In a move to be expected after he made the announcement, the Bucs have moved center Ryan Jensen to the reserve/retired list. Jensen announced on February 2 that he intended to retire after a serious knee injury prevent him from playing over the last two seasons.

Doing this move now allows for the $16.6 million in dead cap money for Jensen to be allocated over the next two seasons instead of taking it all in one big sum this year. This gives the Bucs a little more room financially with their salary cap.

Jensen was a very important piece to the Bucs winning Super Bowl LV. His hard nosed, physical mentality helped bolster the offensive line, bringing attitude when the group needed it.

Ryan Jensen’s History On The Bucs

Bucs C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: USA Today

He signed with Tampa Bay in 2018 on a four-year, $42 million contract. This made him the highest paid center at the time. Three seasons later after working with Tom Brady, Jensen helped anchor a  Super Bowl winning line with Ali Marpet and Donovan Smith on the left side and Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinnie replacing an injured Cappa, and rookie Tristan Wirfs.

Jensen was one of the leaders of the group. He would constantly defend all of his teammates and get in the faces of his opponents, oftentimes drawing unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Ryan Jensen was considered one of the best centers in the league and display backed it up.

In 2021 Jensen signed a three-year, $39 million as Tampa Bay won the NFC South division that year going 13-4 and then losing in the divisional. That was also Jensen’s first and only Pro Bowl season.

Unfortunately a knee injury suffered on the second day of training camp forced  him to miss the entire 2022 season. It all occurred when Aaron Stinnie blocked then rookie Logan Hall into the side of Jensen’s leg at the end of practice. Jensen did return for the Bucs’ playoff game in the wild card round against the Cowboys to play with Brady one more time, but clearly wasn’t at 100%.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs and C Ryan Jensen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Jensen would sporadically practice in the 2023 training camp in Tampa. However, general manager Jason Licht announced during the Bucs’ third preseason game, ironically against Jensen’s former team, the Ravens, that Jensen would once again be out for the year.

This time around, Jensen did stay with the team throughout the season and could constantly be seen in the locker room. We’ll see what’s next, but if he wanted to get into coaching, he could probably find a role.

Jensen finished his NFL career playing in 100 regular season games and eight playoff games along with winning a Super Bowl championship. Jensen will go down as one of the more lovable Bucs players in recent history amongst the fans.

Bucs’ Future At Center

Bucs HC Todd Bowles, OL Graham Barton and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

When Jensen went down two seasons ago, Robert Hainsey filled in at center in his absence. Then Hainsey continued to start last season as well when it became apparent that Jensen couldn’t return. There’s no replacing Jensen, and Hainsey sure had his ups and downs.

Heading into the 2024 season, Hainsey is probably best as a top backup center or potentially getting in the competition to start at guard. The team hopes to find their next great center in the likes of Graham Barton, who they drafted with their first round pick this year. Barton has versatility playing all over the offensive line at Duke, plus he has great size and quickness.

The interior of the offensive line was more of the weakness last season. Tampa Bay has a focus this season on improving the run game and starts with second year guard Cody Mauch taking a step forward and Barton being an upgrade at center. It all has to be put together, but there’s plans in place to get back to a championship winning style of play from their offensive line.