Tampa Bay Buccaneers Could Make Dashon Goldson Available

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Barron is already out.  Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin could be next.  Who else could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make available via trade?  One name that has risen fast on the list is safety Dashon Goldson.  The 30-year old former Pro Bowler has not performed up to snuff for head coach Lovie Smith.  In seven starts he has 42 tackles, no interceptions and no forced fumbles.  That is intolerable for a coach who prides his defense being able to take the ball away.

Thus the Buccaneers have begun to further limit the snaps Goldson gets on defense, especially on passing downs where he is more of a liability.  In his place they have given chances to second-year man Bradley McDougald out of the University of Kansas.  His ability to cover the pass is a primary reason cited by defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.  This makes it all but certain that Tampa Bay will try to unload Goldson during the off-season.

It won’t be easy.  The previous regime under Greg Schiano saw fit to hand the safety a five-year, $41.25 million contract.  He is expected to make $7.5 million in 2015.  By cutting him the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could save $5 million in salary cap but the first natural reaction would be to trade him if possible in order to avoid dead money.

Dashon Goldson has his problems in coverage but he remains a presence against the run.  His physicality would be most welcome on the right team.  The Indianapolis Colts are a possibility as are the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers.  What it will come down to is whether any of those teams are willing to absorb the cap hit.