Buccaneers to interview Lionel Vital for GM position

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interviewing Lionel Vital for their general manager vacancy, according to Pro Football Talk.

Vital is currently the Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel, working under general manager Thomas Dimitroff. One of the obvious benefits of selecting Vital is his familiarity with the Tampa Bay organization, having worked in the NFC South for some time. Vital has a bevy of experience working in NFL front offices, including positions under greats such as Bill Belichick and Ozzie Newsome.

Vital only recently took his current role with the Falcons, getting promoted this time last year after Dave Caldwell left Atlanta to take on the challenge of being the Jacksonville Jaguars GM.

For a while now, most insiders have expected Kansas City Chiefs director of pro personnel Chris Ballard to have the inside track for the Buccaneers opening. However, it appears to be more of a race than once thought.