Key Dates to Know Through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Offseason
As the season ends and the offseason ramps up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers there are some important dates to keep in mind as the team transitions.
Jan. 29 -Feb 3: Senior Bowl Week
The Senior Bowl game and its week of practices provide a look at some of the top college players in the country who declared for the NFL Draft. The Bucs have taken several players from the Senior Bowl in Jason Licht’s tenure as general manager.
Last year Licht drafted starters in right guard Cody Mauch, edge rusher Yaya Diaby, and wide receiver Trey Palmer. Other contributors from the rookie class that attended Senior Bowl week include tight end Payne Durham, linebacker SirVocea Dennis, and safety Kaevon Merriweather.
In 2022 Licht struck gold in starting defensive tackle Logan Hall, right tackle Luke Goedeke, and running back Rachaad White. Starting tight end Cade Otton was also selected but could not participate due to injury. Bucs punter Jake Camarda was a member of the class as well.
If you go back to 2021 the Bucs ended up with starting center Robert Hainsey, backup quarterback Kyle Trask and project starter at linebacker for next season K.J. Britt. That’s 10 potential starters on next year's Buccaneers team from the Senior Bowl. It's something to keep in mind when it comes to the draft.
Feb. 1: East-West Shrine Bowl
Much like the Senior Bowl some of the top players in the nation gather and practice all week that culminate in the East-West Shrine Bowl game. Bucs nickel cornerback Christien Izien participated in the game last year.
Feb. 19: Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield Dead Cap Hits Applied to 2024 Salary Cap
The Bucs can still sign Mayfield and Evans after this date, before free agency starts, or even after it starts, but if the two are in the Bucs' future plans, which they should be, though there is some onus on getting a deal done before the 19th of February. That’s when the pair's current contracts void, 23 days before the new league year.
At that point, Evans’ dead money for this season will hit the 2024 cap space to the tune of $12.2 million. At the same time, Mayfield would account for $2.3 million. If the Bucs can reach a new deal with Evans before the 19th they would save $7.2 million against the cap this year. While pushing that dead money amount out over the years of his new deal. Mayfield would save much less but savings are savings.
Feb. 20: Franchise/ Transition Tags Can Be Applied
I wouldn’t expect the Bucs to slap the franchise tag on anyone right away. With Antoine Winfield Jr. being the most likely option the team will likely negotiate until the official deadline.
Feb. 27 - March 4: NFL Draft Combine
The NFL descends on Indianapolis to host the country’s top free pageants for workouts and interviews in front of and with the NFL’s top brass from each organization.
March 5: Franchise Tag Deadline 4 pm
The Bucs would like to avoid using the franchise tag this season but the most likely candidate on the team would be free agent Antoine Winfirled Jr. The All-Pro safety wants to stay with the Bucs on a long-term deal but if they can’t work one out before the deadline they will likely apply the tag on him.
March 11 - 13: Two-Day Negotiation Period Prior To Free Agency
This is the league's unofficial tampering period. Free agents are not allowed to discuss terms of deals with NFL teams but somehow at 4 pm on the dot when free agency officially opens there are always a handful of guys who somehow already have deals done.
March 13: 4 pm Free Agency Begins
Teams are now allowed to officially sign any available free agents
April 15: Offseason Workouts Begin
Players are now allowed to report to team facilities to begin working out at their training centers. No official practices are allowed to be conducted.
April 19: Deadline For Restricted Free Agents To Sign Offer Sheet
The Bucs have just two restricted free agents on their team this coming offseason. Defensive back Dee Delaney and offensive lineman Nick Leverett.
April 25 - 27 NFL Draft
The Bucs have just six selections in this year's draft. They are without a fifth-round selection due to a draft day trade with the Eagles last year that netted them the sixth-rounder they used to select wide receiver Trey Palmer.
May 2: Deadline For Teams To Exercise Their Fifth-Year Option On First-Round Selections From 2021
For the Bucs, they have a decision to make regarding Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. The former first-rounder hasn't lived up to expectations and lost his starting job to rookie Yaya Diaby in Week 10. It is unlikely the Bucs pick up his option which would come in at around $12 million for 2025. However, he remains under contract for the 2024 season.
May 3-6 or 10-13 Rookie Minicamp
Teams are allowed either set of dates to conduct their rookie minicamp. That will include their draft haul and any undrafted free agent signings as well as players in on a tryout basis.
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
