By Eric Katz

It’s that time of year again the day where big name players could be coming to your team.

The league year has begun with free agency days. Free agency is like Christmas day in all sports because there is a possibility of getting something new such as a big name player.

Kind of like the latest and greatest gadget you would find under your Christmas tree. Also, free agency is one of the craziest times of the year for all teams besides the draft and actually playing games.

2014 though was no exception especially the amount of needs teams had this free agency. The first player to switch uniforms for next year was former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson.

He signed a five year $43 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The past two seasons with the Bengals he had 15 sacks, 11 passes broken up, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and over 100 tackles. Johnson was considered by many analysts the top defensive player in free agency this year.

The Buccaneers are in the early stages of rebuilding. Lovie Smith is a defensive minded coach adding Johnson is a good building block for rebuilding this defense.

The Buccaneers though didn’t stop adding to their rebuilding effort on defense. They also signed former Seahawks defensive tackle Clinton McDonald to a four year $12 million deal.

Last year he had 23 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and he even got his first interception last year. McDonald is also an experienced starter as he started 15 games for the Super Bowl champs last year.

His experience in the postseason and the regular season is something the Bucs should rely on.

The Bucs also boosted their secondary by signing former Titans corner back Alterraun Verner to a four year $26 million deal. This is the corner back that will replace Darelle Revis, who was released and signed with the New England Patriots.

This is a fantastic signing for them because he is a cheaper priced corner back then Revis.

Last year, Verner had a career high five interceptions including one he returned for a touchdown. This all happened on day one of free agency don’t be surprised if the Bucs go for more.