According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Bucs RG Alex Cappa is leading the way in performance-based pay for NFL players this past season, nearly matching his base salary with the extra compensation.

Cappa started all 16 games of the Bucs 11-5 regular season, locking down the right guard spot across from star left guard Ali Marpet. The Bucs former third round pick was one of the more underrated players in the NFL, playing every offensive snap for the team during the 2021 regular season. Cappa showed critical growth as a run blocker, but most importantly was excellent in pass protection, surrendering 29 pressures while giving up zero sacks.

Unfortunately for Cappa, he was injured about halfway through the Bucs Wild Card playoff game against Washington in early January, breaking his ankle. With their right guard sidelined, Tampa Bay turned to career reserve Aaron Stinnie, who held his own through three playoff games on the way to a Super Bowl title. Stinnie returns to the Bucs this season on a one-year deal, giving them some much-needed depth behind Marpet and Cappa.

Cappa is currently slated to make $2.1 million this season in a contract year. If the Bucs fourth-year guard can put together another fine campaign, he’ll likely set himself up to be one of the top offensive linemen on the market in free agency in 2022.