NFL Free Agency Tracker: Buccaneers, LB Lavonte David Reach Contract Agreement

WR Mike Evans will remain a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, for now.

The first domino to fall for the Buccaneers was the re-signing of Mike Evans to a two-year, $52 million deal coming off a record-setting 10th season in the NFL that saw him record his 10th consecutive season of 1,000 receiving yards.

There was some apprehension on whether the two sides would be able to reach an agreement as Evans and his camp set timetables prior to the 2023 season, but eventually, the two sides were able to come to an agreement to keep the stud wideout in Tampa Bay.

The full contract details can be found here.

March 5th

Buccaneers place Franchise Tag on S Antoine Winfield Jr.

Antoine Winfield Jr. put together his best season as a professional in 2023 that saw him be the second-highest graded safety in the league according to PFF while being snubbed as a Pro Bowler, but being awarded as a First-Team All-Pro.

The day after the re-signing of Mike Evans the Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on AWJ while they continue to work towards an agreement on a contract extension.

Reports have surfaced that a deal between the two sides will come sooner rather than later, so expect an update as free agency continues to play out. If AWJ and the Bucs aren't able to reach a deal before the 2024 season, the standout safety will make approximately $17.1 million this upcoming season.

March 10th

QB Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers agree on 3yr/$100 million deal

One of the biggest moves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to make was to re-sign Baker Mayfield to a contract extension. The hardest part wasn’t convincing Baker that Tampa is where he should call home, but rather whether the two sides could come to an agreement on the value of the contract after Mayfield’s career setting 2023 season.

They were able to do just that on Sunday, eventually meeting smack dab in the middle of where each side started discussions. The deal is worth up to $115 million with incentives with full details here.

March 11th

DT Greg Gaines, Buccaneers agree on 1yr/$3.5 million deal

The Buccaneers’ stood true to their offseason goals of retaining players on their roster as the 2024 free agency period got underway on Monday by re-signing veteran defensive tackle Greg Gaines to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. 

Gaines production slipped off a bit last season after coming over from the Los Angeles Rams, but he has been a vital depth piece inside for the Buccaneers and will once again be returning to that role alongside the likes of Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall.

Buccaneers decline WR Russell Gage's 2024 option, enters free agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a move on Monday to let go of one of their wide receivers after declining Russell Gage's option for the 2024 season. Gage is now a free agent and free to sign wherever.

Gage was signed to a $30 million deal just a few years ago, but rarely saw the field during his short tenure with the Buccaneers in large part due to injury. He was initially brought in to become the WR3 next to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. He missed multiple games during his first season with neck and back injuries and missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn patella tendon in training camp.

Luckily for the Buccaneers they had young guys step up to help fill the role left by Gage last season - making this an easy decision in order to clear some cap space and move on from a player who wasn't providing much for his price tag.

Buccaneers send two sixth-round picks, CB Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions

In the midst of the free agency frenzy, the Bucs made a move outside of it by turning to the trade market - sending starting CB Carlton Davis III and two sixth-round picks (2024 & 2025) to the Detroit Lions for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 92).

The move makes sense for the Buccaneers who will be able to save salary cap $$ this year and next year by dealing Davis III. He has been a shell of himself since his breakout season during the Bucs' Super Bowl run in 2020. He regularly dealt with injuries and never quite seemed to get back to 100%.

The two sixth rounders on top of Davis was questionable, but considering the Bucs had two sixth-round picks to work with this year (due to receiving a comp pick) it wasn't that difficult to part ways with.

With CDIII now headed to Detroit, Zyon McCollum will become the favorite to man an every down role.

RB Chase Edmonds, Buccaneers agree on one-year deal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stick to their status quo after re-signing backup running back Chase Edmonds to a one-year deal. The Bucs backfield is led by Rachaad White, but when he needed a breather Edmonds was the first off the bench.

Edmonds didn't see a ton of playing time in 2023 and dealt with injuries that caused him to miss four games, but really started to pick things up later in the season.

Edmonds will now return to a backfield that features himself, White and undrafted sophomore back Sean Tucker. The Buccaneers likely would want a more formidable running back room so they could look to steal a RB2/RB3 in this years NFL Draft.

March 12th

Buccaneers' free agent LB Shaq Barrett signs one-year/up to $9 million deal with Miami Dolphins

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will move on from elite pass rusher Shaq Barrett after five seasons as the veteran LB has signed a one-year deal up to $9 million with the Miami Dolphins.

Barrett came over to Tampa Bay after spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos and immediately showcased his elite playmaking ability off the edge as he led the league in sacks during his first season with the Bucs with 19.5. In just his second season, he was able to help lead a Bucs' defense that was tops in the NFL on their way to the franchise's second Super Bowl victory.

Barrett's play and production have taken a hit over the past couple of seasons and it made sense to part ways at this juncture. Barrett had become a favorite of the fans in Tampa, so it will be tough to see him go, but for the purposes of competing at the highest level it was a move the organization needed to make.

LB Lavonte David, Buccaneers agree on 1yr/$9 million deal

One of the most beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers ever will be returning to make plays in Raymond James Stadium in 2024.

Linebacker Lavonte David and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to reach an agreement on a contract extension, re-signing on a one-year, $9 million deal with the possibility of reaching $10 million with incentives.

David has spent the entirety of his career in Tampa and had expressed his desire to retire as a Buccaneer, and this contract gets him one step closer. David will once again lead the Bucs’ defense as one of the most highly productive, yet underrated, linebackers in the league.

The re-signing of David completes the Bucs’ task of retaining their key guys after coming to terms with WR Mike Evans, QB Baker Mayfield, K Chase McLaughlin, and franchise tagging Antoine Winfield. Jr.