Buccaneers sign first-round pick

Wednesday afternoon has brought movement in first-round signings. Both the Buccaneers and Ravens have agreed to terms with their top draft choices. In addition to Zay Flowers signing his rookie deal, Calijah Kancey is now locked down.

Tampa Bay announced Kancey signed his contract, which runs through 2026 and would allow the Bucs — if they choose — to keep him through 2027 via the fifth-year option. The interior pass-rusher will be expected to play a key role for Todd Bowles‘ defense as a rookie.

Chosen 19th overall out of Pittsburgh, Kancey checked out as a clean prospect. No team brought the ACC standout in for a predraft visit. The Bucs will bet on the player from Aaron Donald‘s alma mater and one who drew some probably unfair comparisons to the all-time defensive tackle great.

The Bucs have not re-signed Akiem Hicks or William Gholston up front, but the team needed to work its way down from a $50M-plus cap deficit, as Tom Brady’s void-years bill came due. Kancey will fill in up front alongside 2022 second-round pick Logan Hall and Vita Vea, the latter of whom annually making things a bit easier for three-techniques. The Bucs also signed ex-Rams D-tackle Greg Gaines this offseason.

Kancey totaled 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. Standing 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds, Kancey blazed to a 4.67-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He earned first-team All-American acclaim last season, becoming the Panthers’ first unanimous All-American since Donald did so in 2013. Kancey received a first-team All-ACC nod in 2021.

Tampa Bay also agreed to terms with third-round edge-rusher Yaya Diaby, who starred at Louisville.