After being considered a “project” a few years back, the Buccaneers developed Michael Bennett into a true starting defensive end and one of the top defensive ends in free agency this off-season.

While the Buccaneers have plenty of cap space to work with, it appears that Bennett will be receiving a contract that the Buccaneers will not want to match.

“I don’t think so,” a source said when asked if the Bucs still had a chance to resign Bennett.

While the Bucs leading sacker from 2012 will have the chance to receive any offer from any other team in the league starting on Tuesday, it does appear that the Buccaneers will be given an opportunity to match any offer that Bennett gets.  With that said, it appears the Bucs will not be matching the offer they anticipate Bennett getting.

Bennett will enter the open market along with his brother Martellus. Martellus Bennett is a tight end who played with the Giants last year and has been linked to the Bucs.  If the Bucs fail to bring back Michael, one has to wonder if that would hurt their efforts in bringing Martellus to Tampa.

We will be able to hear directly from Michael Bennett on Monday as he will be joining “Gary and The Commish” at 10:00 Monday morning.

Be sure to LISTEN LIVE for the latest on the Bucs top free agent from their 2012 roster.

For updates on the Buccaneers off-season moves in free agency and the NFL Draft, be sure to follow Justin Pawlowski and 98.7 The Fan on twitter.

Catch The Commish weekdays from 9-12 on 98.7 The Fan.