Tom Brady led NFC South franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl LV title earlier this year. The Bruce Arians-coached organization became the first team to lift the Lombardi Trophy in front of home fans.
The Buccaneers made their way to a 9-31 win over defending champions Kansas City Chiefs. This was their second-ever Super Bowl title.
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The Glazer family-owned organization brought in a number of big names on short-term deals last year. That list included names like Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, LeSean McCoy, and Leonard Fournette.
But they’ll need to make a few important extensions in the coming weeks in order to hold on to prized assets.
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Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David both involved in contract talks with the Bucs
Tagging Chris Godwin mean Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David are scheduled to be free agents, though Tampa has discussed deals with both players. https://t.co/Q3ZIOVZQtn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2021
Tom Brady was adjudged as the Super Bowl LV MVP in February. But it was the Buccaneers defense that should have been given more credit for what was an overall dominant display.
Shutting down the Chiefs offense featuring Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins, is no small task. But Todd Bowles’ defense did an outstanding job to put a stop, restricting the visitors to just 9 points.
Linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David, along with Devon White, in particular, put in a committed shift. But the two icons are both free agents heading into the 2021 season.
Now, with Chris Godwin set to get the Buccaneers franchise tag, GM Jason Licht needs to work towards securing short-term contracts for both his defensive superstars.
Good Morning Football analyst Peter Schrager tweeted earlier today saying the Bucs are currently fighting against all odds to re-sign these two.
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Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David are both the top players at their respective positions on the free agent market right now. As I’ve said for weeks, the Bucs are going to fight like heck to keep them.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 9, 2021
Shaquil ‘Sack’ Barrett played on the franchise tag for Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year after joining in 2019. He had a record-setting 4 sacks in the post-season alone while he picked up one interception in the regular season.
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If the Pirates want to successfully defend their Super Bowl title, holding on to a defensive beast like Barrett will be a must. Watch this space for further developments.
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