Best and Worst Moves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have Made in Free Agency

Many fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were hoping for yet another Mount St. Helens version of free agency from their team this offseason, but they instead got the paper mache variety from a grade school science fair.

But what those fans should consider is that while the bigger spectacle can be more exciting, it's far more destructive than the cheaper, safer version.

After missing on far too many big-money free agents over the past few years, the Bucs took a more reserved approach to this year's market, finding economical players who fit their schemes. They also proved they're willing to admit some of their most recent mistakes in free agency, even at great financial cost.

What are the best and worst moves the Bucs have made so far this offseason? Here's my take.

BEST: Signing LB Bruce Carter

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Having an athletic middle linebacker who excels in coverage is one of the key components of a successful Tampa 2 defense, and the Bucs may have found just that in Bruce Carter.

Versatile enough to play inside or out in the 4-3, Carter flashed his prowess in coverage last year with five interceptions. Mason Foster was a solid player, but his lack of overall athleticism made him a poor fit in the Bucs' new defensive scheme.

Carter's deal is worth $20.5 million over four years, but only his 2015 salary is guaranteed, according to Spotrac.com, making it potentially a one-year deal. This signing was a low-risk move that could pay big dividends for the Bucs.

WORST: Cutting DE Michael Johnson

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I'm all for admitting a big mistake and cutting your losses, but the Bucs may have jumped the gun by kicking Michael Johnson to the curb after just one season.

After signing a lucrative deal in free agency last offseason, Johnson was a huge disappointment in 2014, posting just four sacks and never providing the kind of impact as a pass-rusher that was expected of him.

Still, injuries played a major part in his ineffectiveness, and he could have had a bounce-back season in 2015 if he was able to stay healthy.

The Bucs ate $7 million in dead money to cut Johnson, which makes the move sting even more. With Adrian Clayborn also leaving, defensive end has now become extremely thin for Tampa Bay. The Bucs should have given Johnson one more shot to prove his worth.

BEST: Cutting OT Anthony Collins

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Unlike the release of Michael Johnson, moving on from Anthony Collins made plenty of sense for the Bucs, and the writing was on the wall before the 2014 season even came to a close.

After signing a big-money deal in free agency last year, Collins played so poorly in 2014 that he was a healthy scratch for the final three games of the season. He had never been a full-time starter prior to last year, and he didn't take advantage of the opportunity.

Collins is just one more name in a long line of failed big-ticket free-agent signings the Bucs have made over the past few years, but at least the new regime is proving it's willing to admit its mistakes and move on.

WORST: Losing out on Pass-Rushers

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Even if Michael Johnson and Adrian Clayborn had returned in 2015, the Bucs would still have been desperate for someone who can get after the quarterback with regularity. This year's crop of free agents offered plenty of options, but the Bucs failed to land any of them.

Jabaal Sheard signed with the Patriots, while Derrick Morgan re-signed with the Titans following a visit with the Bucs, and Brian Orakpo joined Morgan in Tennessee. Tampa Bay backed off the embattled Greg Hardy at the last minute, and it has still yet to address one of its biggest needs.

Money and character have kept the Bucs from upgrading the defensive end spot so far, and this year's draft class is extremely deep at the position. That said, you can never have too many effective pass-rushers, and Tampa Bay let a couple get away this offseason.

BEST: Signing DT Henry Melton

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Another smart-money signing who will fit perfectly into their defensive scheme, the Bucs grabbed a great value by signing Henry Melton, who played for Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith in Chicago.

Melton tallied 13 of his 20.5 career sacks during his two years under Smith, proving he's at his best when playing in the Tampa 2 scheme. He won't be counted on to start, which should leave him fresh and more effective later in games.

Coming in on an economical one-year deal, Melton strengthens an already-impressive lineup at defensive tackle, where the Bucs have Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy, as well as Clinton McDonald and Akeem Spence.

WORST: Not Upgrading Offensive Line

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Demar Dotson was the only Bucs offensive lineman who played particularly well for the better part of last season, making upgrading the offensive line one of the team's biggest needs heading into free agency.

However, the Bucs have yet to sign anyone at any position up front, leaving the unit mostly unchanged from the group that finished out a disappointing 2014 season.

Dotson will return at either left or right tackle, while veterans Logan Mankins and Evan Dietrich-Smith will reprise their starting roles at left guard and center, respectively. But right guard and the other tackle spot remain huge needs for Tampa Bay when it comes to starters, and the entire unit needs more depth.

There are still a few economic options on the market, but I'm surprised the Bucs didn't go harder after the likes of Mike Iupati or Orlando Franklin.