The Tampa Bay Buccaneers passed on retaining the services of solid safety performer Bradley McDougald, who signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks over the offseason. The Bucs couldn't resists T.J. Ward, however, one of the better safeties in the NFL over the past five years.
Ward, released by the Denver Broncos last week, signed a five-year deal with Tampa Bay. What does he bring to the table?
Well, for starters, an AFC West starting QB is happy he's out of the division:
Derek Carr liked the photo of TJ Ward getting released lmfaoooooo pic.twitter.com/sieKlvCUUZ
— Oak 0-0 | Cal 1-0 ???? (@RunADZ_) September 2, 2017
Some of the analysis surrounding Ward suggests Denver may have let him go for football reasons, rather than simply financial ones:
TJ Ward was more of a spur linebacker, than a true safety over the last few years. Not a scheme fit for every team.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) September 2, 2017
Darian Stewart is a prototype SS. Ward doesn't cover well.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) September 2, 2017
If Ward's strength from his strong safety spot is run support it should be a welcomed addition. Last season their run defense slipped:
| Year | RYPG | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 117.2 | 22 |
| 2015 | 100.4 | 16 |
| Year | RYPC | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4.4 | 22 |
| 2015 | 3.4 | 2 |
