"The two most important things that have been said since the Bucs' 4-12 season ended are general manager Mark Dominik's acknowledgement that the team needs more talent and it will be active in free agency.

"We understand we're not a finished product," Dominik said. "We understand there are things we need to address on this team. And I know we'll do it in all capacities. We're going to do it in free agency. I don't want people to be worried we're not going to spend in free agency. We'll be involved."

How involved remains to be seen. A year ago, Dominik focused on re-signing some of the Bucs' unrestricted free agents, such as guard Davin Joseph, tackle Jeremy Trueblood and linebacker Quincy Black. The only outside hire was punter Michael Koenen.

This year the Bucs have few free agents on which they need to make decisions, beginning with cornerback Ronde Barber and kicker Connor Barth. It also includes two former starters, linebacker Geno Hayes and guard Jeremy Zuttah.

The Bucs have some core players, but they have enormous holes at cornerback, linebacker, running back, receiver and safety. They also need more depth on the defensive line, especially given the injury histories of defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price."