Pewter Report has learned that Will Gholston, a lifelong Buccaneer since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, is on the verge of re-signing with Tampa Bay. The Bucs hosted Gholston on Monday, two days before the start of training camp, and agreed to terms with the big, 6-foot-6, 315-pound defensive lineman.

The re-signing of Gholston is not going to generate big headlines, but he is a big presence for the team and the community. In recent seasons, he has become the grizzled veteran in the locker room and one of the most energetic personalities. He serves as a mentor for the younger defensive linemen in the room, while also still providing value as a rotational lineman and run-stuffer.

Bucs DL Will Gholston Remains A Key Cog On Defensive Line

Bucs DL Will Gholston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Although he failed to record a sack in 2022 for only the second time in his career, Will Gholston still managed to record 49 total tackles, five quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. Just as crucial for the Bucs was the fact that he played in all 17 games last year, starting in nine of them.

Having completed 10 seasons in the NFL, his 153 games with the Bucs ranks ninth-most all-time. With another full season of games played, he would pass at least three more Bucs on that list.

Gholston helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV in 2020 with his run-stuffing ability. In 2021 he set a new career high with 4.5 sacks in helping Tampa Bay compile a 13-4 record, which is the best mark in franchise history.

In his time in Tampa, Gholston has racked up 401 career tackles, 58 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.

Will Gholston Is A Ride-Or-Die Buc

Will Gholston has decided to stick around for next season, one that will bring a year of changes to the roster. As the team looks to get under the cap, add youth and speed, and prepare for other departures, general manager Jason Licht has termed the roster outlook as being a “restock.”

Bucs DE Will Gholston – Photo by: USA Today

The Super Bowl window for next season has closed, with just a slight crack remaining open in what remains a weak NFC South Division. But Gholston has been through seasons much worse than what is expected in 2023.

It took eight seasons on the team for Gholston to reach the playoffs, having won a Super Bowl ring upon quarterback Tom Brady’s arrival in 2020. During those tough campaigns, the Bucs only had a winning record in one of them, the 2016 Dirk Koetter-led team that went 9-7.

Regardless of how the roster around him has performed, Gholston has remained with the team through its highs and lows. Coming off the high of three straight playoff appearances, his decision to stick around is crucial as the Bucs are sure to welcome in a cast of many young rookies to fill out the 53-man roster. His presence will have a huge impact on the culture built in recent seasons, one of winning big games.

Gholston is not the most flashy Buc but remains one of the most impactful. By re-signing and continuing his career, he brings needed leadership on and off the field, especially with a couple of new young starters on the team in Calijah Kancey, the team’s first-round pick, as well as Logan Hall, who is entering his second year in Tampa Bay after being the team’s top pick in 2022.