The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use another experienced running back. Devonta Freeman is available. But both sides will not come together, as Head Coach Bruce Arians explains.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at their best on the skill positions in the offense. Tom Brady will direct as new quarterback, Rob Gronkowski and O.J. Howard can share the snaps as tight end, plus top receiver duo Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Such a selection of high-calibre players is unparalleled in the league.

Far less prominent, however, is the corps of running backs. Apart from Ronald Jones, only T.J. Logan and Dare Ogunbowale have NFL experience. So the Florida team could well use some extra support here.

Freeman still without a contract for 2020
What could be more obvious than knocking on Devonta Freeman’s door? The two-time Pro Bowler is still without a contract for the 2020 season.

Head Coach Bruce Arians, however, waved off the corresponding demand during a conference call. Bucs reporter Jon Ledyard quoted the two-time Super Bowl champion’s statement about the ball carrier: “If his price was reasonable. He’s asking a lot of money and we don’t have a lot of money.”

Arians on adding Devonta Freeman: If his price tag was reasonable. He's asking for a lot of money and we don't have a lot of money.

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) June 4, 2020

Buccaneers have only $5 million left in Cap Space
The cap space of the franchise should still amount to a good five million US dollars. Which apparently would not be enough to get the former professional of the Atlanta Falcons to sign.

Freeman himself reacted to the rumour that had arisen and to his alleged demands. On Twitter he wrote: “I read in the media that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested. Some teams are showing interest, but we cannot negotiate through the media. The Buccaneers can contact me directly.”

Sync and corrections by n17t01 https://twitter.com/devontafreeman/status/1268717256621592576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1268717256621592576&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ran.de%2Fus-sport%2Fnfl%2Fnfl-news%2Ftravis-frederick-offiziell-auf-retirement-liste-mehr-spielraum-fuer-dak-prescott-150157

Freeman allegedly turned down Seahawks offer
Is this message already to be understood as an application? Recently it had been said that Freeman could even imagine to take a year off if he was not offered the salary he had hoped for.

He had already rejected an offer from the Seattle Seahawks for four million US dollars for one year. So the franchise from Washington State finally grabbed Carlos Hyde in his place. The Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets are mentioned as further possible targets for Freeman. Both still have around 20 million US dollars at their disposal.

Buccaneers drafted Running Back in the third round
Meanwhile, in Tampa Bay, hope could also lie with Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who was drafted in the third round.

Brady, however, knows how to use his boys from the backfield to win – the “GOAT” demonstrated this for two decades with the New England Patriots.