The offseason began for the Buccaneers earlier this year with some releases of veteran players. On Wednesday the Bucs announced some players they are welcoming back in 2018.

The Bucs have exercised one-year options for safety Chris Conte, tackle Demar Dotson and defensive back Josh Robinson, extending each player’s contract through the 2018 season.

Conte (6-2, 203) played in all 16 games for Tampa Bay last season, starting 14, finishing third on the team with 76 tackles, while adding eight passes defensed, a career-high three forced fumbles and one interception. In three seasons with the Buccaneers, Conte has started 38-of-44 games played, registering 218 tackles, 19 passes defensed, five interceptions (returned 69 yards, one touchdown), five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Dotson (6-9, 315) started all 11 games he played last year. The longest-tenured current Buccaneer, Dotson is entering his 10th season with Tampa Bay. During that time, he has played in 100 games, starting 76.

Robinson (5-10, 200) was Tampa Bay’s special teams captain in 2017, recording five special teams tackles and one forced fumble on special teams, which was recovered and returned for a touchdown. In 2016, Robinson led the Buccaneers with 12 special teams tackles, all solo, which tied for the third-most in the NFL.

The purge of players that included running back Doug Martin last month, could continue with free agency on the horizon as the team still had decisions to make on veterans like guard J.R. Sweezy and defensive end Robert Ayers Jr.

– Part of this report courtesy of the Buccaneers communications department