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About the Author: Joshua Queipo
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According to The Draft Network’s Carmen Vitali, the Bucs have re-signed Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen. Jensen, 30, just finished a 4-year, $42 million contract with the Bucs. His new deal represents a significant raise, as the center signs in Tampa Bay for three years, $39 million. Also, Jensen nabs $23 million in guarantees. But that’s a significantly cheaper deal for the Bucs than some anticipated it would be.
And the free agent dominos start to fall:
Confirming center Ryan Jensen is re-signing with the Buccaneers.
I’m told the terms of the deal are 3 yrs/$39 million
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 14, 2022
There is also $23M guaranteed at signing and $3.3M in total upside on the deal. Big money for Brady’s center. https://t.co/B2uFkavteS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
According to The Athletic’s Greg Auman, the Bucs are using two void years in Jensen’s contract. The move should lower the center’s cap hit for 2022.
Bucs are using two voidable years on Ryan Jensen's three-year deal to lower his cap number for 2022. Given their tight cap space, makes sense they'll do this on any longterm deals signed to allow for more re-signing.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 14, 2022
Jensen was seen as one of the Bucs top priorities entering the offseason, anchoring a top-ranked offensive line. With the retirement of RG Ali Marpet and LG Alex Cappa due to be a free agent as well, keeping Jensen provides stability along the interior of the line. Jensen is coming off of his first Pro Bowl and is widely regarded as one of the top centers in the league.
In addition to his quality play, Jensen has shown himself to be an ironman. Over his four years in Tampa Bay, he has not missed a single start. He is also considered a leader within the offensive line unit, bringing a nasty streak and physicality to his play. That intensity has been a significant part of the culture change in Tampa Bay.
Jensen’s new deal comes hours after Tom Brady’s announcement that he will return to the Bucs in 2022. Tampa Bay has several big free agent dominoes to handle in the coming days. But this is a significant move to bring back one of their most important players. Expect the Bucs to focus on cornerback Carlton Davis and right guard Alex Cappa next.
