Scott Reynolds’ Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2025

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams and Adam Slivon have devised their very own Bucs Plans for the 2025 offseason. These come full with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster strikes and draft picks to hopefully assist Tampa Bay earn a playoff spot for the sixth straight yr.

Bear in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com workers members would reshape the workforce this offseason – not essentially what we expect Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there could possibly be some overlap with sure gamers the workforce could also be focusing on.

Scott Reynolds’ Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

Bucs GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tampa Bay has constructed a Tremendous Bowl-caliber offense, but it surely’s time to improve the protection for this workforce to really make a run previous the Wild Card playoff spherical. Bucs followers are clamoring for the workforce to make a giant splash free agent signing or blockbuster commerce to assist this workforce ascend previous simply successful the NFC South for a fifth straight season. I’m undecided that occurs, however I do add six new free brokers, together with a big-name veteran cornerback to assist the secondary.

I attempt to hold my Bucs Battle Plans as practical as attainable, and as near what I feel the Bucs would possibly truly do in free company and the draft. Different Pewter Reporters have rather more grandiose concepts about the best way to remake the roster, and that’s advantageous. Differing opinions hold issues fascinating within the offseason.

Jason Licht is much better at drafting gamers than efficiently signing free brokers. Consequently, I’m going to have the Bucs wade into free company, however proceed to dive deep into the draft to maintain constructing this roster.

My foremost priorities to improve the roster embody bringing again confirmed performers in legends like Lavonte David and Chris Godwin, who’s the second-best extensive receiver in Tampa Bay historical past behind Mike Evans. That is nice for the locker room and for the soccer area by way of their manufacturing. I additionally need to deal with rebuilding the protection and attain that with 5 re-signings on that aspect of the ball, 5 new defensive free brokers and 6 defensive draft picks.

Bucs Restructures

QB Baker Mayfield – $21,558,750 cap saved
S Antoine Winfield Jr. – $14,872,500 cap saved
LT Tristan Wirfs – $19,864,000 cap saved
Okay Chase McLaughlin – $1,165,000 cap saved

Bucs Cuts

S Jordan Whitehead – This transfer saves the Bucs $4.5 million in wage cap area with no lifeless cash. It was already reported that Tampa Bay made this determination as properly. The damage issues surrounding Whitehead and his beck stemming from his late season automotive accident are the most important driver of this determination for me.

Bucs Trades

Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Picture by: USA Immediately

Commerce CB Jamel Dean For Titans’ Fourth-Spherical Decide – The Bucs have grown weary of the oft-injured Dean not being dependable and never making performs on the ball when he’s wholesome. They traded away Carlton Davis III final yr for the very same purpose. Though normal supervisor Jason Licht fleeced the Lions for a third-round choose, he’s solely in a position to get a fourth-round choose for Dean, who lacks Davis’ toughness.

Tennessee has two fourth-round picks, and sends the one the workforce acquired from Seattle, No. 119 total, to Tampa Bay in change for Dean. The Titans want veteran cornerback assist as L’Jarius Sneed was an enormous disappointment final yr, they usually have the cap room to amass Dean’s $12.5 million wage with over $50 million of cap area accessible. The commerce leaves the Bucs with $6.852 million in lifeless cap cash, however extra importantly, it clears up $8,284,941 in cap room this yr by transferring on from Dean.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed

WR Chris Godwin – 2 years, $36 million

Godwin signed a three-year deal value $20 million the final time he hit free company in 2021, however that was when he was 26. Now he’s 29 and coming off his second season-ending severe damage as he hits free company. The workforce didn’t sound precisely inspired by Godwin’s progress from his dislocated ankle on the NFL Scouting Mix, and Tampa Bay could also be compelled to let Godwin hit free company if he doesn’t conform to phrases previous to March 12. The guess right here is that he will get a barely under market deal because of his age and the severity of his damage, however opts to stick with the Bucs for $18 million per yr.

ILB Lavonte David – 1 yr, $5.75 million

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and LB Lavonte David – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

David decides to play yet another yr for the Bucs, particularly with the return of inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell. He’ll need to take a pay reduce, as his play declined a bit final yr, particularly in protection. However David continues to be an excellent linebacker occasion at 35. It will be smart to platoon him with one other linebacker and reduce his quantity of snaps per recreation to get the perfect model of David on a weekly foundation.

OLB Anthony Nelson – 2 years, $10 million

Nelson is a gradual Eddie in Tampa Bay as he is aware of Todd Bowles’ system and is a reliable backup. He’s worthy of being re-signed to the identical deal he inked two years in the past – two years at $5 million per season. If Nelson finally ends up being OLB4 or OLB5, that’s an enormous improve over the likes of unproven gamers like Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez.

LG Ben Bredeson – 1 yr, $4 million

Bredeson didn’t get the love from Professional Soccer Focus, which gave him a 56 total grade final yr. However the Bucs had a better grade on him internally. He will get a 25% elevate over final yr and returns to solidify the offensive line. If Elijah Klein beats him out for the left guard spot this yr, then Bredeson, who also can play middle, is basically the substitute for backup middle Robert Hainsey.

QB Kyle Trask – 1 yr, $4 million

Each normal supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles like Trask, which suggests he possible stays as a low-cost backup quarterback. He already is aware of the playbook and the terminology, in addition to having chemistry with the Bucs weapons on offense from having been in Tampa Bay for 4 years.

OT Justin Skule – 1 yr, $2 million

Skule is likely one of the higher backup offensive tackles within the league and he’s greatest buddies with Tristan Wirfs. He desires to remain in Tampa Bay and the Bucs are glad to have him and double his wage because of his high quality play at each left and proper deal with in 2024.

DT Greg Gaines – 1 yr, $2 million

There might not be a lot of a marketplace for the 29-year outdated reserve defensive deal with, and he could have to simply accept lower than he obtained in his final contract, which was a $3.5 million deal final yr. The Bucs would love Gaines higher as DT5 quite than DT4, and that truly makes him extra priceless as he’s higher than gamers like Mike Greene and C.J. Brewer.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed

OLB Joe Tryon Shoyinka
ILB Okay.J. Britt
C Robert Hainsey
OLB Shaq Barrett
DL Will Gholston
DL Adam Gostsis
S Mike Edwards
RB Chase Edmonds
CB Troy Hill
S Ryan Neal
S Tavierre Thomas
CB Bryce Corridor
OL Sua Opeta
DL Eric Banks

Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-Signed

S Kaevon Merriweather

Merriweather is an efficient particular groups participant and may sub in a pinch at sturdy security as a restricted free agent signing. There’s no assure he makes the roster, however he is aware of Todd Bowles’ system and confirmed some enchancment in 2024.

ILB J.J. Russell

Russell, a former apply squader, is a high quality reserve who began a number of video games final yr rather than the ineffective Okay.J. Britt. He returns as a restricted free agent, however will not be a lock to make the 53-man roster.

New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed

49ers CB Charvarius Ward – 2 years, $29 million

49ers CB Charvarius Ward – Picture by: USA Immediately

The Bucs want to handle their secondary and get higher, extra constant play on the cornerback place. Previous to final yr when he suffered by the dying of dropping his younger daughter, Ward began all 17 video games in back-to-back seasons, and had 5 interceptions, together with a pick-six, in 2023 in San Francisco. At 6-foot-1, 195 kilos, Ward has preferrred dimension to play outdoors in Todd Bowles’ protection and 6 years value of beginning expertise.

Chargers DT Poona Ford – 2 years, $13 million

The Bucs must bolster their defensive position unit in case of damage, and to safeguard the unit in case Logan Corridor leaves after this season as he’s in a contract yr. Ford is a battle-tested, sturdy, athletic nostril deal with who matched his profession highs in sacks (three) and tackles for loss (eight) final yr whereas getting his first profession interception. At age 29, signing the 5-foot-11, 310-pound Ford to a two-year deal provides the Bucs some insurance coverage for subsequent yr if Corridor departs in 2026.

Bengals OLB Joseph Ossai – 1 yr, $4.75 million

Bengals OLB Joseph Ossai – Picture by: USA Immediately

The Bucs would possibly move on a excessive profile edge rusher in an underwhelming free agent class, and attempt to discover the subsequent Shaq Barrett with an inexpensive, one-year, prove-it deal. That could possibly be Ossai, who had a career-high 31 pressures and 5 sacks backing up Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard final yr in Cincinnati. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Ossai turns 25 in April and his greatest soccer could also be in entrance of him.

Jaguars S Andre Cisco – 1 yr, $4.5 million

Cisco was a ballhawk at Syracuse with 13 interceptions in three seasons. In 4 years with the Jaguars, Cisco had eight picks, together with 4 in 2023. He has good dimension at 6-foot, 210 kilos, and would possibly simply want a change of surroundings to get again to his playmaking methods after recording only one interception final season.

Commanders WR Noah Brown – 1 yr, $1.65 million

Brown has good dimension at 6-foot-2, 225 kilos and is a easy mover that may play in each the slot or outdoors. He must be an improve over Sterling Shepard, and at age 29, he has loads of expertise as a complementary receiver. Brown provides wanted dimension to Tampa Bay’s receiving corps and had 35 catches for 453 yards (12.9 avg.) and one landing final yr for the Commanders. He ought to come low cost.

Raiders ILB Divine Deablo – 1 yr, $1.85 million

The Bucs signal the quick and athletic Deablo, who was a two-year starter in Las Vegas, to a one-year, prove-it deal to see if a change of surroundings helps unlock his potential. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound linebacker was a former school sturdy security and is stable in protection and must be a particular groups standout too, if he makes the 53-man roster.

Reynolds’ 2025 Bucs Draft Picks

The Bucs don’t have a draft choose within the sixth spherical this yr, however I added an extra fourth-round choose from Tennessee with the Jamel Dean commerce. Regardless of including an out of doors linebacker and a cornerback in free company, along with the return of inside linebackers Lavonte David and J.J. Russell, it’s time to flood these positions with draft picks at these spots, too.

Spherical 1 – Boston Faculty OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku

Boston Faculty edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku – Picture by: USA Immediately

The Bucs contemplated enhancing the sting rusher place in free company with a splash signing, however in my state of affairs, the workforce deemed Khalil Mack to be too outdated at 34 to throw massive cash at, and Josh Sweat was too expensive and too much like Yaya Diaby. Ezeiruaku is a incredible, athletic edge rusher with 30 profession sacks, together with 16.5 final yr. He’s the right complement to Diaby and will probably be developed by Larry Foote, who’s again teaching outdoors linebackers.

You may watch Ezeiruaku’s highlights right here.

Spherical 2 – East Carolina CB Shavon Revel

Bucs G.M. Jason Licht hardly ever trades future draft picks, however with 6-foot-2 Revel there early within the second spherical, he sends the Bucs’ second-rounder and a 2026 third-round choose to Raiders G.M. John Spytek to maneuver as much as No. 37 to draft him. With Tampa Bay desirous to go all-in to enhance its secondary this yr, it is a massive commerce that lands the workforce one other starting-caliber cornerback outdoors of Charvarius Ward, who was signed in free company.

You may watch Revel’s highlights right here.

Spherical 3 – Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa

The Bucs handle inside linebacker with Bassa, who excels in protection and also can rush the passer. Bassa had a formidable Senior Bowl efficiency and has good management qualities and a excessive soccer I.Q. He’ll compete with SirVocea Dennis for the correct to begin as a rookie.

You may watch Bassa’s highlights right here.

Spherical 4 (from Tennessee) – Kansas CB Cobee Bryant

The Bucs flood the place at cornerback with the choice of Bryant, who has nice zone instincts and ballhawking capacity. Bryant is a tricky and prepared tackler, and has 13 interceptions in 4 years at KU, together with a pair of pick-sixes, together with 22 move breakups, three compelled fumbles and two fumble recoveries, together with one for a landing.

You may watch Bryant’s highlights right here.

Spherical 4 – Sacramento State G Jackson Slater

The Bucs bolster their depth alongside the inside of the offensive line with Slater, who was probably the most athletic guards on the NFL Scouting Mix. Jason Licht can’t assist himself relating to drafting small faculty linemen and the 6-foot-3, 311-pound Slater is the most recent one.

You may watch Slater’s highlights right here.

Spherical 5 – Oklahoma State ILB Nickolas Martin

Oklahoma State ILB Nickolas Martin – Picture by: USA Immediately

Tampa Bay floods the within linebacker place with one other one within the draft in Martin, a quick and bodily tackling machine. He had 140 tackles together with six sacks and a pair of interceptions as a junior, however missed over half of his closing yr at Oklahoma State because of a knee damage. Martin is absolutely healed and had a stable Senior Bowl efficiency, which led to a proper interview with the workforce on the NFL Scouting Mix.

You may watch Martin’s highlights right here.

Spherical 7 – South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway

Hemingway could not make it to the seventh spherical, however it is a very deep defensive deal with draft class, and he’s undersized at 6-foot-3, 284 kilos. Like Logan Corridor, Hemingway is a undertaking, and might want to add dimension and power on the subsequent stage. The hope is that he can exchange Corridor as DT3 or DT4 in 2026 and be a rotational sub with Calijah Kancey due to his quickness and athleticism.

You may watch Hemingway’s highlights right here.

Reynolds’ “Method Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Baker Mayfield
Kyle Trask
Michael Pratt

Evaluation: The Bucs have continuity on the quarterback place with Mayfield, a two-time Professional Bowler, and Trask, who is aware of the system however lacks enjoying time outdoors of the preseason. Pratt reveals sufficient promise to maintain as Trask’s eventual substitute in 2026.

RUNNING BACKS – 3

Bucky Irving
Rachaad White
Sean Tucker

Bucs RBs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Evaluation: Tampa Bay’s operating backs room is the envy of the league, as all three runners may begin someplace within the NFL. Irving is the function again, whereas White, who’s getting into a contract yr, is likely one of the greatest third-down backs within the league. Tucker is an rising expertise with blazing pace that should work on move safety to see the sphere extra.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 5

Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Jalen McMillan
Noah Brown
Kameron Johnson

Evaluation: Don’t let the numbers idiot you, because the Bucs can stash three extensive receivers – suppose Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller and maybe Trey Palmer – on the apply squad. Tampa Bay has its high three receivers returning this yr in Evans, Godwin and McMillan. The addition of Brown provides the workforce a giant, versatile veteran with sufficient pace in case Godwin begins off the season gradual. The Bucs hope Johnson can keep wholesome as a result of he brings pace and a dynamic high quality to the place.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade Otton
Payne Durham
Devin Culp

Evaluation: Tampa Bay’s tight finish room is stable, as all three gamers leveled up final yr. Otton grew to become a whole tight finish, whereas Durham and Culp can duke it out for the correct to be TE2 this yr on offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 10

LT Tristan Wirfs
LG Ben Bredeson
C Graham Barton
RG Cody Mauch
RT Luke Goedeke
OT Justin Skule
G-C Elijah Klein
G Jackson Slater
OT Raiqwon O’Neal
G-T Luke Haggard

Evaluation: The Bucs have the most effective younger offensive strains within the NFL with Wirfs as an All-Professional, and Goedeke, Mauch and Barton all having Professional Bowl potential. Bredeson, Klein and Slater can duke it out for the correct to begin at left guard. Each Bredeson and Klein can snap, so the Bucs have an in-house substitute for Robert Hainsey.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6

Vita Vea
Calijah Kancey
Logan Corridor
Poona Ford
Greg Gaines
Tonka Hemingway

Bucs DTs Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Evaluation: The dynamic duo of Vea and Kancey is likely one of the league’s greatest defensive deal with tandems. The addition of Ford and Hemingway boosts the general expertise and depth at defensive deal with, and offers some cowl in 2026 in case Corridor blows up in his contract yr and strikes on subsequent yr in free company.

EDGE RUSHERS – 5

Yaya Diaby
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Joseph Ossai
Chris Braswell
Anthony Nelson

Evaluation: This group is younger, however a lot gifted with the addition of Ezeiruaku, the workforce’s first-round choose, and Ossai, who spent the final 4 years studying from Professional Bowler Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati. Diaby and Braswell are nonetheless on the rise, and everybody will profit from higher teaching this yr from Larry Foote, who’s again teaching outdoors linebackers.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Lavonte David
SirVocea Dennis
Jeffrey Bassa
Nickolas Martin
Divine Deablo

Evaluation: Tampa Bay hopes to squeeze yet another good yr out of David, whose management is simply as essential as his on-field play. Dennis must step up and keep wholesome in 2025, and if he doesn’t he’ll lose enjoying time to 2 athletic rookies in Bassa and Martin. Deablo upgrades the pace of this unit and may be a diamond within the tough in free company. J.J. Russell is again on the apply squad once more for elevated depth at linebacker.

CORNERBACKS – 5

Zyon McCollum
Charvarius Ward
Shavon Revel
Cobee Bryant
Josh Hayes

East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. – Picture courtesy of ECU

Evaluation: Tampa Bay’s cornerback room encompasses a new veteran starter in Ward, who’s a greater playmaker than Jamel Dean was. Revel is an ideal match for Todd Bowles’ protection from a size-speed-playmaking standpoint. He’s a future starter. Bryant may additionally see the sphere early as a nickel, as he’s a ballhawk and a tricky tackler in run assist. Hayes returns for his particular groups prowess as one of many league’s greatest gunners.

SAFETIES – 5

Antoine Winfield Jr.
Tykee Smith
Andre Cisco
Christian Izien
Kaevon Merriweather

Evaluation: The workforce correctly moved on from Jordan Whitehead, who had a disappointing return to Tampa Bay. Smith, who’s a pure playmaker, strikes into the sturdy security position so he can play 100% of the snaps on protection. Cisco is a ballhawk who replaces Mike Edwards, whereas the versatile Izien and Merriweather return for depth functions.

SPECIALISTS – 3

Okay Chase McLaughlin
P  Jake Julien
LS Evan Deckers

Evaluation: McLaughlin is likely one of the league’s greatest kickers and Deckers is an underrated and constant lengthy snapper. Julien demonstrated a giant, booming leg within the CFL and finally wins the punter duties.

What Did You Assume?

  Did you want my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2025 offseason? Does it adequately handle Tampa Bay’s wants? Which additions did you want greatest? Let me know what you suppose within the article feedback part under.

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