Over the past two years the Bucs haven’t signed away many key players from other teams. But on Tuesday, Tampa Bay made a significant move to fill their No. 3 wide receiver spot. According to multiple reports, the Bucs are signing Falcons WR Russell Gage to round out their top three wideouts.

Gage has been a 770-yard receiver each of the past two seasons for the Atlanta offense. Ironically, his best work has come against the Bucs. Over the past three seasons, Gage has topped 65 yards receiving in five of six games against the Bucs. In 2020, Gage caught 14 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs. Then, last season, Gage had the most productive game of his career with an 11-catch, 130-yard performance in Atlanta against Todd Bowles’ defense.

A 26-year old out of LSU, Gage’s best football could still be ahead of him. He’s progressed every season of his NFL career, blossoming into the Falcons most reliable target last year. Gage does not have the profile of a typical WR3, with 201 targets over the past two seasons. He dropped just five passes last year too, showing remarkably sure and strong hands.

Atlanta never unlocked Gage’s 4.4 speed consistently, but you can bet the Bucs will. Gage has spent most of his career as a possession slot receiver, but worked on the outside more last season, his best campaign yet. The four-year veteran has been known as a great route-runner for awhile now. But his blossoming ball skills piqued a lot of interest last year.

Terms on the deal have not yet been released. As soon as they are, we’ll update this story. But for now, the Bucs have their undisputed WR3 alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.