TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a lot of noise in free agency. But those free agents have been quiet so far.
That's a big part of the reason why the Bucs are off to a 1-6 start. Let's take a look at how the free agents are faring:
Anthony Collins: The Bucs gambled that Collins, a career backup, could be a quality starter at left tackle. So far, things haven't worked out too well. The Bucs have allowed five sacks in each of the last two games. That's not all on Collins, but he's the most important pass protector and the Bucs are struggling in that area.
Evan Dietrich-Smith: Much like Collins, Dietrich-Smith spent much of his career as a backup before becoming a starter in Green Bay last year. The Bucs viewed Dietrich-Smith as a player on the rise, but he's been pretty ordinary so far. We've already mentioned the pass blocking and the run blocking hasn't been great either. The center plays in important role in both of those areas.
Brandon Myers: He's getting playing time in two-tight-end sets, but rookie Austin Seferian-Jenkins is the main pass catcher. Myers has been all right as a role player.
Josh McCown: He was brought in as Lovie Smith's hand-picked quarterback. McCown started the first three games and the offense never got into any real rhythm. He suffered a thumb injury in the third game and couldn't throw the football for a month. McCown is healthy again, but the Bucs appear to be sticking with Mike Glennon as the starter.
Clinton McDonald: The defensive tackle was brought in mostly due to his upside as an interior pass rusher. McDonald has done a decent job -- he has 1.5 sacks and has generated pressure.
Michael Johnson: The Bucs brought this defensive end in to lead their pass rush. Johnson has been disappointing so far with only two sacks. It should be pointed out that Johnson has been playing through an ankle injury most of the season.
Alterraun Verner: The cornerback was brought in after the Bucs unloaded Darrelle Revis. Verner hasn't been spectacular, but he's been solid. He might be the best signing of this free-agent class.