Bucs head coach Bruce Arians revealed that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul want to play one more year.

“They both said they are playing,” Arians said, indicating he’s spoken to the veterans.

But will it be in Tampa Bay? Both Suh and Pierre-Paul are unrestricted free agents.

Suh is coming off a fine season in which he recorded six sacks to lead all Bucs defensive tackles. He just turned 35 in January and there has been speculation that with him becoming the father of twins last year if Suh would retire after playing in the NFL for 12 years.

Suh has signed a trio of one-year deals to play for the Bucs beginning in 2019 when he replaced Gerald McCoy, who was a salary cap casualty. Last year he signed a one-year deal worth $9 million after helping the Bucs win Super Bowl LV.

It’ll leave a major hole on the Bucs’ defensive line if Suh leaves. Also, this year’s free agent crop and draft class are weak at defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Suh fits perfectly in Todd Bowles’ scheme. Plus, he’s still playing at a very high level.

Bucs OLB Jason Pierre-Paul – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

As for Pierre-Paul, he’s coming off his worst pro season with just 2.5 sacks. For the third season in a row, Pierre-Paul is dealing with a major surgery.

He was recovering from neck surgery that cost him half of the 2019 campaign. Last year he dealt with a knee injury that required offseason surgery before entering his contract year. In 2021, Pierre-Paul dealt with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder that hampered him all season since Week 1.

The Bucs drafted Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in the first round last year. The Washington product had a productive rookie season with four sacks. Tryon-Shoyinka could step into a starting role if the Bucs don’t re-sign Pierre-Paul, and that might happen.

Pierre-Paul turned 33 and won’t be ready until training camp. His recovery may delay a re-signing with the Bucs, if they are even interested in bringing the oft-injured pass rusher back. In fact, the injury is likely to affect his contract demands when free agency opens. Pierre-Paul is coming off a two-year, $25 million deal with the Bucs. It’s doubtful he’ll get anywhere close to that in his next contract.