The Bucs have re-signed defensive lineman Pat O’Connor to a one-year deal. Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

O’Connor was initially not offered a free agent tender by the Bucs at the start of free agency, but the window was still open for a return.

This is O’Connor’s fifth year with Tampa Bay. He has built a steady foundation making the 53-man roster over the last two seasons. Previously, O’Connor fluctuated from the practice squad in other years.

O’Connor has carved out a good role on special teams. He’s received praise from coaches for being able to contribute in such a role that most defensive lineman can’t do.

Unfortunately, O’Connor suffered a torn ACL injury in Week 15 that cost him the rest of the season. While getting very limited snaps throughout his career, O’Connor had started to develop more as a defensive lineman, recording one sack in 2020 and a half sack in 2021.

One of the more notable moments of his career came in Week 3 of the 2020 season the road against Denver. In that game O’Connor blocked a punt that set up the Bucs’ first touchdown.

Along with being a special teamer, O’Connor has been known to an important locker room fit for the roster. He’ll join Vita Vea, Will Gholston and Rakeem “Nacho” Nunez-Roches on the interior line for this upcoming season.