Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top 3 Free Agents To Target This Offseason

There may not be a more important move this offseason than the one the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already made when they hired Dirk Koetter away from the Atlanta Falcons.

The Buccaneers know all too well how good the Atlanta Falcons offense can be, having surrendered 56 points to them in one contest early in the season.

The team and head coach Lovie Smith are hoping Koetter can bring that same kind of firepower to the bay area of Florida and give fans a reason to think Tampa Bay can score at will from anywhere on the field.

There may be plenty of questions for the Bucs to answer next season, like who will the team select with the first overall pick in the April NFL Draft.

If Koetter, was unaware of how No. 1 pick talk has gripped the Tampa Bay region in recent weeks, then he became acquainted fast. Oregon fast.

According to a story on FoxSport.com he wisely deflected the inquiry to his new bosses, coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht. Both figure to guard their thinking with the skill of a grizzled poker player.

"It's funny that would be the first question, and you're going to be disappointed in the answer, because I have no idea," Koetter said. "That's somebody else -- Jason and Coach Smith are in charge of making that decision."

Is it too early to say Koetter's seat is hot?

Of course. But there's an argument to be made that no coach on the Bucs' staff, outside of Smith, will be watched more closely next season than the longtime offensive assistant. The focus on Koetter should never cool, either with Mariota or Winston in the Bucs' huddle or with it minus both.

There are pieces to enjoy. There's Mike Evans, who had a team-high 1,051 yards receiving as a rookie. There's Vincent Jackson, who clinched his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. There's whomever the Bucs will add in the first round, presumably a quarterback, if not a different offensive talent.

The Bucs main concerns however should be focused more on the defensive side of the ball where there major question marks across the board.

There are depth issues, a need for better cornerbacks and safeties and of course, the pass rush is in desperate need of some oxygen. Someone get some adrenaline injected in this team – stat!

Here is a look at three free agents that could be on the team’s radar this free agency period.