Tracking Bucs’ free agents: Tampa retains offensive core amid free agency frenzy

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are inching closer to their goal of hosting another boat parade after retaining their offensive core amid the NFL free agency fiascos that are bound to unfold Wednesday.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht had been planning on locking up veteran and star wide receiver Mike Evans after long-term extension talks fell through ahead of the 2023-24 season. Nonetheless, the team was able to reach a two-year, $52 million deal with the 30-year-old receiver.

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“The moment that we found out that Mike wanted to be a [Buccaneer] for life was something I’ll never forget. I was sharing the story with him, where Blair [Licht] and I were. So, before I get too emotional, I’m going to turn it over to him, but we’re just happy he stayed home,” Licht said following Evans’ extension.

Evans, who was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, was Licht’s first-ever draft pick. Since then, the receiver has amassed 10 straight 1,000-receiving yard seasons with the Bucs.

The Bucs placed a $17.1 million franchise tag on All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. while the two sides work to hammer out a long-term deal. According to PewterReport, the Bucs’ are “making progress” on a new contract for Winfield Jr. that “should make him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.”

Tampa’s long-time linebacker Lavonte David agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday, allowing him to enter his 13th-straight season as a Buccaneer.

On Wednesday, Mayfield officially inked his three-year deal with the Bucs, making it known that Tampa Bay is where he wanted to end up, regardless of contract talks.

During his press conference, the former Heisman Trophy winner revealed that he and his wife, Emily, who’s also expecting a baby girl, planned on staying in Tampa during the offseason, no matter where they ended up.

Buccaneers signing former safety Jordan Whitehead to two-year deal: reports

“We thought we were going to call this place home in the offseason regardless. That’s how much we love this city,” Mayfield said while discussing his new three-year, $100 million extension.

While the Bucs have been ahead of the free agency game, retaining their key players ahead of the Wednesday deadline, there are still some questions surrounding the team’s bigger picture — like what will happen with linebacker Devin White.

All the Bucs’ Transactions as of Now

Resigned:

• S Jordan Whitehead: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced Wednesday that the Buccaneers are resigning former safety Jordan Whitehead. He agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal with a max value of $10.5 million.

• QB Baker Mayfield: Mayfield officially inked a three-year contract with the Bucs on Wednesday.

• LB Lavonte David: David agreed to a one-year contract, keeping him in Tampa for at least a 13th season on Tuesday.

• DL Greg Gaines: The six-year defensive lineman agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

• WR Mike Evans: Tampa’s star WR signed a two-year contract extension with the Bucs on March 8.

• S Antoine Winfield Jr.: The Bucs franchise tagged the AP All-Pro safety on March 4. The tag is serving as a “placeholder” until the two sides can work out a longer contract extension.

• WR Deven Thompkins: On March 4, the Bucs signed Thompkins to a one-year extension. He was set to become an exclusive rights free agent.

• OL Brandon Walton: Walton, who was set to become an exclusive rights free agent, also agreed to a one-year contract.

• K Chase McLaughlin: On Monday, Mclaughlin agreed to a three-year, $12.3 million extension, keeping the kicker in Tampa Bay for years to come.

• RB Chase Edmonds: The tailback, who was the backup to Rachaad White last season, signed a one-year deal.

Trades:

• CB Carlton Davis III: The Bucs traded their former second-round pick to the Detroit Lions, along with their 2024 sixth-round draft pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick. Tampa Bay will receive the Lions’ 2024 third-round pick in return.

Releases:

• OLB Shaq Barrett: Tampa Bay released outside linebacker Shaq Barrett on Feb. 27 in a heartbreaking decision. The two-time Pro Bowler was set to collect a $15.04 million option bonus but became a free agent instead. According to reports, Barrett agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, keeping the beloved player in Florida.

Players to Monitor

LB Devin White: The next player to monitor is veteran linebacker Devin White. After requesting a trade last offseason, the recanting his request, saying the request was “a little selfish,” might be one of the biggest free agency question marks.

With the former No. 5 overall draft pick, White dealt with injuries last season and started to take fewer reps, sparking rumors that White was unhappy K.J. Britt was starting over him against the Green Bay Packers. However, White denied those rumors, stating that he’d “never quit” on his team.

White is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

NFL Free Agency Frenzy

The unofficial negotiation process for NFL free agents begins Wednesday, with the new league year officially kicking off on March 15 at 4 p.m. According to OverTheCap.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to have $14,798,670 unofficially in cap space this year.

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