Heading into the 2024 season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a huge hole to fill at left guard. Last year the team used a combination of Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie. The former will not be back with the Bucs, while the latter could choose to follow his offensive line coaches to Carolina. Regardless the Buccaneers need to upgrade the position through the draft or free agency.
Entering the last year of his rookie deal, Robert Hainsey rebounded from a rough start last season. It wasn't pretty earlier on but by the end of the season, he was solid. Still, the Bucs could use an upgrade at the position, though if they choose to ride out Hainsey for one more year it wouldn't be the worst thing. Left guard is a much bigger priority.
OC Aaron Brewer
If the Bucs want to spend some money at the position the Titans center graded out significantly higher than Hainsey last season finishing with a 71.6 overall blocking grade as the league's 11th best center per Pro Football Focus. He graded out particularly well in run blocking posting a 78.7 grade but struggled a bit in pass protection. He let up six sacks on the season with 21 pressures. Not exactly ideal but he would be an upgrade over Hainsey. Brewer is projected to receive a three-year deal worth around $20 million.
OC Brian Allen
Allen was limited to just three games last season but has 32 starts since 2018. He was the Rams starting center in 2021 when they won the Super Bowl starting 16 regular season games on his way to an 80.2 overall blocking grade. When healthy he's been one of the better run blocking centers but can struggle in pass pro. In the Super Bowl season, he was the starter he allowed five sacks and 20 pressures.
Though the biggest question mark around Allen is his health as he has started just seven games over the past two seasons due to knee and thumb injuries. However, he does have experience in the system the Bucs will be running and worked with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen when Coen was the OC for the Rams. He can push Hainsey for the starting job and will likely be on a relatively cheap contract as he proves he can stay healthy.
OG Jon Feliciano
Feliciano was a pleasant surprise for the 49ers last season. The veteran guard started 10 games last season including the Super Bowl. He finished with and 81.2 overall blocking grade posting an outstanding run-blocking grade of 87. Originally brought in to be a backup, former Buccaneers safety, and San Francisco general manager John Lynch wasn't sure he would be a scheme fit when they first signed him but was presently surprised to find out he fit the bill and called him a "glue guy."
Feliciano would be a great reserve offensive lineman to have that has versatility to play either the guard spot or center in a pinch. He can be there to push any rookie the Bucs bring in and step in and start if need be. He is projected to sign a one-year deal worth about $2 million.
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