Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Offseason Predictions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason is in full swing with the NFL Scouting Combine in the books and free agency right around the corner. The Bucs have some work to do as they try to re-sign their own free agents before focusing on signing outside players. After coming a few minutes away from potentially playing in the NFC Championship, the Bucs are ready to reload and gear up for another run.
The team has a new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen and several new assistants on the staff after Dave Canales left for the Carolina Panthers' head coaching gig. The Bucs feel like they're in a window to compete for a Super Bowl and adding more talented youth to the roster while mixing in some value free agents and a splash or two could put them over the hump.
The Bucs have roughly $15,405,000 million in cap space after signing wide receiver Mike Evans to a new two-year deal with a max valuation of $52 million, but they have a multitude of ways of opening up cap space to be able to not only sign their own free agents but also make a splash in free agency.
Keep in mind the rule of 51 in the offseason as well, where only the top 51 salaries are applied to the cap. The use of void years and backloaded contracts are expected to lower first-year cap hits as the salary cap continues to increase each year.
Most contract projections are courtesy of AtoZ Sports Top 105 Contract Projections by Josh Quiepo and Kyle Dediminicananio.
Bucs Restructures
Vita Vea - Restructuring Vea's contract opens up an additional $10,781,250 in cap space.
Jamel Dean - Restructuring Deans deal opens up an additional $8,156,250 million in cap space.
With the two moves, the Bucs cap space stands at $34,342,500.
Bucs Cuts
WR Russell Gage - Releasing Gage opens up an additional $6,448,000 in cap space.
OLB Shaq Barrett - Designating Barrett as a post-June 1st release will open up $4,923,882 on June 2nd.
C Ryan Jensen - The Bucs will carry Jensen on the roster until June 1st when they can process his retirement. In doing so the team will open up a modest savings of $1,210,000 freeing up on June 2nd.
The Bucs' cap space with those moves will be $40,790,500. They will receive an additional $6,133,882 on June 2nd added to the cap which they will likely use for operating costs, such as the practice squad and any in-season roster moves.
Trades
Bucs make a trade prior to the NFL Draft moving on from cornerback Carlton Davis. In this deal, the Los Angeles Chargers acquire the veteran cornerback for a fourth-round selection, 106 overall. Trading Davis gives the Bucs another $6,300,941 in cap space.
The trade of Davis and his savings brings the Bucs' cap space to $47,091,442 million.
Bucs Extensions
Tristan Wirfs - 5 years $135 million $80 million guaranteed
The Pro Bowl left tackle resets the market with a massive five-year extension that resets the tackle market giving him an annual average of $27 million per year. Set to count $18 million towards the cap on his fifth-year option the Bucs structure his new contract to lower his cap hit in 2024 giving them $10 million in cap space.
With Wirfs extension complete, the Bucs have $57,091,442 million heading into free agency.
Bucs Exclusive Free Agents Signed
WR Deven Thompkins - $985,000
As an exclusive rights free agent, Thompkins had no choice in the matter as it was playing for the Bucs or no one else. He'll be back to compete at wide receiver and as the team's returner.
OL Brandon Walton - $985,000
Walton falls under the same category as Thompkins. The versatile lineman will be competing for a job this year with the Bucs.
Bucs Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed
LB Devin White
White has likely played his last down for the Bucs. He will head out into free agency and likely have to settle for a one-year prove-it deal after a less-than-desirable contract year.
DL William Gholston
Gholston is one of the longest-tenured Buccaneers right next to Lavonte David but he sees his time come to an end as the Bucs look to get younger at the position.
OL Nick Leverett
This move is more about Leverett wanting to find an opportunity to start rather than his desire to come back to the team. As a restricted free agent, the Bucs likely decline to tender him making him an unrestricted free agent.
WR David Moore
Moore came on late after injuries hit the wide receiver room. The veteran brought surprise playmaking to the room but the Bucs will likely look to upgrade the roster and Moore seems destined for Carolina.
OG Aaron Stinnie
Stinnie filled in admirably for the Bucs last season at left guard but the team will surely look to upgrade the position this year. Instead of returning as a backup, he could end up in Carolina to reunite with his offensive line coaches and compete for a starting spot.
OG Matt Feiler
Feiler lost his starting spot due to injury but struggled beforehand anyway. He is unlikely to return.
S Ryan Neal
Neal never found his footing with the Bucs. Coming off a season as one of the better safeties in the league, Neal struggled in coverage all season and will likely find a new home in free agency,
OLB Cam Gill
Gill made the roster out of training camp but played sparingly during the regular season. He was, however, a core special teamer but with younger options on the roster ready to step up Gill finds a new home.
Bucs Free Agents Re-signed
QB Baker Mayfield - 3 years, $97million ($40 million guaranteed)
Mayfield had a career resurgence with the Bucs and posted one of the best seasons of his career. After some back-and-forth negotiations, the two sides come to terms on an agreeable deal that is team-friendly and gives Mayfield the financial stability he's looking for. Incentives in the deal can push the contract well over $100 million.
S Antoine Winfield - 4 years, $82 million ($40 million guaranteed)
Winfield is sure to reset the market at safety after an All-Pro season at the position. He put up absurd numbers and will be part of Tampa Bay for a long time.
LB Lavonte David - 1 year, $7.5 million ($7 million guaranteed)
David and the Bucs have publicly stated they want to continue their relationship this season. It'll likely take a bump up in pay after the season he had last year, but both sides get it done.
K Chase McLaughlin - 3 years, $11 million ($6 million guaranteed)
McLaughlin was as reliable as they came in 2023 with his only missed field goal attempts in the regular season coming off two blocked kicks. The Bucs will need to pay more for his services than they did last year, but locking him up should be a no-brainer.
QB John Wolford - 1 year, $1.125 million
With the hiring of Liam Coen, it makes it even more likely Wolford will be back for the Bucs in 2024. Wolford had a chance to leave the team during the season but has stated he wants to be in Tampa Bay.
RB Chase Edmonds - 1 year, $1.125 million
Edmonds wants to be here and isn't going to be an expensive option. Re-signing him to a one-year deal while adding to the backfield is likely.
DL Pat O’Connor - 1 year, $1.125 million
Special teams ace and rotational lineman, O'Connor loves Tampa and I would be surprised if he didn't return even if it's as a practice squad player.
DL Greg Gaines - 1 year, $2.5 million ($1.75 million guaranteed)
Gaines is brought back on the Bucs next season albeit at a lower contract rate. There isn't proven depth on the team and he is a serviceable backup and is well-liked on the team.
CB Dee Delaney - 1 year, $1.125 million
Delaney has been a versatile defensive back for the Bucs and though they don't bring him back on a restricted tender he is brought back on a smaller deal to be a core piece of the secondary.
OT Justin Skule - 1 year, $1.125 million
Skule was the Bucs' backup swing tackle last year. He also functioned as the team's jumbo tight end. Bringing him back on a cheap veterans minimum deal is an easy decision.
LS Zach Triner - 3 years, $5 million
Triner will almost certainly be back as the team's long snapper.
Bucs Free Agents Signed
TE Austin Hooper - 1 year, $1.125 million
The Bucs had the youngest tight end room in the league last season. They don't need to add another rookie to the mix. Instead, they could use a veteran to back up Cade Otton.
He posted an 81.5 pass blocking grade last season with a 50.6 run blocking grade at PFF, but that was still higher than Otton. Most importantly, when Hooper is on the field he is still a threat in the passing game. He's not the receiving threat he once was but teams have to account for him. He also spent two years with Baker Mayfield in Cleveland.
C Brian Allen - 1 year, $1.125 million
Allen has had his last two seasons derailed by injury but he was the Rams starting center in the Super Bowl the year they won it all. He has familiarity with Liam Coen and new offensive line coach Kevin Carberry and if healthy can push Hainsey for the starting job.
OG John Feliciano - 1 year, $2 million
Feliciano started 10 games last season, including the Super Bowl. He finished with an 81.2 overall blocking grade posting an outstanding run-blocking grade of 87 via PFF. The veteran guard would be a great reserve offensive lineman, who has the versatility to play either the guard spot or center in a pinch. He can be there to push any rookie the Bucs bring in and step in and start if need be.
WR Josh Reynolds - 2 years, $11 million ($5 million guaranteed)
With Godwin moving back into the inside slot position, the Bucs need depth to man the outside opposite Evans. Reynolds saw 64 percent of his snaps in his last season but has the flexibility to bounce inside as well. He also has familiarity working with new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen who was his wide receivers coach in 2018 and 2019.
Reynolds is a strong run blocker and has a natural feel for the position, proving to be a reliable option on third and fourth down. Last season he racked up 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns on 61 targets.
LB Blake Cashman - 2 years, $9 million ($5 million guaranteed)
Cashman would be a tremendous fit for the Bucs in free agency. In 13 starts he had 106 tackles, nine for loss, two sacks, five pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He graded well in run defense, pass rush, and coverage and his 82.1 overall grade saw him finish as the 8th best at his position.
He finished fourth in coverage grade at PFF. An ascending player, Cashman would fit in seamlessly on the roster and give David a true running mate who can play all three downs effectively.
S Jeremy Chinn - 1 year, $3 million ($2 million guaranteed)
The Bucs should definitely look towards the draft to get a cost-controlled option next to Antoine Winfield Jr. but they sorely lack depth at the position. Chinn didn't quite mesh with Ejiro Evero's system in Carolina and was plagued by injuries the last two seasons. After two straight 100 tackle seasons to begin his career, he totaled just 100 tackles combined over the past two seasons.
When healthy Chinn's size, athleticism, and versatility make him an intriguing chess piece that can be used in a variety of ways. He suits best as a hybrid safety nickel linebacker role and can erase tight ends from the play with his coverage ability. He's got a knack for making big plays with two interceptions, three fumbles, and recoveries including two touchdowns and four sacks over his four-year career.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles would have a lot of fun with Chinn's ability to line up in multiple spots on the defense.
CB Keisean Nixon - 2 years, $8 million ($3.5 million guaranteed)
The Bucs should certainly come away with a cornerback in such a deep draft, but adding depth through free agency after injuries have ravaged the secondary should be a priority. Last season the Bucs got strong play from undrafted free agent Christian Izien but that doesn't mean he should go unchallenged for the starting nickel spot.
Nixon started 13 games for the Packers last season and while it wasn't always pretty, he improved as the season progressed. He finished with 80 tackles, three for loss, two sacks, six pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Oh, he is also a dynamic return man as well and a threat to take it to the house on any play as a two-time first-team All-Pro returner.
OLB Bryce Huff - 4 years, $64 million ($17.5 million guaranteed)
The Bucs need a true number one pass rusher and if they are going to spend some money at the position Huff could be a top option for the team. The 25-year-old pass rusher had an insane pass rush win rate of 22.7% last season. He wins multiple ways with a great first step that he utilizes with an array of pass-rush moves. He had 10 sacks for the Jets last season with 67 pressures in just 481 snaps. Huff is projected to sign a three-year deal worth around $50 million, per PFF.
Mock Draft
Trade: The Bucs make a draft day trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bucs trade their first-round selection number 26 overall (700, per DraftTek's evaluation model) for the Raiders' second and third-round picks numbers 44 and 77 overall (670) and a 2025 fourth in a projected move-up for a quarterback. The meat and bones of this draft is on Day 2 and the Bucs take advantage of moving back to bolster their draft capital, giving them four picks in the second and third rounds.
2.44 (LV): DL Braden Fiske Florida State 6'4 - 292 - 4.78 - Senior
The Bucs are lacking depth on the defensive line and Logan Hall hasn't developed the way the Bucs would've liked the past two seasons. Fiske can play up and down the line and has an extremely quick first step to penetrate the backfield. Head Coach Todd Bowles said at the combine he was frustrated with the lack of pressure by the front four and Fiske would certainly help that cause. He met formally with the Bucs at the combine.
After spending his first four years at Western Michigan, he transferred to Florida State last season and posted six sacks and nine tackles for loss wreaking havoc in the backfield. He has less than ideal arm length and can get tied up in the run game, but he has an outstanding football IQ and his pass-rush prowess makes up for any run deficiencies. He can be used as a rotation lineman in his rookie year while pushing Hall.
2.58: WR Xavier Legette South Carolina 6'1 - 221- 4.39 - Senior
Legette turned heads at the combine with a solid performance and an excellent 40 time, but people I have talked to still seem to think there will be trepidation when it comes to selecting the wideout early on Day 2. There are concerns about his polish as a wide receiver, particularly his route running and selling and just one year of production in college.
All this bodes well for the Bucs though, as they land a freakish athlete that can develop under Mike Evans and Chris Godwin while pushing Palmer for the No. 3 role in the offense. After bringing in just 42 receptions for 423 yards and five touchdowns in his first four seasons, he exploded in 2023 for 71 catches, 1255 yards, and seven scores in his final year at college.
3.77 (LV): S Jaden Hicks Washington State 6'2 - 211 - 4.59 - RS Sophomore
The Bucs need to find a cheap cost-controlled option to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr., who is set to receive a ton of money on his next deal. Hicks is a three-level defender who can make plays in the box, the middle of the field, and the back end. The rangy safety had 81 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and three sacks as a junior for the Cougars.
Hicks would allow Winfield Jr. to continue to play all over the field while not being a liability when asked to play in coverage. He is a versatile player who would allow Bucs head coach Todd Bowles to use him in a variety of ways and give the defense a pair of playmakers at safety.
3.87: OG Mason McCormick South Dakota State 6'4 - 309 - 5.08 - Senior
Another draft, another small school offensive lineman for Jason Licht and the Bucs. After plucking Cody Mauch from North Dakota State last season, Licht heads south to select McCormick. The senior left guard has a nasty demeanor and is physical to the whistle. He excels in run blocking, especially in zone, and finishes blocks when engaged.
While he isn't a polished product in pass blocking, he adjusts well to a wide array of pass rush moves defenders will use against him. In 54 consecutive starts at left guard, he allowed just two sacks. He'll need to prove he can handle the jump from the FCS to the NFL, but like the small school lineman before him the Bucs drafted, he's up to the task.
4.106 (LAC): OLB Mohamed Kamara Colorado State 6'1 - 248 - 4.57 - Senior
If the Bucs are looking for production at the edge Kamara found it in droves at Colorado State. The under-sized edge rusher wreaked havoc in the backfield with a quick getoff and an array of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback and ball carrier. He plays with aggression and a relentless motor to finish plays and uses great leverage and bend to attack the passer.
However, due to his less-than-ideal length, he can get hung up by longer-armed tackles and will struggle to set the edge. Though he will fight to get off blocks and isn't easily washed out of plays. Kamara ended his college career with a staggering 45.5 tackles for loss, 30.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
4.126: CB Nehemiah Pritchett Auburn 6'0 - 190 - 4.36 - Senior
The Bucs go back to the Auburn well for another cornerback after trading one this offseason. Pritchett is one of two Auburn corners in this draft and has the size and speed the Bucs look for. He ran a blazing 4.36, 40-time at the combine and can play in any coverage scheme. Pritchett has starter upside at the position but needs to be more consistent in run support and tackling. Having three different defensive coordinators in three years didn't help his cause, however, the tools are all there to develop.
Pritchett got his hands on the ball a ton at Auburn, finishing his collegiate career with 24 pass deflections and three interceptions. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and 115 total tackles.
6.203: RB Isaiah Davis South Dakota State 6'0 - 218 - 4.57 - Senior
When watching the tape of guard Mason McCormick, it's hard not to notice and get excited about Davis. The one thing the Bucs lacked last season in the running game was size and toughness between the tackles and Davis brings it in droves. When watching Davis the first thing that jumps off the page is his vision and instincts. He always seems to find the right hole to break through. Though he's not a burner and doesn't have explosiveness like Rachaad White, his short-area quickness and agility are exceptional.
His production throughout his time at South Dakota State was explosive. He finished his senior season with 1,578 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown through the air.
6. 220 (comp): C Tanor Bortolini 6'4 -303 - 4.94 - Senior
The Bucs double-dip on the offensive line in the draft grabbing a guard earlier and now a center prospect to develop. Bortoli has excellent athleticism and plays with sound technique. He has a high football IQ and awareness and is a capable puller. The senior has center and guard flexibility and has played in every run-blocking scheme.
He can have trouble with explosive nose tackles and get caught leaning at times but going up against Vita Vea and proper coaching can help those two areas. He finished with 28 career starts and allowed just three sacks and 13 hurries over his final three seasons with the Badgers. He met with the Bucs on an informal interview at the combine.
7.244: QB Devin Leary Kentucky 6'1 - 215 - N/A - Senior
The Bucs would be wise to come out of the draft with a quarterback to develop but shouldn't waste an early to mid-round draft pick to do so. With Mayfield signed to a long-term deal, waiting a year or two down the road to draft a quarterback to groom for the future makes much more sense.
Enter Leary, Liam Coen's quarterback at Kentucky. Leary has a leg up over most rookies knowing the system already and can be an asset in the quarterback room when it comes to the terminology and how Coen likes to run things. It would be a smooth transition for him and he would be a good addition to the Bucs practice squad. He's got a strong arm and finished his collegiate career with 87 touchdowns to just 28 interceptions.
53-Man Roster Prediction
Quarterbacks - 2
Baker Mayfield
John Wolford
Running Backs - 4
Rachaad White
Chase Edmonds
Sean Tucker
Isaiah Davis
Wide Receiver - 6
Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Trey Palmer
Josh Reynolds
Xavier Legette
Rakim Jarrett
Tight End - 3
Cade Otton
Austin Hooper
Payne Durham
Offensive Line - 9
Tristan Wirfs
Mason McCormick
Robert Hainsey
Cody Mauch
Luke Goedeke
Jon Felciano
Brian Allen
Brandon Walton
Justin Skule
Defensive Line -6
Vita Vea
Calijah Kancey
Logan Hall
Braden Fiske
Greg Gaines
Mike Greene
Outside Linebacker -6
Bryce Huff
Yaya Diaby
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Anthony Nelson
Mohamed Kamara
Jose Ramirez
Inside Linebacker - 4
Lavonte David
Blake Cashman
K.J. Britt
SirVocea Dennis
Cornerback - 6
Jamel Dean
Zyon McCollum
Keisean Nixon
Christian Izien
Nehemiah Pritchett
Dee Delaney
Safety - 4
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Jaden Hicks
Jeremy Chinn
Kaevon Merriweather
Special Teams -3
K Chase McLaughlin
P Jake Camarda
LS Zach Triner
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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