TAMPA — It was only one day after the 2016 season had ended when Bucs coach Dirk Koetter was frank about his team's offseason needs.
"We need more speed and when we say playmakers, playmakers and explosive plays are one and the same," he said. "Guys that can make explosives, guys that can catch a 10-yard pass, break one tackle and turn it into a 30-yard gain. … In my opinion, we played close to our talent level."
It was no surprise, then, when the Bucs' biggest acquisition in free agency was veteran receiver DeSean Jackson, who led the NFL in yards per catch last season and specializes in the big plays Koetter said the offense was sorely lacking in 2016.