With a porous secondary in 2018, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will most likely address the position this off season. Having spent multiple draft picks on the secondary, the Buccaneers may seek a veteran presence to shore things up. Lamarcus Joyner could fill that roll.
Young Guns
Currently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary is very young. Carlton Davis, Jordan Whitehead and M.J. Stewart were rookies in 2018. As for the rest of the secondary, no player has more than four seasons of experience. Joyner could join the Buccaneers and step into a leadership role immediately. I am sure Florida State fans are salivating at the idea.
The Stats
Following the 2017 season Joyner was set to be a free agent. Not surprisingly, the Rams had no plans on letting him walk and franchise tagged him. They had good reason to with Joyner coming off his best season yet. During the 2017 season Joyner played in and started 12 games. Subsequently racking up three interceptions, nine pass deflections, a single forced fumble and 49 combined tackles. Solid numbers. Unfortunately in 2018 his number would take a hit. He only recorded a single interception and three pass deflections. He would have 78 combined tackles and a sack though.
The numbers in 2018 were more in line with the numbers he had mustered in the seasons prior to 2017. In the three season before he was unable to haul in a single interception and batted away only 13 passes. During this playing period Joyner had solid tacking numbers.
The Price
Given Joyner’s age and statistics I would expect Joyner to be given a four year deal. Though he is certainly not the best safety on the market he should see a hefty pay check. He should see something along the lines of $9.5 million to $10 million per year.
Given the numbers Joyner will gain some attention this off season. I believe that a team in desperate need for a safety will over pay for Joyner given his one great season in 2017 when he may have exceed his talent. Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be a player in his market? We will soon find out.
