The Bucs are signing former Giants interior offensive lineman Ben Bredeson, Pewter Report has learned. It was previously reported that the team had him in for a visit on Thursday, and now both sides have agreed on a one-year deal for 2024 that will see the four-year pro compete at center and guard.

Pewter Report is reporting that the #Bucs have agreed to terms with Ben Bredeson on 1 year deal. He will compete at center and guard this year.

— PewterReport 🏴‍☠️ (@PewterReport) March 15, 2024

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo has since reported that the one-year deal is worth up to $3.5 million. It’s a deal that, on the surface, appears similar to the one the Bucs signed Matt Feiler to a year ago. That was a $2.5 million deal that could’ve reached up to $3.25 million with incentives.

Bucs G/C Ben Bredeson Photo by: USA Today

Bredeson was originally drafted out of Michigan in the fourth round of the 2020 Draft by the Ravens before being traded from Baltimore to the New York Giants in 2021. He played sparingly for the Ravens as a rookie and was initially a backup in New York before being forced into action at left guard due to injury. He dealt with his own injury issues over the course of the next few seasons, but when healthy, he stayed at left guard.

In 2023, however, the Giants asked a lot of Bredeson. He won the left guard job out of training camp, but eventually slid over to fill in at center early in the season due to injury. From there, he went to right guard after New York signed Justin Pugh to play left guard. And then, by the season finale, Bredeson was back at center.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound guard/center is the third outside free agent the Bucs have inked to a deal after retaining their own priority free agents. After Tampa Bay signed strong safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Bryce Hall from the New York Jets, the team went to the other New York squad to find Bredeson and bring him into the mix.

What Does The Interior Of The Bucs’ Offensive Line Look Like Now?

Bucs G/C Ben Bredeson Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs entered this offseason with a clear need at left guard, plus there’s room for them to upgrade at center after Robert Hainsey has played average-to-subpar football over the last two years in relief of the injured (and now retired) Ryan Jensen.

Bredeson isn’t a certain upgrade at either position, as he’s had his ups and downs with injuries and he’s coming off a rough season in New York. But it’s clear that the Bucs like his versatility and believe he’ll contribute to their competition on the interior of the offensive line.

At the very least, Bredeson will be solid depth for the Bucs this season. The team needs to get deeper within the room after the departures of Feiler and Nick Leverett. Guard Aaron Stinnie is also a free agent.

The Bucs obviously already have their tackles locked in for 2024 and beyond, with Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs on the left and the much-improved Luke Goedeke on the right. But it’s the interior that could look much different in 2024, save for 2023 second-round pick Cody Mauch, who will slot in at right guard.

So, with uncertainties at left guard and center, the Bucs aren’t likely to stop at the addition of Bredeson. The 26-year-old gives them a cheap, low-risk option who can compete for a starting job, but they may very well turn toward their attention toward the 2024 Draft to find a long-term answer on the interior of the offensive line.