The Bucs started free agency by officially re-signing cornerback Carlton Davis to a three-year, $45 million deal. Davis is Tampa Bay’s No. 1 corner and a top priority for re-signing this offseason.

There were hopes of bringing Davis back even with other highly touted corners out there. A return wasn’t exactly guaranteed, though, given the market.

But Davis officially signed with the Bucs on Tuesday. He told us how his initial free agency process felt familiar to the start of his career.

“The last week has just been so uncertain,” Davis said. “Kind of like the draft in a way. Just feeling anxiety and hoping for the best situation. Obviously, me wanting to be in Tampa was my first option. And the way free agency hit, it was the best place for me coming back here. I got my family here. It was the best option, I wanted to come back, first and foremost. Just to have the opportunity to come back here and compete for another ring was huge for me.”

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

It was evident that there were multiple factors in returning to Tampa. Chief among them was the opportunity to seek championships. Having Tom Brady come back greatly helps those chances. It even helped sway Davis.

“I’d say that played a part in my decision,” Davis said. “Obviously having Tom coming back automatically makes us a contender again. Who wouldn’t want to come back and compete for another ring with the GOAT? When I heard the news it definitely played into my thought process going into my decision.”

The fact that there’s no state income tax in Florida was a huge plus, according to Davis. It made a difference compared to offers from other teams.

But Money Isn’t The Only Thing For Davis

Winning and being a great corner is at the top of the list for him. But Davis believes that if you only care about money, you can’t be the best version of yourself.

Davis played in only 10 regular season games last season due to a quad injury. Many would be worried about that in a contract year looking for the big pay day. That was one of the last things on his mind.

“I was never really worried when I got hurt because I know what kind of player I am,” Davis said. “But I just hate missing time in general. I always want to be there on the field giving everything I got for the team. But when I went down I wasn’t so much worried about contracts in the future. I was more so worried about getting back on the field and just trying to win another ring.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Money plays a part, but at the same time, you play the game for a reason and you play it a certain way. You don’t necessarily play for money. Because if it was just all about the money then I don’t think you would maximize your potential. It was more so about getting back on the field and letting everything else take care of itself.”

In his shortened 2021 season, Davis recorded one interception and dropped several others. But during 2020, Davis grabbed a career high four picks. In 2022, he’d like to double that number, at least. It’s his top priority this offseason.

“I’m trying to go for more than that, honestly,” Davis said. “I got work to do just on my ball skills. Looking the ball all the way in so I can maximize every opportunity I have. Just being honest, I’m always going to be around the ball. When I’m in coverage, whoever I’m covering, I got a chance to get the ball. This offseason I’m going to do a lot of work on that and correct it. I’m going to go for more than five or six (interceptions). Maybe seven, eight, 10. Who knows?”