As it always does, the first wave of NFL free agency came and went quickly with a flurry of moves around the league. The Bucs got plenty of work done, re-signing some key internal free agents, making a big splash at a major position of need and shoring up some depth with under-the-radar signings.

Back are legendary linebacker Lavonte David, star wide receiver Chris Godwin and left guard Ben Bredeson, as well as outside linebacker Anthony Nelson, reserve defensive tackle Greg Gaines, backup quarterback Kyle Trask and depth wide receiver Sterling Shepard.

As far as external moves in free agency, Tampa Bay signed Haason Reddick to a one-year deal to start opposite Yaya Diaby and give the defense some much-needed pass rush help. The team also added cornerback Kindle Vildor, linebacker Anthony Walker, punter Riley Dixon and swing tackle Charlie Heck during the first wave of free agency.

So, how did the national media view the Bucs’ moves over the last week and a half? Here, Pewter Report has compiled a roundup of the team’s free agency grades from different outlets on a national scale:

Bucs Free Agency Grades Roundup

Pro Football Focus: A-

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: USA Today

RE: Lavonte David – “At 34, David remained one of Tampa’s most reliable and impactful defenders. His 67.9 PFF grade—near a career low—reflects some expected decline with age, but bringing him back for a 14th season (matching Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks) was crucial for a Buccaneers team still thin at linebacker heading into 2025.” 

(PFF Deal Grade: Above Average)

RE: Chris Godwin – “Before going down with a gruesome injury in October, Godwin was on track to produce one of the best seasons of his career. Through Week 7, he recorded the third-highest PFF receiving grade (85.7) among wide receivers, displaying his savvy route-running capability from the slot. After receiving two franchise tags in previous cycles, the price was untenable for a third, but the Buccaneers still manage to retain a crucial piece of their offense.”

(PFF Deal Grade: Good)

RE: Haason Reddick – “Reddick wound up playing just 392 snaps in 2024 after a long holdout with the New York Jets, where he ended up via trade. It resulted in his lowest-graded season of the past five years and is likely a big part of why he is signing just a one-year deal as free agency opens. At just 30 years old, he should still have plenty left in the tank. If the Buccaneers can get the version of him that racked up 155 pressures across two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, then it’s a nice move.”

(PFF Deal Grade: Average)

RE: Greg Gaines – “Gaines failed to earn a 60.0 or better PFF grade in each of his previous two seasons with the Buccaneers, but he did have a nice stretch at the end of the 2024 season. From Week 16 through the wild-card round of the playoffs, he earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in every game.”

(PFF Deal Grade: Average)

RE: Riley Dixon – “The Buccaneers struggled in the punting game last season, as all three punters who played for them in 2024 earned PFF punting grades below 60.0. In contrast, Dixon has posted punting grades of 69.0 or better in each of the last three seasons, including a 75.2 mark last year.”

(PFF Deal Grade: Above Average)

USA Today’s Jacob Camenker: A-

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

“The Buccaneers spent most of the offseason retaining their own talent. No deal was more impressive than the three-year, $66 million deal they agreed to with Chris Godwin, who reportedly turned down more money from the Patriots to go back to Tampa Bay.

“Tampa Bay also addressed its need for a high-end pass rusher by inking Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14 million deal. Overall, it’s yet another quality start to the offseason for general manager Jason Licht.”

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan, Garrett Podell & Jordan Dajani: B

“Remarkably, the Bucs were able to retain wideout Chris Godwin, despite him getting to the open market. Even with a lot of teams vying for his services, he elects to stay put and maintain what is one of the better one-two punches at receiver between him and Mike Evans for Baker Mayfield.

“Tampa Bay also added to its pass-rushing group with Haason Reddick on a one-year, $14 million deal. This prove-it deal could be beneficial for the Buccaneers as they’ll get a motivated Reddick playing for a bigger deal next offseason after a tumultuous season in New York.”

Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab: B

Bucs OLB Haason Reddick – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“While it came down to the wire, it’s not a surprise Tampa Bay figured out a way to retain Chris Godwin and Lavonte David. Adding Haason Reddick was a worthwhile gamble.”

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: B (Ranked 13th)

“The Buccaneers made only one potential smash outside move in landing Reddick for their pass rush, but otherwise, this group stands out for how they were able to keep key venerable veterans Godwin and David.”

The Athletic’s Mike Jones

RE: Chris Godwin – A 

“The 29-year-old Godwin got off to a strong start to the 2024 season before dislocating his ankle and having to have surgery. His speed, versatility and production after the catch (his 389 YAC yards led the NFL at the time of his injury) make him a dangerous weapon. He recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in four of the last six seasons and the Buccaneers are happy to welcome him back into the mix.”

RE: Haason Reddick – B

“After a lengthy contract holdout last season, Reddick never worked his way back into peak form with the Jets. Now he heads to Tampa Bay hoping to return to form that saw him record double-digit sacks in four straight seasons. The Bucs certainly could use the pass-rush help. They haven’t had a double-digit sack leader since the 2021 season.”

How Did Bucs Fans Vote On The Team’s Free Agency Grade?

Bucs fans – and especially Pewter Report readers, viewers and listeners – know their team’s needs as well (usually even better) than anyone nationally, right?

So, we asked YOU to grade Tampa Bay’s free agency efforts after the first wave had largely wrapped up by Friday afternoon.

Over on Twitter/X, 53.1% of 893 voters gave the Bucs a “B” grade, while 39.6% gave the team an “A” grade. Only a combined 7.3% voted for “C” or “D” grades.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Between Instagram and Facebook, the latest Pewter Poll received 905 votes. Of those 905 voters, 48.1% gave Tampa Bay an “A” grade, while a “B” grade came in a very close second at 47.5%. Just 4.4% of voters said the team deserved a “C” or “D” grade.

On the PewterReportTV YouTube channel, we had 554 voters, with another close finish between “A” and “B” grades. Like the results on Instagram and Facebook and unlike the results on Twitter/X, the “A” grade won out with 47%, as “B” came in right behind at 46%. Only 8% of voters said “C” or “D.”

Overall, we had 2,352 voters across all platforms, and here’s how it all came together:

A: 44.6%
B: 49.3%
C: 5.8%
D: 0.1%

So, in this case, the national outlook on the Bucs’ free agency moves largely aligns with what the team’s biggest fans feel about the way things went during the first wave.

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Stay tuned to Pewter Report’s social media channels each week for more Pewter Report polls. Every Monday and Friday, we’ll be looking to hear from Bucs fans on the latest surrounding the team.

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