With the start of free agency just a couple days away, the Bucs are narrowing their list of priority re-signings. According to The Athletic’s Greg Auman, veteran safety Andrew Adams won’t be on that list. The Bucs have reportedly told Adams they do not plan to re-sign him this offseason. The 6-year pro has spent the past four seasons in Tampa Bay.

Adams, 29 years old, was a key part of the team’s secondary during the 2019 season. Adams started 15 games over his first two seasons in Tampa Bay, including 11 during the team’s 7-9 campaign two seasons ago. He had one interception in 2019 as an almost full-time starter, but recorded four picks the season prior, despite starting just four games.

Over the past two seasons, Adams role on defense has diminished. Still, he’s been incredibly reliable when called upon. In 2021, the UCONN product played just 23 defensive snaps in the regular season. But when Jordan Whitehead and Antoine Winfield were injured in the NFC Championship Game, Adams stepped up. He broke up a third down pass in the end zone to preserve the Bucs late lead against the Packers.

Bucs S Andrew Adams Photo Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, the story was again the same. Adams played 214 defensive snaps in relief of injured starters, intercepting one pass and recording 24 tackles and four pass breakups. He’s also been a solid special teams contributor. But Adams almost wasn’t back in Tampa Bay, after he signed with the Eagles in free agency last year. However, Philadelphia cut Adams at the end of training camp, which opened the door for his return to the Bucs.

Could a similar outcome be in the cards for Adams again this summer? We’ll see how his availability goes in free agency next week. Players are permitted to negotiate with teams on Monday starting at noon EST.