Free agent offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus is expected to visit the Buccaneers on Monday, reports Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link).
The Bucs are looking for help at right tackle in the wake of the sprained left MCL starter Demar Dotson suffered in last night’s preseason contest against the Vikings. Earlier Sunday, head coach Lovie Smith said Dotson will be out “for a period of time.”
Cherilus, who has visited with the Bills and Lions in recent weeks, is in search of work after the Colts released him in late July. The 31-year-old signed a five-year, $35MM contract with the Colts in 2013, and started 29 games for the club at right tackle over the past two seasons. However, after a solid first season in Indianapolis, he struggled last year. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Cherilus 70th out of 84 qualified tackles, and he graded particularly poorly as a pass blocker. According to PFF’s data, he allowed six quarterback sacks, another 42 hits or hurries.
Prior to his time with the Colts, Cherilus spent the first five years of his career with the Lions after they used a first-round pick on him in 2008. The former Boston College standout has appeared in 104 games and made 100 starts as a pro.
Makes sense. May still have a good year left in him, and though he’s a downgrade from Dotson at this point, he certainly appears to be a better option than one of the Bucs’ in-house choices.