With the announcement that veteran cornerback Richard Sherman officially signed with the Buccaneers, Tampa Bay fans can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The brilliant defense that helped Tom Brady and the Buccaneers become Super Bowl Champions last year has fizzled out into a below average unit, ranked at 17 in the league by Pro Football Focus. The secondary has been a huge part of that decline and has allowed the most receptions in the league this season.
Injuries are to blame for much of Tampa Bay’s trouble at cornerback. Starter Sean Murphy-Bunting is currently on IR with a dislocated elbow and Jamel Dean’s status is doubtful for Week 4 after he sustained a knee injury last week. Dee Delaney filled in for Murphy-Bunting in Week 3, and will likely have to do so again this week against New England across from Carlton Davis.
Richard Sherman’s status on Tampa Bay’s depth chart amidst injuries
Assuming Sherman doesn’t make his debut until Week 5 against Miami, he’ll likely be a starter right away ahead of Delaney. Sherman was the highest ranker corner is 2019 before injuries plagued him, and would bring much needed experience to the position.
Once Dean and Murphy-Bunting return, Sherman will likely be pushed back a bit deeper on Tampa Bay’s depth chart. Even if he ends up in the fourth slot, the 33 year-old former Seahawk will undoubtedly play a big role for a team eyeing another championship this season.
