The Bucs were committed to bringing back all their free agents a year ago. This year, the approach is a bit more reserved. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bucs right guard Alex Cappa is signing a 4-year, $40 million deal with the Bengals. Pewter Report learned in recent days that the Bucs were prepared to lose Cappa in free agency. Tampa Bay committed to center Ryan Jensen with a long-term contract on Sunday night.

Cappa was originally a third round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Humboldt State University. The Bucs liked Cappa so much, they traded up in the draft from 102nd overall in the 4th round to 94th overall to select him. Originally a tackle in college, the Bucs moved him to guard immediately in his rookie year.

During his rookie season Cappa appeared in six games, mostly as a backup, logging only 106 total snaps. He earned the starting right guard role in 2019 and has steadily improved his game each year since. His overall Pro Football Focus grade has gone from 62.7 in 2019, to 69.0 in 2020, to 74.2 in 2021.

Bucs RG Alex Cappa – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Cappa has remained relatively healthy throughout his career, missing just three regular season contests. But he missed most of the team’s run to the Super Bowl due to a fractured ankle suffered in the Wild Card round. Despite the fracture, Cappa attempted to stay in the game and play on it, endearing himself to many Bucs’ fans in the process.

Cappa’s departure leaves the Bucs with two holes to fill on their offensive line. Two weeks ago, Pro Bowl left guard Ali Marpet announced his surprising retirement. The Bucs are high on their backup guards from a year ago, re-signing Aaron Stinnie to a one-year deal on Saturday. He’ll have a chance to fill one of the two guard spots this offseason. At the other spot, Robert Hainsey, Nick Leverett and Sadarius Hutcherson will all compete for playing time.

Look for the Bucs to bring in another veteran and/or draft pick along the interior offensive line as well.