The Buccaneers have added some reinforcement to their defense today, as the team has signed a pair of defensive ends. Mike Kaye of First Coast News reports (via Twitter) that the organization has signed Tavaris Barnes, while Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that the Bucs added Sterling Bailey.
Barnes, a former undrafted free agent out of Clemson, has spent time with the Saints and Seahawks. He ended up appearing in 12 games for Seattle during the 2015 season, compiling five tackles. Kaye had reported that the defensive end was working out for the team earlier today.
Meanwhile, Bailey joined the league as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2016. The 24-year-old has had brief stints with the Colts, Seahawks, and Vikings, but he’s yet to make an NFL appearance.
The two players will be joining a crowded Buccaneers defensive end depth chart. Behind starters William Gholston and Robert Ayers, the team is currently rostering Noah Spence, Jacquies Smith, DaVonte Lambert, Ryan Russell, Channing Ward, and George Johnson. Of course, Ayers, Spence, Smith, and Russell are currently recovering from injuries, so today’s acquisitions might solely be intended for additional depth during OTAs.