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 12 months.

Bear in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com workers members would reshape the group 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 group could also be focusing on.

Scott Reynolds’ Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

Tampa Bay has constructed a Tremendous Bowl-caliber offense, nevertheless it’s time to improve the protection for this group to really make a run previous the Wild Card playoff spherical. Bucs followers are clamoring for the group to make an enormous splash free agent signing or blockbuster commerce to assist this group ascend previous simply profitable 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 real looking as doable, and as near what I believe the Bucs may really do in free company and the draft. Different Pewter Reporters have way more grandiose concepts about the best way to remake the roster, and that’s effective. Differing opinions hold issues fascinating within the offseason.

Jason Licht is much better at drafting gamers than efficiently signing free brokers. In consequence, 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 essential priorities to improve the roster embody bringing again confirmed performers in legends like Lavonte David and Chris Godwin, who’s the second-best huge receiver in Tampa Bay historical past behind Mike Evans. That is nice for the locker room and for the soccer area when it comes to their manufacturing. I additionally wish to give attention to rebuilding the protection and achieve that with 5 re-signings on that facet of the ball, 5 new defensive free brokers and 6 defensive draft picks.

Bucs Restructures

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

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 choice as properly. The damage issues surrounding Whitehead and his beck stemming from his late season automobile accident are the most important driver of this choice for me.

Bucs Trades

Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photograph by: USA At present

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 12 months for the very same purpose. Though normal supervisor Jason Licht fleeced the Lions for a third-round decide, he’s solely capable of get a fourth-round decide for Dean, who lacks Davis’ toughness.

Tennessee has two fourth-round picks, and sends the one the group acquired from Seattle, No. 119 total, to Tampa Bay in trade for Dean. The Titans want veteran cornerback assist as L’Jarius Sneed was an enormous disappointment final 12 months, they usually have the cap room to amass Dean’s $12.5 million wage with over $50 million of cap house out there. 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 12 months 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 group didn’t sound precisely inspired by Godwin’s progress from his dislocated ankle on the NFL Scouting Mix, and Tampa Bay could also be pressured 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 12 months.

ILB Lavonte David – 1 12 months, $5.75 million

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

David decides to play yet another 12 months for the Bucs, particularly with the return of inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell. He’ll must take a pay reduce, as his play declined a bit final 12 months, particularly in protection. However David continues to be an excellent linebacker occasion at 35. It will be sensible to platoon him with one other linebacker and reduce his quantity of snaps per sport 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 12 months, $4 million

Bredeson didn’t get the love from Professional Soccer Focus, which gave him a 56 total grade final 12 months. However the Bucs had the next grade on him internally. He will get a 25% increase over final 12 months and returns to solidify the offensive line. If Elijah Klein beats him out for the left guard spot this 12 months, then Bredeson, who also can play middle, is actually the alternative for backup middle Robert Hainsey.

QB Kyle Trask – 1 12 months, $4 million

Each normal supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles like Trask, which implies 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 12 months, $2 million

Skule is among the higher backup offensive tackles within the league and he’s finest pals with Tristan Wirfs. He desires to remain in Tampa Bay and the Bucs are completely satisfied to have him and double his wage because of his high quality play at each left and proper sort out in 2024.

DT Greg Gaines – 1 12 months, $2 million

There might not be a lot of a marketplace for the 29-year previous reserve defensive sort out, and he could have to just accept lower than he obtained in his final contract, which was a $3.5 million deal final 12 months. The Bucs would love Gaines higher as DT5 quite than DT4, and that truly makes him extra invaluable as he’s higher than gamers like Mike Greene and C.J. Brewer.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed

OLB Joe Tryon ShoyinkaILB Okay.J. BrittC Robert HainseyOLB Shaq BarrettDL Will GholstonDL Adam GostsisS Mike EdwardsRB Chase EdmondsCB Troy HillS Ryan NealS Tavierre ThomasCB Bryce HallOL Sua OpetaDL Eric Banks

Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-Signed

S Kaevon Merriweather

Merriweather is an efficient particular groups participant and might sub in a pinch at robust 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 observe squader, is a top quality reserve who began just a few video games final 12 months rather than the ineffective Okay.J. Britt. He returns as a restricted free agent, however isn’t 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 – Photograph by: USA At present

The Bucs want to handle their secondary and get higher, extra constant play on the cornerback place. Previous to final 12 months when he suffered by way of the demise 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 superb 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 12 months. Ford is a battle-tested, robust, athletic nostril sort out who matched his profession highs in sacks (three) and tackles for loss (eight) final 12 months whereas getting his first profession interception. At age 29, signing the 5-foot-11, 310-pound Ford to a two-year deal offers the Bucs some insurance coverage for subsequent 12 months if Corridor departs in 2026.

Bengals OLB Joseph Ossai – 1 12 months, $4.75 million

Bengals OLB Joseph Ossai – Photograph by: USA At present

The Bucs may cross on a excessive profile edge rusher in an underwhelming free agent class, and attempt to discover the subsequent Shaq Barrett with an affordable, one-year, prove-it deal. That may very well be Ossai, who had a career-high 31 pressures and 5 sacks backing up Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard final 12 months in Cincinnati. The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Ossai turns 25 in April and his finest soccer could also be in entrance of him.

Jaguars S Andre Cisco – 1 12 months, $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 may 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 12 months, $1.65 million

Brown has good dimension at 6-foot-2, 225 kilos and is a clean 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 12 months for the Commanders. He ought to come low cost.

Raiders ILB Divine Deablo – 1 12 months, $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 robust 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 decide within the sixth spherical this 12 months, however I added an extra fourth-round decide 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 – Photograph by: USA At present

The Bucs contemplated bettering the sting rusher place in free company with a splash signing, however in my state of affairs, the group deemed Khalil Mack to be too previous at 34 to throw huge cash at, and Josh Sweat was too expensive and too much like Yaya Diaby. Ezeiruaku is a implausible, athletic edge rusher with 30 profession sacks, together with 16.5 final 12 months. He’s the right complement to Diaby and shall 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 not often 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 decide 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 12 months, this can be a huge commerce that lands the group 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 tackle inside linebacker with Bassa, who excels in protection and also can 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 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 number of Bryant, who has nice zone instincts and ballhawking potential. Bryant is a tricky and keen 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.

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 one of the crucial athletic guards on the NFL Scouting Mix. Jason Licht can’t assist himself on the subject of drafting small college 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 – Photograph by: USA At present

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 remaining 12 months 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 group 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 this can be a very deep defensive sort out draft class, and he’s undersized at 6-foot-3, 284 kilos. Like Logan Corridor, Hemingway is a mission, and might want to add dimension and power on the subsequent degree. The hope is that he can substitute 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’ “Approach Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Baker MayfieldKyle TraskMichael 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 taking part in time outdoors of the preseason. Pratt reveals sufficient promise to maintain as Trask’s eventual alternative in 2026.

RUNNING BACKS – 3

Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean Tucker

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

Evaluation: Tampa Bay’s working backs room is the envy of the league, as all three runners may begin someplace within the NFL. Irving is the characteristic again, whereas White, who’s getting into a contract 12 months, is among the finest third-down backs within the league. Tucker is an rising expertise with blazing velocity that should work on cross safety to see the sphere extra.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 5

Mike EvansChris GodwinJalen McMillanNoah BrownKameron Johnson

Evaluation: Don’t let the numbers idiot you, because the Bucs can stash three huge receivers – suppose Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller and maybe Trey Palmer – on the observe squad. Tampa Bay has its high three receivers returning this 12 months in Evans, Godwin and McMillan. The addition of Brown offers the group an enormous, versatile veteran with sufficient velocity in case Godwin begins off the season gradual. The Bucs hope Johnson can keep wholesome as a result of he brings velocity and a dynamic high quality to the place.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade OttonPayne DurhamDevin Culp

Evaluation: Tampa Bay’s tight finish room is stable, as all three gamers leveled up final 12 months. Otton turned a whole tight finish, whereas Durham and Culp can duke it out for the appropriate to be TE2 this 12 months on offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 10

LT Tristan WirfsLG Ben BredesonC Graham BartonRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOT Justin SkuleG-C Elijah KleinG Jackson SlaterOT Raiqwon O’NealG-T Luke Haggard

Evaluation: The Bucs have probably the greatest 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 appropriate to begin at left guard. Each Bredeson and Klein can snap, so the Bucs have an in-house alternative for Robert Hainsey.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6

Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallPoona FordGreg GainesTonka Hemingway

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

Evaluation: The dynamic duo of Vea and Kancey is among the league’s finest defensive sort out tandems. The addition of Ford and Hemingway boosts the general expertise and depth at defensive sort out, and gives some cowl in 2026 in case Corridor blows up in his contract 12 months and strikes on subsequent 12 months in free company.

EDGE RUSHERS – 5

Yaya DiabyDonovan EzeiruakuJoseph OssaiChris BraswellAnthony Nelson

Evaluation: This group is younger, however lots gifted with the addition of Ezeiruaku, the group’s first-round decide, 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 12 months from Larry Foote, who’s again teaching outdoors linebackers.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Lavonte DavidSirVocea DennisJeffrey BassaNickolas MartinDivine Deablo

Evaluation: Tampa Bay hopes to squeeze yet another good 12 months out of David, whose management is simply as necessary as his on-field play. Dennis must step up and keep wholesome in 2025, and if he doesn’t he’ll lose taking part in time to 2 athletic rookies in Bassa and Martin. Deablo upgrades the velocity of this unit and is perhaps a diamond within the tough in free company. J.J. Russell is again on the observe squad once more for elevated depth at linebacker.

CORNERBACKS – 5

Zyon McCollumCharvarius WardShavon RevelCobee BryantJosh Hayes

East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. – Photograph 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 help. Hayes returns for his particular groups prowess as one of many league’s finest gunners.

SAFETIES – 5

Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithAndre CiscoChristian IzienKaevon Merriweather

Evaluation: The group properly moved on from Jordan Whitehead, who had a disappointing return to Tampa Bay. Smith, who’s a pure playmaker, strikes into the robust security function 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 McLaughlinP  Jake JulienLS Evan Deckers

Evaluation: McLaughlin is among the league’s finest kickers and Deckers is an underrated and constant lengthy snapper. Julien demonstrated an enormous, booming leg within the CFL and in the end wins the punter duties.

What Did You Suppose?

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

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