NFL Free Agency: J.R. Sweezy signs with Tampa Bay Bucs
NFL Free Agency: Former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman J.R. Sweezy has reportedly agreed to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers…
It’s a good day to be a guard, apparently.
#Bucs agreed to terms with G J.R. Sweezy
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 9, 2016
Money is flying out of the pocket books of NFL front offices, and free agents are cashing in big time. J.R. Sweezy is no different, signing a multi-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers less than two hours into the new league year.
Sweezy was one of the hottest names on the open market, reportedly drawing interest from at least one third of the entire league. The Buccaneers just lost Logan Mankins to retirement, so they were a sensible destination for Sweezy, who played the last four years with the Seattle Seahawks.
What The Bucs Are Getting
Sweezy is a powerful guard in the running game that has quick feet and a great initial punch. He’s a finisher, a driver, and someone who can knock linemen and linebackers off their feet in a hurry. He gets to the second level really well, and will be great opening holes for Doug Martin in the running game.
Where he needs work is in pass protection, where he can be man-handled at times in one-on-one situations. He’s got great strength, but sometimes plays too high and gets thrown around or caught off balance. He was among the NFL’s worst when it came to pressures allowed over the course of the last four years.
Overall, he’s a very good young player who is going to be an effective starter from the Buccaneers, but there’s plenty of work to be done with his game. The former defensive lineman is clearly still learning the craft, but is a good pickup for Tampa.