiency. Smith’s improvement coincided with the arrival of quarterback Tom Brady, who is known for his quick release and ability to read defenses.
The Buccaneers’ Offseason Moves
The Buccaneers have been busy during the offseason, re-signing key players like Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David, as well as bringing in new players like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The team currently has some cap room available, which could allow them to re-sign Donovan Smith to a long-term deal.
Smith played under the franchise tag last season, earning $14.78 million. If the Buccaneers were to re-sign him, it would be the first time that the team has given a long-term deal to a left tackle since Donald Penn in 2010. With the team’s success last season, it is clear that the Buccaneers have the talent to compete for another Super Bowl title. Smith’s presence on the offensive line would undoubtedly help Brady and the rest of the offense.
The Pros and Cons of a Donovan Smith Reunion
There are several pros and cons to re-signing Donovan Smith. On the one hand, Smith has been a consistent starter for the Buccaneers over the past six seasons. He has experience playing with the current team and knows the offensive playbook. Smith’s return to the team would provide stability on the offensive line and help protect Tom Brady.
On the other hand, Smith’s consistency on the field has been questioned by fans and analysts. He has been known to have lapses in concentration, leading to missed blocks and sacks. Additionally, Smith’s salary demands could be too high for the Buccaneers, who have other key players to sign on both offense and defense.
The Future of the Offensive Line
Regardless of whether the Buccaneers re-sign Donovan Smith, the team needs to address their offensive line in the upcoming draft. The team’s starting right tackle, Tristan Wirfs, had a standout rookie season and will likely continue to improve. However, the team’s other offensive linemen are aging and have had consistency issues.
The Buccaneers could target offensive linemen in the early rounds of the draft, specifically at center and guard positions. The team could also look at free agents or trades to improve their line during the offseason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a reunion between Donovan Smith and the Buccaneers could be beneficial for both parties. Smith’s consistency on the offensive line would provide stability and protection for Tom Brady and the rest of the offense. However, if the team is unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal, the Buccaneers must address their offensive line in the upcoming draft and through free agency. Regardless of the team’s decision, the Buccaneers’ success is dependent on a strong offensive line.
