Matt Matera’s Bucs Battle Plan For 2025

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.

Keep in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com employees members would reshape the crew this offseason – not essentially what we predict Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there may very well be some overlap with sure gamers the crew could also be concentrating on.

Matt Matera’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

When wanting on the Bucs’ finest solution to make a Tremendous Bowl run, it begins with successful the NFC South once more, which they’ve carried out the previous 4 seasons. Tampa Bay continues to be the definitive chief in its division and there’s nonetheless a very good hole between the others. The Saints are a multitude, the Panthers are nonetheless one other season away from competing, and the Bucs’ greatest risk, the Falcons, have Michael Penix Jr. beginning at quarterback and that comes with some uncertainty. 

It’s not going to be a cakewalk, however something apart from one other division title for the Bucs could be a shock. That’s why Tampa Bay wants to verify they will run with the Eagles, Lions and others for a deep playoff push. 

My plan for that is to instantly assist the Bucs whereas additionally maintaining a tally of the long run for Tampa Bay. I love how Jason Licht can proceed to replenish this crew by nice draft picks and smart free company strikes. Sooner or later, they must make impression upgrades and I imagine I accomplish that with out mortgaging the crew’s future. Fixing the protection is a giant precedence, and that is available in by loading up that facet by free company and drafting gamers. The draft might have taken some liberties, however the thought behind was to make this crew higher.

Bucs Restructures

QB Baker Mayfield – $21,558,750 cap savedLT Tristan Wirfs – $19,864,000 cap savedS Antoine Winfield Jr. – $14,872,500 cap saved

Bucs Extensions

WR Mike Evans – This transfer comes after Evans nonetheless managed to succeed in the 1,000-yard receiving mark and scored 11 touchdowns regardless of lacking 3.5 video games. He confirmed no indicators of slowing down on the age of 31, and this extension each saves some cash, giving the Bucs $15 million extra in cap room and secures his providers for 2026, ensuring that 2025 received’t be one other contract yr.

Bucs Cuts

S Jordan Whitehead – This transfer saves the Bucs $4.5 million in wage cap house with no lifeless cash. It was already reported that Tampa Bay made this determination as nicely. The harm considerations surrounding Whitehead and his beck stemming from his late season automotive accident are the largest subject of all of it.

CB Jamel Dean – The mixture of lacking too many video games and never taking the ball away sufficient ultimately does Dean in. He’s a very good nook, however not a playmaker. Todd Bowles desires ballhawks, however that doesn’t simply apply to gamers they wish to draft. Whereas the Bucs do take a lifeless cap hit of $6.852 million, in addition they save $8,284,941 in cap house.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed

WR Chris Godwin – 3 years, $57 million

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photograph by: USA As we speak

The Bucs and Godwin have been down this street earlier than, and so they’ll do it once more. Coming back from a dislocated ankle is completely different than Godwin’s torn ACL from a number of seasons in the past. The understanding is that when Godwin is in type, he’s nonetheless probably the greatest receivers within the league. His 576 receiving yards in seven video games speaks to that. Godwin continues to be the mainstay of this offense and I’ve no doubts that he’ll recuperate simply effective. The Bucs pay him good cash, but in addition don’t overpay for it.

ILB Lavonte David – 1 yr, $5.75 million (**Battle Plan was devised earlier than David re-signed on a one-year deal value $10 million)

That is the final hurrah for David, who decides to maintain enjoying understanding that the Bucs nonetheless have an opportunity to win one other Tremendous Bowl. David can nonetheless dial it up when he must. The cross protection isn’t there as a lot, however he can blitz nicely and browse a play higher that the majority. It’ll be essential to platoon David as an alternative of overusing him.

QB Kyle Trask – 1 yr, $4 million

It’s type of loopy that after 4 seasons, we nonetheless don’t know what Tampa Bay has in Trask. I’d nonetheless guess that he’s a greater choice at backup quarterback than what different groups have. He is aware of the offense and has labored with many of those gamers that he’ll be throwing to if he comes right into a scenario.

DT Greg Gaines – 1 yr, $2 million

Bucs DT Greg Gaines – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Gaines is reasonable, dependable depth. He performs the run nicely and confirmed somewhat extra cross rush potential in 2024. He’s a strong backup to Vita Vea, in addition to a very good man for the defensive position room.

OT Justin Skule – 1 yr, $1.5 million

Skule proved he has a ton of worth to the crew as the highest backup sort out after filling in for Luke Goedeke. The Bucs can win video games he begins in and he’s good associates with Tristan Wirfs and the opposite lineman. He’s good for locker room morale and strong in his function.

CB Tavierre Thomas -1 yr, $1.5 million

A savvy particular teamer that blocked a kick final season. Thomas shall be essential for that function on the Bucs this season and can be utilized in a number of areas within the secondary in the event that they want him to.

OG Royce Newman – 1 yr, $1 million

This signing comes as a result of Ben Bredeson isn’t re-signed, however his alternative is crammed by the draft. Newman is aware of the offense after being right here for a season and has some expertise beginning video games.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed

OLB Joe Tryon ShoyinkaILB Ok.J. BrittC Robert HainseyOG Ben BredesonOLB Shaq BarrettOLB Anthony NelsonDL Will GholstonDL Adam GostsisS Mike EdwardsRB Chase EdmondsCB Troy HillS Ryan NealCB Bryce HallOL Sua OpetaDL Eric Banks

Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-SignedILB J.J. Russell

Russell is all coronary heart and hustle when he performs the sport. That type of effort is value permitting him to compete for a roster spot in coaching camp. He has some beginning expertise and is aware of the protection greater than others who’re introduced in.

S Kaevon Merriweather

The Bucs re-signed Merriweather on Friday morning. He’s dependable on particular groups and common enjoying at security when changing others. He’s a participant that you just don’t thoughts having round.

New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed

OLB Khalil Mack – 1 yr, $20 million 

Chargers OLB Khalil Mack – Photograph by: USA As we speak

Khalil Mack has carried out every thing in his NFL profession aside from win a Tremendous Bowl. Taking part in in his house state of Florida with a playoff contending crew attracts his curiosity to the Bucs. Mack is getting older at 34, however two seasons in the past, he recorded 17 sacks and has proven that it doesn’t matter what crew he goes to, he produces. It’s true he had simply six sacks final season. What I’m in search of is someplace in between these 17 and 6 sacks. If groups wish to double crew Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, Mack will get one-on-one matchups. The one-year deal doesn’t tie the Bucs down, both. 

CB – Rasual Douglas – 2 years, $22 million 

Why would I substitute an oft-injured Jamel Dean with an older participant who missed a whole lot of time final season? Merely put, Rasul Douglas takes the ball away. Previous to final season, Douglas had 5 interceptions in 2023 and one other 4 in 2022. I’m banking on that manufacturing to return with the Bucs’ protection that’ll even have a greater cross rush. Douglas’ age prevents him from getting greater than a two-year deal. Plus there’ll be different plans obtainable if he can’t play for some video games.

ILB Jamien Sherwood – 3 years, $32 million 

Jets ILB Jamien Sherwood – Photograph by: USA As we speak

If the Bucs can land Sherwood, it may be their most underrated signing. Sherwood doesn’t have a lot put on and tear on him after primarily being a backup, however was capable of begin lots final season. Sherwood was a tackling machine with 158 and two sacks. He used to play security, so he may cowl. 

CB Brandin Echols -1 yr, $2 million 

A reasonable depth piece, Echols is nice on particular groups and has expertise beginning at nook in 4 video games final season. He had two picks regardless of the Jets ravenous for interceptions just like the Bucs. He has two defensive touchdowns in his profession, including to this yr’s narrative of the protection making large performs.

P Riley Dixon – 1 yr, 1.75 million

Dixon was sixth within the league in touchdown punts contained in the 20 with solely 5 touchbacks. He averaged 46.7 yards per try, which isn’t that prime in comparison with the remainder of the league. However as Todd Bowles stated on the Mix, they only need a man that doesn’t shank it. His management of the ball and pinning groups again is helpful to Tampa Bay.

Matera’s 2025 Bucs Draft Picks

For transparency of this mock draft, I used the Professional Soccer Focus mock draft simulator and took what gamers have been obtainable on the board. Any trades used needed to be accepted by the mock draft CPU. Take a look at the picture alongside this draft that exhibits every transfer.

Draft Trades

Earlier than making the Bucs first-round decide at 19, I made a few trades to maneuver again within the first spherical to amass extra draft picks and ultimately used them to get one other participant who would assist the crew.

First, I traded again from the 19 spot with the Vikings, giving them the nineteenth decide for Minnesota’s twenty fourth general decide, a 3rd rounder (97th general) and a 3rd rounder in subsequent yr’s draft. On the clock at 24, I moved again even additional to twenty-eight, buying and selling with the Lions, giving them the twenty fourth decide in trade for decide 28, a 3rd (101), fourth (133) and sixth spherical decide (196).

Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton – Photograph by: USA As we speak

Spherical 1 (28) – Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton

At age 20, there’s loads of time to develop Scourton whereas additionally studying from a veteran like Mack. He already has extra cross dashing strikes than Yaya Diaby, together with a spin transfer that he likes to make use of, which provides the Bucs a special type of cross rusher.

*After making that first-round decide, I then shortly put collectively one other commerce to get again into the primary spherical. I traded away the Bucs’ second spherical decide (51), the Lions fourth spherical decide (133) and a 3rd spherical decide in subsequent yr’s draft to the Payments for the thirtieth general decide. Giving up future third rounder was no hurt as a consequence of it coming from the Vikings’ commerce, retaining the picks for subsequent season collectively.

Spherical 1 (30) – North Dakota State OL Gray Zabel

That is proper within the wheelhouse of what Jason Licht likes to do. He will get to construct by the trenches with a smaller faculty participant, though this one has a whole lot of hype round him. When requested on the Mix what place he’s going to play, he stated “offensive line.” Zabel has wonderful method, the appropriate dimension and is as violent and bodily of a soccer participant as they arrive. He reunites along with his former teammate Cody Mauch in Tampa.

Spherical 3 –  Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa

The Bucs deal with inside linebacker with Bassa, who excels in protection and may rush the passer. Bassa had a powerful Senior Bowl efficiency and has good management qualities and a excessive soccer I.Q. He’ll compete with SirVocea Dennis for the appropriate to start out as a rookie.

Matt Matera’s Bucs Mock Draft

Spherical 3 – Oregon WR Tez Johnson

Johnson was arguably the perfect broad receiver on the Senior Bowl. He has an unimaginable potential to get broad open and use his pace to create house from defenders. That’s precisely what Tampa Bay desires.

Spherical 3 – Kansas CB Cobee Bryant

Bryant has nice zone instincts and ballhawking potential. He’s a tricky and prepared tackler, and has 13 interceptions in 4 years at KU, together with a pair of pick-sixes, together with 22 cross breakups, three pressured fumbles and two fumble recoveries, together with one for a landing. He additionally likes to trash discuss, which this protection would possibly want.

Spherical 4 – Kansas CB Mello Dotson

Many have mentioned Bryant and Dotson collectively, so why not put them on the identical crew if it’s attainable? Dotson is one other ballhawking kind of participant that does nicely in zone. With the quantity that Todd Bowles blitzes, they want a participant like that. His athleticism shall be a giant asset for the Bucs.

Spherical 5 – Penn State ILB Kobe King

King has a very good trait that many gamers don’t have anymore within the NFL. He really wraps up when he tackles. He’s a bodily linebacker that’s nice at making open subject tackles. King is a tackling machine.

Spherical 6 – Syracuse S Alijah Clark

Clark is aware of the best way to break on routes nicely and canopy floor along with his pace. Getting off of blockers is a little bit of a problem, however he additionally performed his entire profession on particular groups, so he can play in that function on the NFL stage.

Spherical 7 – Alabama S Malachi Moore

Understanding the best way to monitor the soccer when in protection is a trait that Moore does nicely. He has a excessive soccer IQ and good footwork as nicely on the place. Moore additionally has expertise enjoying particular groups. He had a ton of accidents that lowered his draft worth and isn’t the largest security both. Taking part in at Alabama although, there’s a purpose why others are fascinated about his talents.

Matera’s “Means Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA As we speak

Baker MayfieldKyle TraskMichael Pratt

Evaluation: Mayfield is coming off of the perfect yr of his profession and comes again to basically the identical actual solid with some even higher additions. Josh Grizzard as OC received’t detract him from being a high 10 quarterback once more. Trask is a strong backup with some thriller nonetheless behind him. Pratt can preserve creating.

RUNNING BACKS – 3

Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean Tucker

Evaluation: If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it. Irving was a sensational operating again for the Bucs final yr, going over 1,000 yards and this time will get a full yr ranging from day one. White has so much to show in a contract yr and continues to be the perfect cross blocking and receiving again. Perhaps Tucker will get extra reps to maintain Irving recent, however he has to indicate he can deal with the passing sport tasks, too.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 5

Mike EvansChris GodwinJalen McMillanTez JohnsonKameron Johnson

Evaluation: Will the offense run by Evans or Godwin? That’s a luxurious that the Bucs as soon as once more have. Whereas Evans received the headlines, Godwin was the primary producer up till his harm. We’ll see if McMillan can construct on his landing streak to finish the season. Tez Johnson supplies Tampa Bay with higher depth, a future shot at beginning and a fantastic potential to get open. Johnson takes over punt return duties with Palmer on the follow squad.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade OttonPayne DurhamDevin Culp

Evaluation: We noticed glimpses of how good this group may very well be down the stretch. Otton suits in anyplace on the offense. He will be the primary goal or fill within the gaps when obligatory. Durham is carving out a pink zone presence and exhibits physicality. Culp has the perfect pace of the group.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 10

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and RT Luke Goedeke – Photograph by: Cliff Welch P/R

LT Tristan WirfsLG Gray ZabelC Graham BartonRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOT Justin SkuleOL Elijah KleinOL Royce NewmanOL Luke HaggardOT Raiqwon O’Neal

Evaluation: A high 5 unit within the league from final yr solidifies itself for years to return with Zabel coming in at beginning left guard. He’ll technically be the weak hyperlink beginning out, however that’s solely as a result of everybody else is so good at what they do. Each starter is underneath contract for at the least two extra years, which is unimaginable They get good depth with Klein and Skule.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 5

Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallGreg GainesMike Greene

Evaluation: If Kancey can start the season enjoying and Vea continues to play at his excessive stage, this group will do a whole lot of injury. My query is about what Corridor brings in a contract season. Was final yr an anomaly or has he really discovered his type? Gaines is a dependable backup who can play extra time if obligatory. Todd Bowles loves Mike Greene, so he will get an opportunity.

EDGE RUSHERS – 5

Chargers OLB Khalil Mack – Photograph by: USA As we speak

Khalil MackYaya DiabyNic ScourtonChris BraswellMarkees Watts

Evaluation: Upgrades come throughout at this place. Mack is as threatening as they arrive within the league. Diaby has an opportunity to bounce again with much less consideration on him, plus he turned it up on the finish of the season. Scourton brings an arsenal of cross dashing strikes and will get some third down alternatives. Braswell’s progress shall be examined carefully whereas Watts has yet another likelihood to show why he must be on the energetic roster.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Lavonte DavidJamien SherwoodSirVocea DennisJeffrey BassaKobe King

Evaluation: The Bucs have a really younger group surrounding David. Sherwood will play the entire time whereas Dennis and Bassa sub in with David and deal with most cross protection scenario. King begins out on particular groups however has a spot down the street as a possible starter.

CORNERBACKS – 6

Zyon McCollumRasul DouglasCobee BryantBrandin EcholsMello DotsonTavierre Thomas

Evaluation: The secret is taking the ball away. McCollum must show he can do it constantly. Douglas has carried out that all through all of his profession. Echols and Thomas shall be large for particular groups with Echols additionally proving he will be invovled at nook. The younger pups in Bryant and Dotson are a double whammy of creating as gamers whereas Bryant sees some enjoying time in numerous packages.

SAFETIES – 5

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photograph by: USA As we speak

Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithChristian IzienKaevon MerriweatherAlijah Clark

Evaluation: A wholesome Winfield groups up with Tykee Smith to make an thrilling security duo whereas Izien goes again to his previous function within the slot for the season. Merriweather is there to again up in any spot. Tampa Bay finds out what Clark can do whereas Moore is on the follow squad.

SPECIALISTS – 3

Ok Chase McLaughlinP Riley DixonLS Evan Deckers

Evaluation: Tampa Bay has probably the greatest kickers within the league with Chase McLaughlin. They only want to determine the punting scenario. 

What Did You Suppose?

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

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