TAMPA, Fla. -- There has been a sudden flurry of reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be interested in running back DeMarco Murray.

Could that be true?

I’m told it’s a long shot, but not completely out of the realm of possibility. So we have something significant to keep an eye on as free agency opens later this afternoon.

The Bucs aren’t going to ignore needs on the offensive and defensive lines in order to chase Murray. They have enough cap room to address all of the above. That’s why you can’t rule out the possibility of the Bucs making a play for Murray.

Adding last year’s NFL rushing leader would be a big boost for Tampa Bay’s offense. Despite having Doug Martin, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a rookie in 2012, the Bucs were unproductive and inconsistent in the running game last season.

The coaching staff isn’t completely sold on Martin, and that became apparent as rookie Charles Sims got a lot of playing time at the end of last season. If the Bucs bring in Murray, Martin instantly would become trade bait and Sims would become a third-down back.

Again, it’s a long shot that the Bucs land Murray, but it is at least a possibility.