Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries has signed his second-round restricted free agent tender, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). Humphries will now be paid $2.914MM for the 2018 campaign.
Humphries has become a major part of Tampa Bay’s offense over the past two seasons, as he managed at least 55 receptions and 600 receiving yards in both 2016 and 2017. While his yards per reception decreased by a full yard from 2016 to 2017, Humphries hauled in the majority of his targets — indeed, his 73.5% catch rate ranked third among NFL wideouts with at least 40 receptions.
While the Buccaneers made several high-profile acquisitions during the free agent period, they didn’t address the wide receiver position, meaning — for now — Humphries is still ticketed for slot duties. That could conceivably change, however, if 2017 third-round pick Chris Godwin begins seeing more playing time in his sophomore campaign, or if Tampa uses a draft selection on a pass-catcher.
Humphries was one of 14 NFL restricted free agents to be tendered at the second-round level. There was no rush for Humphries to ink his tender, as RFAs have until April 20 to work out offer sheets with other clubs. However, it was unlikely that any NFL team would have been willing to sacrifice a second-round pick in order to land Humphries.