Current State Of The Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season in which the team won a third straight NFC South championship in the second year of head coach Todd Bowles. The Bucs beat the Panthers in Week 18 to finish 9-8 and atop the division and won a home playoff game against the Eagles, which kept Bowles employed. Tampa Bay was tied with Detroit heading into the fourth quarter of the Divisional round of the playoffs before losing, but there is optimism that the Bucs can stay atop the NFC South if the team can retain its core free agents.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans was re-signed for two more years, and the team used the franchise tag on All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. On Sunday afternoon, the Bucs re-signed Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield to a new contract before the start of free agency. That makes re-signing linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin more of their main priorities.

Bucs GM Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs currently have around $21 million in salary cap space after retaining Evans and Winfield, but assistant general manager Mike Greenberg can do some restructures to create more room as needed. Tampa Bay is saddled with close to $22 million in dead cap money, but that’s a far cry from last year when that figure was close to $80 million.

The Bucs have already announced that they’ll release 31-year old outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, and center Ryan Jensen, who suffered a career-ending knee injury two years ago, has announced his retirement. Tampa Bay is also expected to release oft-injured receiver Russell Gage to clear some cap room, and could do the same with cornerback Carlton Davis III if the team does not trade him.

Tampa Bay has 18 unrestricted free agents, but David, McLaughlin and long snapper Zach Triner are the only starters. As Pewter Report reported at midseason, the Bucs will not be re-signing inside linebacker Devin White, a former first-round pick, nor will Tampa Bay bring back safety Ryan Neal, who signed a one-year deal last offseason.

Bowles has had to make some changes on the coaching staff this offseason with offensive coordinator Dave Canales leaving to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Offensive line coaches Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert joined Canales in Carolina, as did receivers coach Brad Idzik. Bucs special teams coach Keith Armstrong also retired and offensive assistant David Raih left for Washington.

Bowles hired Liam Coen to replace Canales and added Thomas McGaughey as the new special teams coordinator. Kevin Carberry is the Bucs’ new offensive line coach with Brian Picucci as his assistant. Bryan McClendon is Tampa Bay’s new wide receivers coach, and Josh Grizzard has been hired to be the team’s passing game coordinator.

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2024

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams and Adam Slivon have devised their own Bucs Plans For the 2024 offseason. These come complete with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks to hopefully help Tampa Bay earn a playoff spot for the fifth straight year.

Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com staff members would reshape the team this offseason – not necessarily what we think Tampa Bay will do in free agency and the draft, although there could be some overlap with certain players the team may be targeting.

Matera’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2024 Offseason

Heading into this Bucs Battle Plan, I tried to balance the line of plans that I believe make sense for Tampa Bay in a legitimate realm of free agency and the draft while also building a team with additions that I’d like to see in red and pewter. It’s fantasy football after all, so why not go with your gut?

The plan all along for the Bucs this offseason was to retain their own star players. That goal was known going into this free agency period, and it was even confirmed by general manager Jason Licht at the NFL Scouting Combine, too. They’ve checked several boxes already with Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr. and now Baker Mayfield. The plan still is to get all of those players back and also new players that fit that Bucs’ needs. Their salary cap isn’t robust as a result of those re-signings, but there’s a lot more room than the year before, so there is more room to find pieces that fit.

Bucs Restructures

Bucs DT Vita Vea and Titans QB Will Levis – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

NT Vita Vea – A team leader and their best defensive lineman, there’s no reason to think Vea won’t have a dominant season again this year despite what his sack numbers said last season. He still has a great ability to get after the passer and does so much for the run game. Vea has a salary cap hit of over $20 million, so a restructure to his deal saves the Bucs $10,781,250.

CB Jamel Dean – Based on the rest of moves made in this exercise, Dean is the top corner on the Bucs’ roster. His health will always be a concern, but Dean is solid and steady as a corner when available. A quick restructure of his deal opens up $5 million.

Bucs Extensions

S Antoine Winfield Jr – 5 years, $100 million – Winfield is coming off an All-Pro season and will reset the market at $20 million per season. The do-it-all safety is the ultimate chess piece for Todd Bowles’ defense and he’s locked up through the age of 30. Winfield’s 2024 cap hit would be $7.5 million.

Bucs Cuts

OLB Shaq Barrett – The Bucs have already announced that they’ll be releasing Barrett. The move will be processed as a post-June 1 transaction, so they’ll carry his $14,190,882 cap hit through that date before getting $4,923,882 in cap savings once the move is completed.

WR Russell Gage – Tampa Bay’s idea of what the team had planned for Gage when signing him was right, but it never really came about. A hamstring injury lingered for him in 2022, slowing him down. Unfortunately he tore his ACL at the beginning of a joint training camp practice with the Jets and his season was over before it began. It just never worked out with Gage. The Bucs save $6.5 million with the move.

C Ryan Jensen – Jensen is technically retired, but the team will process that paperwork as a post-June 1 move as well so that the dead cap hit is spread out over the next two years. This year, that means saving about $1.2 million.

CB Carlton Davis III – I really like Davis as a cover corner. However, he doesn’t take the ball away much and is often injured. Tampa Bay can’t rely on him to consistently be in the lineup. That’s a bad combination to have for a corner who is in the last year of his deal. Because they signed Jamel Dean to a new contract last season, it’s easier for them to let go of Davis and save $6.4 million.

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

QB Baker Mayfield – 3-years, $100 million – The Bucs and Mayfield avoided free agency by getting a deal done on Sunday for three years, $100 million with $50 million guaranteed. Tampa Bay keeps their starting quarterback as they continue their run from a season ago. Mayfield’s 2024 hit would be $33.3 million, but thanks to some tweaks to the details with this brought up by Josh Queipo, void years and signing bonuses gets Mayfield’s cap number to $6.9.

WR Mike Evans – 2 years, $41 million – Another deal that’s done, Evans is back on a two-year deal worth $41 million. He can continue to grow his Hall of Fame career in Tampa.

ILB Lavonte David – 1 year, $8 million – David wants to be back with the Bucs and Tampa Bay would love to have him. He’s still playing at very high level and gets a pay raise for his performance. David once again leads the defense as Jason Licht tries to get him on the Bucs’ Mount Rushmore.

DT Greg Gaines – 1 year, $2.25 million – Gaines is a solid backup in the rotation along the Bucs’ defensive line. He showed some ability to get after the quarterback. He also comes from the Washington pipeline that Tampa Bay has an affinity for.

K Chase McLaughlin – 2 years, $9 million – He was fantastic on field goals last season and there should be no reason he can’t continue doing it again over the next two seasons. The Bucs solidify their kicking game with the move.

Bucs RB Chase Edmonds – Photo by: USA Today

RB Chase Edmonds – 1 year, $1.25 million – I like Edmonds more as a RB3 on this year’s roster. While he has an injury history, using him sparingly keeps him healthier and he can be trusted if more playing time is warranted. Plus, he can be a mentor to a young running back group.

QB John Wolford – 1 year – $1.25 million – Wolford knew the system coming in last year and will know it again this season with Liam Coen. There’s no reason he shouldn’t return.

OT Justin Skule – 1 year, $1.125 million – Skule is a valuable reserve swing tackle behind Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke and is still young (27) and has starting experience going back to his time with the 49ers. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

DT Pat O’Connor – 1 year, $1.25 million – Every year, O’Connor seems to make a big special teams play. He’s well liked in the locker room and is particularly close with the likes of Vita Vea and Tristan Wirfs. You keep your best players happy with this move.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

ILB Devin White – White’s season was disastrous from the get-go when he requested a trade that was not granted. He was way too inconsistent during the year and he continued to struggle stopping the run. The bad outweighed the good from him and his act started to wear thin. He was eventually benched for K.J. Britt.

S Ryan Neal – Plenty of times when there was a big passing play by the opponent, Neal was the culprit in coverage. This signing never worked out and the Bucs need an upgrade.

Bucs LG Aaron Stinnie – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

G Matt Feiler – Feiler is an aging and ineffective offensive lineman at this stage of his career. The Bucs need a serious upgrade at left guard.

G Aaron Stinnie – Stinnie was just okay as a starter replacing Feiler, but the Bucs can do much better at left guard this season.

WR David Moore – He certainly provided some moments for the Bucs last season. However, Moore isn’t a long term solution for the Bucs and they address receiver in the draft and free agency.

DL Will Gholston – It’s sad to see Gholston go, but the Bucs have a young group on the defensive line that they should rely on.

LS Zach Triner – Triner has been a very solid snapper for Tampa Bay for years, but he’s getting older and more expensive.

OLB Cam Gill – Gill’s presence on the roster just gets in the way of exciting talents like Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez. They get more of chance this season as they move on from the outside linebacker.

Restricted Free Agents Re-Signed

DB Dee Delaney – 1 year, $1.25 million – His versatility at corner and safety buys him another season. Should the situation come where Delaney has to play, he did give the Bucs two interceptions.

Restricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

OL Nick Leverett – Leverett was able to play a couple of different positions on the line. I’m not sure what more he brings to the team. By picking up new players in free agency and the draft, Leverett is expendable.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents Re-Signed

WR Deven Thompkins – The Bucs already announced the re-signing of Thompkins, who was an exclusive rights free agent. He served as the team’s kick returner and punt returner in 2023 and played sparingly on offense, but he may face long odds to retain his roster spot in my Bucs Battle Plan.

OT Brandon Walton – Walton was also an exclusive rights free agent who has already been re-signed. He’ll continue to be a good depth piece who can step in at tackle or guard in a pinch.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

OLB Josh Uche – 1 year, $7 million – Uche takes a one-year prove it deal to try and regain his 2022 form where he recorded 11.5 sacks for the Patriots. He recorded just three sacks last season, but only played 33% of the defensive snaps. I’m curious to see what he can do with more playing time.

Even though he can be a designated third down rusher, the Bucs need a player who can get after the quarterback. I don’t care if he’s not a premier run stopper because Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson can fill that role. Uche bets on himself to get a better contract the year after and the Tampa Bay hopes to benefit from him showing his pass rushing prowess.

Fomer Bucs S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

S Jordan Whitehead – 2 years, $12 million – Welcome back, Jordan. It’s a reunion between Whitehead and the Bucs after his stint with the Jets as Tampa Bay signs him to a two-year deal. The Bucs never really found that full-time replacement for Whitehead at strong safety, so why not bring him back?

Whitehead already knows the defense and most of the players around him. He’ll bring physicality and help in the run game. His four interceptions last season make it even more enticing, and since he was posting a lot of his Bucs highlights on social media, he’s likely open to a return to Tampa.

TE Mike Gesicki – 1 year, $2 million – The Bucs have to do something with their tight end room. A decision also has to be made on whether adding a receiving tight end or a blocking one. Even with lesser numbers than usual, Gesicki put up way more production as a receiver than any other Bucs’ tight end not named Cade Otton. They go with a receiving tight end to take some of the weight off of Otton.

OL Laken Tomlinson – 1 year, $2.5 million – Getting let go by the Jets is probably a blessing in disguise for Tomlinson, or really any player. He’s a solid blocker and would be an upgrade over Aaron Stinnie and Matt Feiler at guard.

WR Noah Brown – 1 year, $3.5 million – After Evans and Godwin, the Bucs are fairly young at receiver. Brown has played six years and has reached over 550 receiving yards in his last two. Last season, he did that in just 10 games. He can be another deep threat for Baker Mayfield, especially if Godwin goes back to the slot.

DT Maurice Hurst 1 year, $1.75 million – Injuries have been a problem for Hurst over the past couple of seasons, so this is low-risk, high-reward move. When available, Hurst has a quick get off from the line of scrimmage and is able to help provide speed if the Bucs run some stunts on the inside. Hurst had a PFF grade of 81 in 302 snaps. Todd Bowles likes to move around all of his defensive linemen.

Matera’s 2024 Bucs Draft Picks

Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

As the rest of the Pewter Reporters did, I used the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator to make my 2024 Bucs mock draft. No trades were made, so I have all seven of the original picks that the Bucs have this year, which as a reminder means no fifth round pick but an extra compensatory pick in the sixth round.

I understand that edge rusher is of high importance for the Bucs, however since Uche was a free agent signing, and the Bucs have a promising outlook with Markees Watts, who hopefully can get more snaps this year, we’re going with that group. Most of the time, I went with the best players available in regards to positions of need for Tampa Bay, which is why I couldn’t click on my laptop any faster when I saw who was still there with the 26th pick in the first round when the Bucs were on the clock.

The Bucs have relied on their draft picks to make an impact for them out of the gate. I’m using that plan once again when deliberating through this draft.

Round 1, Pick 26 – Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson • 6-3, 320 • Junior 

Powers-Johnson is an absolute monster as a center and exactly what Tampa Bay is looking for in an upgrade at the position. He has plenty of experience starting for two seasons for the Ducks playing at guard and center. He is the hard-nosed type of center that the Bucs had in Ryan Jensen and an excellent blocker by all accounts.

Tampa Bay needs to improve its run game and JPJ fits the billing. Powers-Johnson improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl by tossing around defenders and even going through drills injured. While I was zoning in on Graham Barton, I was downright shocked when seeing that Powers-Johnson was available. He’ll be an immediate starter on the offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 57 – Oregon CB Khyree Jackson • 6-3, 195 • Senior

I really liked what I saw from Jackson at the Senior Bowl. He has a willingness to get in the face of the receiver and be physical with his opponent from beginning to end on a play. Talking to him at the NFL Scouting Combine, his personality fits exactly who he is as a player. Jackson truly believes that he is the best corner available in the draft and does not care who the receiver is in front of him.

Jackson has great length as a corner and moves very well. He has great ball tracking skills, recording two interceptions for the Ducks last season. With Davis off the roster, the Bucs needed another corner and get one for the future as well if Dean isn’t back after this season.

Round 3, Pick 89 – Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley • 5-11, 215 • Senior

After signing Baker Mayfield, the Bucs need to get him another weapon on offense and they secure that by drafting Corley. He may not have ideal size at 5-foot-11, but the name of Corley’s game is the yard after the catch. He’s an absolute speedster that will make defenders miss left and right. He broke 15 tackles last season, having the ability to be a game-breaker.

Another thing that Corley brings to the table is being physical. The ability to blocking isn’t always the first trait that people look for at the receiver position, but it’s still very important, especially for a team that wants to improve in the run game. Corley can be a threat for the Bucs on the inside or outside, giving new offensive coordinator Liam Coen plenty of options with his receivers to move around at his disposal. Corley has an eye for the end zone as well, scoring 22 touchdowns over his last two seasons.

Round 4, Pick 124 – Kansas State OG Cooper Beebe • 6-4, 335 • Senior 

Beebe continued to get better and better as a blocker in his career with the Wildcats. His hand placement has been important to his success as he has a great grip on defenders at the point of attack. Beebe can get to the second level well enough and overall has a good sense of anticipating combination blocks and other movements from the defensive line.

At times he can get off balance, which will need to get cleaned up. He started at left guard for Kansas State, so he could take on that role after a little development.

Round 6, Pick 200 – Troy RB Kimani Vidal • 5-8, 213 • Senior 

Vidal leaves Troy with a number of school records, including being the leader in all-time rushing yards with 4,010 in his four-year career. He made history as well last season with a single game rushing record of 248, and he also had games reaching 245 and 243. Vidal can take on contact off of defenders and keep it moving.

He has good vision as a runner and a solid ability to make agile cuts. Toughness is big with his game and it’s helped him as a pass blocker. Vidal doesn’t have breakaway speed and need more polish as a route runner, but he has capable hands. He can make for a good complimentary back in this offense.

Round 6, Pick 220 – Texas LB Jaylan Ford • 6-2, 240 • Senior 

Doing a little bit of everything for the Texas defense, Ford is a quick-twitch player that can race to the point of attack moving up front. He’s a capable tackler having recorded 119 tackles in 2022 and 101 stops in 2023. Ford showed good ability to take the ball away, having four interceptions in 2022 and two more the season after.

He also four forced fumbles in his career. Ford is an instinctual player that holds his own shedding blocks. He was first team All-Big 12 and a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.

Round 7, Pick 246 – Arizona TE Tanner McLachlan • 6-5, 244 • Senior

McLachlan has some movement as a tight end with big size, running a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash. He’s got good length in his arms and is able to catch the ball in traffic, which is greatly needed by the Bucs.

McLachlan needs to get better as a blocker, but there’s potential in his game as a receiving tight end. In two years at Arizona, McLachlan recorded 528 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Matera’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster

Quarterbacks – 3

Baker Mayfield
Kyle Trask
John Wolford
Analysis: This is Mayfield’s team after his mega deal. The question is can he replicate what he did last year when he had to prove it? There’s still lots of excitement to be had about the idea of Mayfield building upon his accomplishments in his second year with the Bucs in a similar offense. He gets to work with Liam Coen for the second time in his career, and more importantly, Evans.

It’s likely the last hurrah for Trask as he’s in the last year of his deal. Wolford will be the emergency quarterback once again due to his familiarity with the offense.

Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo by: USA Today

Running Backs – 4

Rachaad White
Kimani Vidal
Chase Edmonds
Sean Tucker
Analysis: Is this the year that White breaks 1,000 yards? There’s going to be an emphasis on running the ball, and we have to remember this is his second season as a full-time starter. White showed he can be a weapon in many areas of the game, and that should be no different in 2024. Vidal will help lessen the load for White to keep him fresh and change the pace a bit when he’s in the game.

We could see Edmonds on third down as he’s still a capable back. And less playing time means he’ll be available the whole season. Tucker needs a good training camp because Jason Licht didn’t give him a ringing endorsement at the Combine.

Wide Receivers – 6

Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Malachi Corley
Noah Brown
Trey Palmer
Deven Thompkins
Analysis: Evans is back as the main focus of the offense. I’m curious to see what type of season Godwin has in a contract year and moving back to the slot. It could be very much be a resurgence for him, or a sign that the Bucs won’t pay him next season. Corley brings a new element to the offense with his ability to break tackles and Brown takes the top off. There’s a lot of speed between Corley and Palmer. Tampa Bay’s been preaching about getting faster. Thompkins needs to land the return job as he’ll be competing with Jarrett for the last roster spot.

Tight Ends – 4

Cade Otton
Mike Gesicki 
Payne Durham 
Ko Kieft
Analysis: Tampa Bay gets an upgrade in the passing game with Gesicki getting added to the mix. He’ll make the tougher catches that Otton missed out on. If Durham can take a step forward in year two, the room became that much more threatening. Kieft’s in there as a fullback, but if the run game doesn’t improve, he isn’t bringing much to the team. Tanner McLachlan ends up on the practice squad.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Offensive Line – 9

LT Tristan Wirfs
LG Laken Tomlinson
C Jackson Powers-Johnson
RG Cody Mauch
RT Luke Goedeke 
OT Justin Skule
G-C Robert Hainsey
T-G Brandon Walton
OG Cooper Beebe
Analysis: There’s two cornerstones at tackle with Wirfs and Goedeke. Wirfs is a sure thing and Goedeke took fantastic strides moving to his old position. If Mauch progresses and Powers-Johnson excels, the Bucs will have the attitude on their line that they’ve wanted since Ryan Jensen was out. Tomlinson is steady at left guard to round out the group. Skule could be used in the run game as an extra tight end. Hainsey stays as a backup while Beebe can develop along the offensive line.

Defensive Line – 6

Vita Vea
Calijah Kancey
Logan Hall
Greg Gaines
Maurice Hurst
Pat O’Connor
Analysis: Vea and Kancey have tremendous capabilities to destroy every offensive line in front of them. I’m very excited to see what they can do in a second season together. The key factor in all of this is what Hall can do. It’s a make-or-break season for him The Bucs might find his replacement if he doesn’t produce.

Bucs OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Outside Linebackers – 5

Yaya Diaby
Josh Uche
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Anthony Nelson
Markees Watts 
Analysis: Could we see Diaby reach double-digit sacks getting to start a full season? That’s his goal for the year. There’s a little uncertainty with this group as the hope is Diaby grows and Uche is pass rusher that is a constant threat. We’ve seen the ceiling for JTS and Nelson. Can Watts be Bryce Huff 2.0? He has great talent as a rusher, but needs to fill out the rest of his game. Watts is a very exciting prospect if he figures it out.

Inside Linebackers – 5

Lavonte David
K.J. Britt 
SirVocea Dennis
J.J. Russell
Jaylan Ford
Analysis: David will have to carry the load for this group, but it’s a job he’s more than used to. The linebacker room will be better since White is not there. Britt has the consistency that the Bucs want. Dennis had some brief playing time to be equipped for a bigger role in year two. Russell and Ford compete each day in training camp for spots four and five.

Cornerbacks – 4

Jamel Dean
Khyree Jackson
Zyon McCollum
Dee Delaney
Analysis: We’ll have a great battle for CB2 between Jackson and McCollum and it’s a great problem to have for the Bucs. Jackson just edges out McCollum for the job based on his coverage ability. We’ll see plenty of McCollum, though, as Bowles loves to get creative with his defensive backs and there’s always that possibility that Dean gets injured. Either way, the Bucs are set up for the next couple of seasons with young corners.

Bucs FS Antoine WInfield Jr. and Falcons QB Desmond Ridder – Photo by: USA Today

Safeties – 4

Antoine Winfield Jr.
Jordan Whitehead
Christian Izien
Kaevon Merriweather
Analysis: Winfield and Whitehead are back at it again complimenting each other and taking the ball away. The stability of Whitehead allows Winfield to continuously roam the filed and be the All-Pro safety that he is. Izien can compete for nickel corner again while also training as a safety for if his number is called.

Special Teams – 3

K Chase McLaughlin
P Jake Camarda
LS Evan Deckers
Analysis: McLaughlin and Camarda play well once again. Deckers is cheaper and has been with the team briefly already.

What Did You Think?

Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2024 offseason? Does it adequately address Tampa Bay’s needs? Which additions did you like best? Let me know what you think in the article comments section below.

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