Free Agency Fallout: Recapping The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Moves
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got busy during the 2025 NFL free agency period, making strategic moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. While not being the most splashy or highest-spending team, the BUCS made significant moves that can set the team up with years of stability before the NFL Draft.
With a mix of familiar faces returning and some exciting new additions, the Buccaneers are aiming to build on their recent success, compete for the NFC South title again, and make a longer push into the Playoffs. Let's dive into the details of who's staying, who's new, and who might still be on the market.
The Krewe Stays Together! (Re-Signings)
A major focus for the Buccaneers this offseason was retaining key players from their 2024 squad, ensuring continuity and experience. One of the biggest priorities was bringing back star wide receiver Chris Godwin, who agreed to a three-year, $66 million extension. This significant investment underscores the team's belief in Godwin's continued high-level performance, even after a dislocated ankle cut his 2024 season short. Keeping Godwin alongside Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan provides quarterback Baker Mayfield with one of the most talented receiving corps in the league. The substantial contract, including $45 million guaranteed, demonstrates the Buccaneers' commitment to Godwin as a crucial part of their offensive plans for the foreseeable future.
Another beloved figure returning to Tampa Bay is legendary linebacker Lavonte David, who signed a one-year extension. This will be David's 14th season with the Buccaneers, tying him with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played for the franchise. His continued high level of play makes his return a significant boost for the defense. David's decision to re-sign with the Buccaneers for another year indicates a mutual commitment between him and the organization, highlighting his loyalty and belief in the team's direction at this stage of his illustrious career.
The Buccaneers also secured the return of starting left guard Ben Bredeson with a three-year extension. Bredeson solidified his role on the offensive line in 2024, playing an impressive 99% of the offensive snaps. His return ensures continuity for an offensive line that was considered one of the best in the NFL. This multi-year commitment to Bredeson signifies the team's confidence in him as a long-term starter and a foundational piece of their offense, especially considering his strong performance despite some outside analysis suggesting room for improvement.
Key contributors on the defensive side, OLB Anthony Nelson and DT Greg Gaines are also back. Nelson signed a two-year contract, providing valuable depth and experience to the edge rush rotation after starting several games in 2024. Gaines signed a one-year deal, continuing his consistent presence on the defensive line, having played a significant number of snaps over the past two seasons. These re-signings ensure crucial depth and maintain the team's defensive capabilities.
On the offensive side, veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard agreed to a one-year contract. Shepard's experience and familiarity with Mayfield from their college days at Oklahoma make him a valuable asset. He stepped up as the team's primary third receiver in the second half of the 2024 season. Despite some suggesting he might be replaceable, the team clearly values his veteran presence and connection with the quarterback.
Cornerback Bryce Hall also returns on a one-year deal. After an injury sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, this provides him with another opportunity to compete for a significant role in the secondary. Re-signing Hall, despite his injury history, indicates the team sees potential in him and wants to give him another chance to contribute to the cornerback group.
Guard Sua Opeta is back on a one-year contract, providing veteran depth on the interior offensive line. His 2024 season was cut short by an injury in training camp. Bringing back Opeta is particularly important given the departure of Robert Hainsey, further emphasizing the need for experienced backup on the offensive line.
Perpetual question mark and running joke QB Kyle Trask also signed a one-year deal. He will continue to compete for the backup role behind Mayfield, and his contract has a unique clause that provides a cap benefit for the team. Re-signing Trask on a cap-friendly deal offers a familiar and backup option while simultaneously keeping University of Florida and Florida State fans bickering in BUCS fan pages for another 12 months.
Rounding out the re-signings are defensive linemen Eric Banks and C.J. Brewer, and safety Kaevon Merriweather, all of whom had their contracts renegotiated. These moves provide valuable depth on the defensive line and in the secondary. Merriweather, in particular, saw significant playing time towards the end of last season , suggesting the team sees potential for him to contribute further in the safety room, especially with some departures at the position.
Fresh Faces in the Bay!
The BUCS also made some notable additions to the roster through free agency, addressing key areas of need. The most significant new face is veteran outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract. Reddick is expected to significantly improve the Buccaneers' pass rush, which was an area they looked to strengthen. His impressive track record of 50.5 sacks from 2020-23 highlights his ability to get to the quarterback. Signing Reddick on a one-year deal could prove to be a high-impact move if he returns to his previous form.
The Krewe is ready, @Haason7Reddick🤝 Credits to @Buccaneers #GoBucs #TampaBayBuccaneers #NFL
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@buccaneersfans.bsky.social) March 17, 2025 at 6:05 AM
[image or embed]
The Buccaneers addressed their punting situation by signing veteran Riley Dixon to a two-year contract. Dixon is expected to provide much-needed stability at the punter position after the team cycled through three different players in 2024. Investing in a veteran punter like Dixon suggests the team is prioritizing improvement in their special teams unit.
On the offensive line, the Buccaneers added veteran tackle Charlie Heck on a one-year contract. Heck, who has played in 50 NFL games with 23 starts, will likely compete for the swing tackle role, especially after the departure of Justin Skule. Signing Heck addresses the need for offensive tackle depth created by Skule's move to Minnesota.
The cornerback room also received a boost with the addition of Kindle Vildor on a one-year deal. Vildor brings experienced depth to the position and could also contribute on special teams. Adding Vildor provides much-needed veteran presence to a cornerback group that has seen some departures and injuries.
Finally, the Buccaneers signed veteran linebacker Anthony Walker to a one-year contract. Walker, known for his extensive starting experience and strong coverage skills, will compete for the starting linebacker spot next to Lavonte David. Signing Walker provides competition and a potential upgrade at the linebacker position, particularly after the departure of K.J. Britt.
Farewell--For Now
While the BUCS welcomed back many familiar faces, several players from the 2024 roster have moved on. Linebacker K.J. Britt signed with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a starter last year, his coverage skills were a noted concern. Britt's departure underscores the team's glaring need for improving coverage at the linebacker position, as seen in the signing of Anthony Walker.
Safety Mike Edwards joined the Kansas City Chiefs. Edwards was a depth piece in the secondary , and his move to a Super Bowl contender like the Chiefs speaks to his value as a reliable safety.
Center Robert Hainsey signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A former starter who transitioned to a backup role in 2024, Hainsey now gets an opportunity to start in Jacksonville. His departure creates a need for backup center depth, which the Buccaneers may look to address in the draft or through another signing.
Guard Royce Newman signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Newman was a reserve offensive lineman , and his departure further thins the interior offensive line depth, making the re-signing of Sua Opeta more significant.
Swing tackle Justin Skule joined the Minnesota Vikings. Skule was considered a valuable and reliable backup tackle, and his departure is noted as a significant loss of depth. Skule's signing with the Vikings highlights his value and created a notable hole at the swing tackle position for the Buccaneers, which they subsequently addressed by signing Charlie Heck.
OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka signed with the Cleveland Browns. A former first-round pick, Tryon-Shoyinka didn't quite meet expectations in Tampa, and the Buccaneers had declined his fifth-year option. His departure signifies a potential shift at the edge rusher position, with the team bringing in Haason Reddick.
CB Tavierre Thomas also joined the Minnesota Vikings. Thomas was primarily a contributor on special teams , and his departure means the Buccaneers will need to find a new core special teams player, which could be a factor in the signing of Kindle Vildor, who has experience in that area.
Finally, linebacker J.J. Russell was not tendered a contract as a restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent. While he is now free to sign with any team, the Buccaneers might consider re-signing him to a cheaper deal for depth.
Still Out There
As of the latest updates, several former Buccaneers from the 2024 season remain unsigned free agents. These players include veteran OLB Shaquil Barrett, RB Chase Edmonds, DL William Gholston, CB Troy Hill, Safeties Ryan Neal and Jordan Whitehead. The fact that several established players like Barrett, Gholston, and Whitehead are still available could indicate they are seeking specific roles or contract values that haven't been met yet.
What's the Word on the Street?
The free agency moves have generated a range of reactions among fans. There's been considerable enthusiasm surrounding the re-signings of key players like Chris Godwin, Lavonte David, and Ben Bredeson. Godwin's return, in particular, was widely celebrated as a major victory for the team. The addition of a proven pass rusher like Haason Reddick has also created a lot of buzz and optimism among the fanbase.
The signing of Anthony Walker is generally viewed positively as a strategic move to address the departure of K.J. Britt. Overall, the sentiment appears to be positive, with fans appreciating the team's efforts to retain key players and address needs with strategic signings. Despite these moves, there's still anticipation about how the Buccaneers will further address their remaining needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
What do you think was the most significant roster move for the BUCS so far this offseason?
Let me know in the comments below.
