FAB 2. THESE 10 BUCS DESERVE CONTRACT EXTENSIONS RIGHT NOW
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what better way could the Buccaneers give thanks to those players that are contributing at – or above – what is expected of them than a contract extension? General manager Jason Licht, head coach Dirk Koetter and director of football administration Mike Greenberg are mulling over the names that need to stay in Tampa Bay, and so am I.

Although no contract extension negotiations are currently underway, that will change in the next few months and it’s worth thinking about right now.

Here is my list of 10 Buccaneers that need to be rewarded with a long-term deal:

1. WR Mike Evans – under contract through 2017
Evans is in the third year of his four-year rookie year, and although the Bucs would have the right to pick up a fifth-year option in 2018, he has outperformed his contract. Assuming he has three years of 1,000 yards receiving (he’s 84 yards away from accomplishing that feat), Evans is deserving of making more than the $3.6 million he’s going to average over the life of his existing deal. The more he produces, the more expensive Evans will be down the road. Why not offer him a very good deal right now that might end up saving the Bucs some money when he becomes a free agent?

2. P Bryan Anger – unrestricted free agent in 2017
Believe it or not, Anger was Licht’s best free agent signing during the offseason. The 28-year old punter has been an absolute ace for Tampa Bay’s special teams after signing a one-year deal. Anger is tied for fifth in the league with 21 punts downed inside the 20-yard line with only four touchbacks, and his 42.1-yard net also ranks fifth in the NFL. Anger has proven his worth to the Bucs and it’s time to lock him up with a multi-year contract extension before he hits free agency in March.

DE William Gholston – Photo by: Getty Images

3. DE Will Gholston – unrestricted free agent in 2017
It’s hard to believe that Gholston is only 25 years old and he’s been in the league for four seasons. Gholston’s arrow is still pointing up and he’s been a much smarter and more mature player this year, limiting his offside penalties and personal fouls. Gholston is one of the Bucs’ top run stuffers, evidenced by his 37 tackles, and he’s still improving as a pass rusher. He has two sacks and needs just one more to tie last year’s career high. Gholston’s production, 6-foot-6, 290-pound frame and upside will make him an attractive free agent. Gholston deserves a deal around the $6 million per year mark. Licht would do well to lock him up before he hits the open market.

4. C Joe Hawley – unrestricted free agent in 2017
At age 28, Hawley still has plenty of good years ahead of him in the NFL. He’s been an integral cog in Koetter’s offense – both in Atlanta and in Tampa Bay – and is a great fit for this scheme. Hawley’s toughness and ability to pull on screen plays makes him unique and valuable. Hawley doesn’t have Pro Bowl ability, but he’s an above average center that deserves a new contract. The Bucs shouldn’t break the bank to keep him, especially with Evan Smith and Ben Gottschalk still under contract, but Hawley deserves a fair extension offer in the $4 million per year range.

5. TE Cameron Brate – restricted free agent in 2017
Brate is in his second full season in the NFL and the final year of a two-year contract. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent in 2017, but instead of signing him to a standard one-year deal with a right of refusal, the Bucs would be smart to just offer a fair, long-term deal that is still below the level of elite NFL tight ends. A three-year deal with a nice pay raise in the $5 million per year range would reward Brate immediately in the first year and help the Bucs in subsequent years as he would be below market value as he continues to develop.

Bucs G Kevin Pamphile – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

6. OL Kevin Pamphile – unrestricted free agent in 2018
Like Evans, Pamphile, a 2014 draft pick, has another year left on his deal and is not a priority, but Licht and Greenberg might be wise to strike early and see if they can get Pamphile locked up to a modest deal given the fact that he’s only been a full-time starter for just one season. At age 25, Pamphile’s best football is still ahead of him and Tampa Bay should capitalize by locking up the versatile starter ahead of schedule with a contract offer around $2 million per year.

7. QB Mike Glennon – unrestricted free agent in 2017
The Bucs really value Glennon as a veteran backup behind Jameis Winston and don’t want to lose him in free agency. Glennon showed he can still move the offense in limited duty against Atlanta on Thursday Night Football, completing 10-of-11 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Most veteran backup QBs are paid between $3-4 million per year, and Glennon, who will be 27 in December, has spent two years in this offense and has the team’s trust. He’s worth $4 million per year.

8. S Chris Conte – unrestricted free agent in 2017
Conte wouldn’t be on this list if not for his stellar play over the last two games in which he has had two game-changing interceptions in Tampa Bay’s wins over Chicago, his former team, and Kansas City. Conte had his struggles in man coverage against speed receivers earlier in the year, but seems to be coming around to Mike Smith’s defensive scheme. The Bucs shouldn’t throw a ton of cash at Conte, but perhaps a two-year deal with a decent base of $3 million and loaded with incentives would be appropriate while drafting a safety he can compete with for a starting spot.

Bucs WR Russell Shepard – Photo by: Getty Images

9. WR Russell Shepard – unrestricted free agent in 2017
As a restricted free agent, Shepard is earning $1.67 million in 2016 and may want to test the open market for a greater opportunity as a receiver. But Shepard’s leadership ability, special teams prowess and occasional contributions at receiver merit a multi-year contract extension in the $2-$3 million per year range. Shepard’s value in the locker room is just as important as his on-field playmaking ability.

10. RB Jacquizz Rodgers – unrestricted free agent in 2017
In just a handful of games Rodgers has already proven his worth as running back in Tampa Bay. Despite missing the last three games, he remains the Bucs’ leading rusher with 393 yards and a touchdown on 88 carries (4.5 avg.). Rodgers has Tampa Bay’s only two 100-yard rushing performances and his similar running style to that of Doug Martin could make that combination a lethal 1-2 punch when he returns from a foot injury this year, as well as in 2017. Rodgers should be offered a two-year contract in the neighborhood of $1 million to $1.5 million per year to return to Tampa Bay next year.