New Faces in Tampa Bay
Despite the limited cap space to work with, the Buccaneers still managed to make a splash in free agency this year. As soon as the legal tampering period began, the Bucs made the first significant signing of any team with Haason Reddick. Reddick, the 2x Pro Bowler, is coming off a down year after contract issues with the New York Jets. However, Bucs owner Jason Licht believes last year was a fluke and that he’ll be a great fit with the team. The contract details entail a 1-year, $14 million deal, with $12 million guaranteed.
This was far and away the Buccaneers’ most significant addition to the team, and it came at a position of need. Going into the offseason, it was no secret that the team needed an upgrade at the EDGE position. Reddick was one of the best on the market and should be an ideal fit for the defense.
Some additional new additions to the team include:
- Former Dolphins LB Anthony Walker (1-year, $1.4 million)
- Former Texans OT Charlie Heck (1-year, $1.6 million)
- Former Lions CB Kindle Vildor (1-year, $1.3 million)
- Former Broncos Punter Riley Dixon (2 years, $6 million)
Buccaneers Resigning’s
One of the most notable moves of free agency was the Buccaneers bringing back Chris Godwin. Godwin was brought back on a 3-year, $66 million deal. This broke headlines, as other teams such as the New England Patriots reportedly offered Godwin $20 million more than the Buccaneers. But Godwin ultimately decided to stay loyal to Tampa Bay, much due to his teammates and family.
In addition to Godwin, there were plenty of Buccaneers who decided to resign with the team. The most impactful was last year’s breakout guard, Ben Bredeson, on a 3-year, $22 million contract. Godwin and Bredeson were two of the best value moves in this year’s free agency. Both of these players carry major roles in this offense.
ILB Lavonte David also resigned with the team on March 7th on a one-year, $10 million deal. There is a strong chance this could be David’s last year in the league, but he will undoubtedly still be a difference-maker on the field.
Some more players who resigned with the Bucs include:
- S Kaevon Merriweather (1-year, $1.03 million)
- CB Bryce Hall (1-year, $1.17 million)
- EDGE Anthony Nelson (2 years, $10 million)
- DL Greg Gaines (1-year, $3.5 million)
- DL C.J. Brewer (1-year, $960,000)
- DL Eric Banks (1-year, $1.03 million)
- QB Kyle Trask (1-year, $2.8 million)
- WR Sterling Shepard (1-year, $1.75 million)
- OG Sua Opeta (1-year, $935,000)
Buccaneers Player Losses
Although many players were resigned by the team, there were still a fair share of exits. The players that left the Bucs in free agency this year include:
- EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Browns)
- LB K.J. Britt (Dolphins)
- CB Tavierre Thomas (Vikings)
- OT Justin Skule (Vikings)
- C Robert Hainsey (Jaguars)
The re-signings have without a doubt outweighed the players losses for the Bucs this year. However, there are still some free agents on the market who had a role with the team last year, such as Jordan Whitehead and Mike Edwards. Regardless of where these remaining free agents sign, it is safe to say Tampa had a successful free agency this year.
Buccaneers Outlook
Although there weren’t many impactful new singings outside of Reddick, retaining the majority of your key pending free agents and signing them to new contracts was a huge win for Tampa this offseason. Injuries derailed this squad a good bit last year, and with everybody healthy again, there will certainly be lots of optimism going into next season. If Reddick can return to Pro Bowl form, alongside new additions from the draft as well, this could be a team to watch out for in 2025.
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