J.J. Wilcox, Buccaneers Agree to 2-Year Contract

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will try to boost their secondary with the addition of safety J.J. Wilcox.

The Bucs announced the signing on Saturday. 

Wilcox spent the past four years with the Dallas Cowboys, starting 38 games. While it took some time for the 2013 third-round pick to get comfortable in the defense, he became a full-time starter in 2014 and remained in that role in 2015.

Unfortunately, the defensive back fell behind Barry Church and first-round pick Byron Jones in the depth chart and saw a limited role throughout the 2016 season. He finished with 49 tackles and just one interception in 13 games.

A thigh injury also kept him off the field toward the end of the year.

Although there appeared to be an opportunity to earn playing time on the Cowboys next season with Church also leaving in free agency, Wilcox instead decided to move on for another chapter in his NFL career.

The 26-year-old now joins a Buccaneers squad that is considered one of the up-and-coming organizations in the league.

Jenna Laine of ESPN first reported mutual interest between the two sides, noting the lack of safeties on the roster. The team also finished 22nd in the NFL in pass defense last season, which means an upgrade is necessary.

The former Georgia Southern star should be able to make an immediate impact while helping the squad return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.