Bucs Hosting Free Agent Kicker For Minicamp Tryout

This offseason has been one filled with transition for the Bucs and whereas modifications at some positions have taken the vast majority of everybody’s focus, there’s a fairly important transition occurring within the kicking sport.

Whereas Tampa Bay launched veteran Ryan Succop and signed Chase McLaughlin again in March, the group continues to be exploring its choices because the season approaches. On that entrance, the Bucs are internet hosting free agent kicker Rodrigo Blankenship on a minicamp tryout this week, NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning.

As Rapoport tweeted, Blankenship underwent surgical procedure in January to restore a torn muscle in his leg. Now wholesome, the previous Georgia Bulldog is drawing curiosity from various groups.

Blankenship, identified extensively for the specs he’s worn all through his collegiate and NFL careers, started his professional soccer journey with the Colts, going 32-of-37 (86.5%) on discipline targets in 2020 whereas connecting on 43 of his 45 (95.6%) further level makes an attempt.

Blankenship was restricted to 5 video games in 2021 as a result of a hip damage. In these 5 video games, he went 11-of-14 (78.6%) on discipline targets and 7-of-8 (87.5%) on further factors.

After ending 2-for-3 and lacking a possible 42-yard game-winning discipline aim in Indianapolis’ 2022 season opener, Blankenship was waived. He went on to Arizona, the place he was 2-of-2 on discipline targets and 2-of-3 on further level makes an attempt earlier than being waived with an damage settlement.

Now, Blankenship finds himself searching for his third group. It very properly could possibly be the Bucs, given their kicking state of affairs.

Bucs Are Trying For Extra Distance From New Kicker

One of many large causes the Bucs are searching for a brand new kicker is the dearth of leg energy from veteran Ryan Succop. As dependable as he was for the Bucs inside of fifty yards, he didn’t have the ability to attach on longer discipline targets. He was simply 2-of-7 (28.6%) on discipline targets from 50-plus yards final yr and distance is one thing Tampa Bay wants extra of in 2023.

Early this offseason, head coach Todd Bowles made it fairly clear that the group can be shifting on from Succop, citing the necessity for longer discipline targets.

“Ryan was very environment friendly this yr, however we’ve received to have the ability to kick longer discipline targets than we’ve kicked,” Bowles mentioned. “I believe we’ve received to get previous 47 yards, be capable of kick from 50, 55 yards as properly.”

Basic supervisor Jason Licht was rather less revealing of the Bucs’ kicking plans when talking on the NFL Scouting Mix.

“Properly yeah, in an ideal world, we’d prefer to have [Ryan] Succop to make some lengthy kicks too, however he’s fairly darn correct inside of fifty [yards], in order that’s additionally very invaluable too,” Licht mentioned.

Nonetheless, the Bucs moved on from Succop after three seasons. Now, they’re searching for the correct mix of accuracy and distance from their new kicker.

The group signed McLaughlin to a veteran minimal deal this offseason. He’s 17-of-21 (81%) on discipline targets from 50 yards and past in his profession, together with a 9-of-12 (75%) mark final yr.

Blankenship’s pattern measurement is a bit more restricted, as he’s 2-of-5 (40%) from 50-plus yards in his profession. His profession discipline aim share of 83.9% is healthier than McLaughlin’s 78.8% mark, however he has tried 29 fewer kicks in his profession.

Both method, the Bucs actually aren’t tied to McLaughlin financially and could possibly be eyeing Blankenship as one other camp leg who would have a robust alternative to win the kicking job within the preseason. Whoever wins, although, Tampa Bay should hope it doesn’t remorse parting methods with Succop, particularly given its current historical past with kicking struggles — struggles that Succop largely put a cease to.