A day after signing second-round pick outside linebacker Chris Braswell, the Bucs saved the biggest move for last by announcing that center Graham Barton has officially inked his rookie deal.
Our first-round pick is officially signed.
Keep putting in that work, @grahambarton53! 💪 pic.twitter.com/2djvZL7hCN
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 13, 2024
Upon the news of the signing, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the contract guarantees.
The #Buccaneers have agreed to terms with C Graham Barton on his rookie deal: four years, around $14 million fully guaranteed. The 26th overall pick told reporters earlier he expected the contract to be done today. Now officially agreed to and signed. pic.twitter.com/EsxHvGuM7Z
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 13, 2024
Graham Barton Is Getting “Ready To Roll” For Bucs’ Training Camp
Bucs C Graham Barton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
The local media got the chance to speak to Graham Barton today shortly before he signed his rookie deal. It was only a matter of time before he did so, and it was something he discussed after Thursday’s mini-camp practice.
“To be honest with you, especially with the rookie deal, there’s not much [to it],” Barton said. “That’s really been at the very back of my mind, but happy to eventually make it official and get to that. Excited to be here, the contract like I said is more of a formality but happy to check that off the list and focus on football and having a good season.”
With it only being a short time after that Barton did in fact make it a formality, his focus can now be solely on football and getting better over the break that he and the rest of the team have from now until training camp begins in late July.
In that time, Barton is looking at getting better and continuing to learn the offense and what it takes to be a starting NFL offensive lineman.
Bucs C Graham Barton and RG Cody Mauch – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Keeping my head above water and taking in as much as I can, just trying to listen to everyone,” Barton added about how he has been approaching being a newcomer. “Understanding my position as a rookie. I just got here, I don’t know anything so just telling myself that and just trying to soak everything in has kind of been my mindset.”
Barton continued.
“I feel like I’ve learned a ton, excited to get take these next couple of weeks and sort of digest it and come back for training camp ready to roll.”
As Graham Barton looks to unseat Robert Hainsey for the starting center spot and settle in along the middle of the Bucs’ offensive line, Thursday’s signing should give him peace of mind heading into the summer break.
Adam Slivon has covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five seasons at PewterReport.com, serving as a Bucs beat writer, social media manager, and podcaster. He joined Pewter Report as an intern during the 2022 season while studying Sport Management at the University of Tampa, graduating in May 2023. His reporting includes covering practices and press conferences, conducting exclusive player interviews, and breaking news on the Bucs.
In addition to his written coverage, Adam regularly appears on the Pewter Report Podcast, hosts a weekly YouTube series, Top 10 Takeaways, and manages Pewter Report's social media platforms.
A Wisconsin native, Adam spent his entire childhood growing up on a farm. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Brewers and playing sports video games. His Pewter Report colleagues call him "Sly" - which is a fitting nickname for someone whose favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone.
Follow Adam on X at @AdamLivsOn.
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