Ben Bredeson was a pending free agent, but he will remain in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future. The veteran guard has a three-year deal in place, NFL Network’s Sara Walsh reports.
Colleague Mike Garafolo adds the pact is worth $22MM. Bredeson will remain a full-time starter moving forward, collecting $12MM with his latest deal. This brings a substantial raise for Bredeson, who played for $3MM last season.
Following a Baker Mayfield arc with the Bucs, Bredeson impressed during his “prove it” season in Tampa. The Bucs have filled out their line with homegrown Day 1 and Day 2 picks, with first-rounders Tristan Wirfs and Graham Barton headlining a front also including second-rounders Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke. Bredeson was the exception last season and will continue to play that role, as the Bucs now have all five of their 2024 O-line starters under contract.
Bredeson, 27, has made a habit of impressing as a low-end investment. The former Ravens fourth-round pick ended up a Giant by his second season, via trade, and did not let the team’s round of draft choices and free agent signings beat him out for a job. Bredeson started eight games in 2022 and then 16 in ’23, as the Giants battled through major injuries (to Nick Gates and Shane Lemieux) and ultimately could not count on Joshua Ezeudu or Mark Glowinski. Bredeson’s fill-in work did not generate much of a free agent market last year, however.
Pro Football Focus also ranked the Michigan alum 60th among guards in 2024. The Bucs will disagree with that assessment, as they continue to retain talent. Bredeson has now made 42 career starts, and this deal will provide a bit of security while also giving him a chance to eye a third free agency payday during his 20s.
Cooking
Solid deal!!
A Wisconsin kid who has done well for himself