Bucs Corner: Should the Bucs go after Martellus Bennett?

According to a story in the Tampa Tribune, the Bucs are expected to pursue tight end Martellus Bennett in free agency this off-season.

Bennett played for the New York Giants in 2012 where he posted career highs in catches, yards and touchdowns.

No surprise that the Bucs are intrigued by Bennett due to his career year, but Tampa should precede with caution.

Bennett’s rapport with Giants quarterback Eli Manning shows due to Bennett’s stats (55 catches, 626 yards), but that doesn’t mean he’ll have the same success with Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman.

This past season, Freeman had decent fortune with tight end Dallas Clark. Clark caught four touchdowns for 435 yards, so bringing Bennett in isn’t necessarily an upgrade.

The reasoning for the team’s interest in Bennett may be to keep his younger brother, Michael Bennett as a Buccaneer.

The younger Bennett is an unrestricted free agent coming off of a career season like his older brother Martellus.

So, should the Bucs sign Martellus Bennett to improve their offense? The long answer is no.

Before arriving in New York, Bennett struggled to thrive in the Cowboys offense, and often dropped key passes in vital moments.

He flourished with Eli Manning and the Giants offense, so there is no guarantee that he’ll have the same success with Freeman in Tampa.

I believe the Bucs should keep an eye on improving the team’s inconsistent defense instead of signing a tight end who may not work out.

-JH