It was announced on Tuesday that the Buccaneers re-signed left tackle Donovan Smith to a three-year deal worth $41.25 million.
The #Buccaneers have reached agreement on a three-year, $41.25 million deal with LT Donovan, Smith, source says. He gets $27 million fully guaranteed. Team and Smith avoid the franchise tag. He sticks in Tampa.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 5, 2019
The signing includes $27 million guaranteed and it will allow the team to avoid franchise tagging Smith while he averages $13.75 million over the length of the contract. Smith will make $12.5 million in 2019 saving the Buccaneers $1.5 million in cap space had they place a $14 million franchise tag on him. Smith’s salary increases to $14.5 in the second year and $14.25 in the final year of the deal.
Earlier on Tuesday Ian Rapaport that the Bucs were working on an extension with Smith, but claimed that the team would be usin the franchise tag on him if a deal could not be reached.
The #Bucs are working on a long-term deal with sturdy LT Donovan Smith, but will franchise tag him if they can't get it done in time. Either way, he'll be with Tampa for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/uKFeYFyWj9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2019
Health has been a huge positive from Smith as the Bucs’ tackle has started all 16 games in each of his first four seasons since being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2015 draft. In 2018 Smith allowed 5.5 sacks and committed a career-low six penalties for 50 yards.
Bucs GM Jason Licht commented on the new contract.
“Donovan has been a valuable player and a model of durability since we drafted him four years ago,” said Licht. “We always aim to develop our players and reward them for their productivity and reliability, so keeping Donovan as a Buccaneer was a major priority for us this offseason. Donovan’s presence ensures continuity at one of our most crucial positions on the offensive line and I know our coaching staff is eager to begin working with him.”
