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Tampa Bay Buccaneers News & Rumors

Bucs To Sign Anthony Walker, Kindle Vildor

March 13th, 2025 at 1:08pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Buccaneers are set to make a pair of defensive additions. A one-year deal is in place with linebacker Anthony Walker, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The same is also true of cornerback Kindle Vildor, per his agents (via Schefter).

Walker played out his rookie contract with the Colts, serving as a full-time starter from his second year onwards. The former fifth-rounder spent the next three seasons in Cleveland, operating as a key defender when healthy. Walker missed time during all three of his Browns campaigns, including the 2022 season in which he was limited to only three games.

That hindered the Northwestern product’s value in free agency last spring, and he took a one-year pact with the Dolphins. Walker made eight starts in Miami, collecting an interception and a sack. The Dolphins still have Jordyn Brooks in place at the linebacker spot, though, and the re-signing of Tyrel Dodson has been followed up by the addition of K.J. Britt. Walker will aim to replace the latter in Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers worked out another one-year deal which will keep Lavonte David in place for a 14th season with the team. Walker will look to operate as a first-team defender alongside him, a role he has become familiar with over the course of his career. The 29-year-old has 83 starts to his name, and adding to that total would help his market value in 2026.

Vildor’s pact qualifies for the veteran salary benefit, Greg Auman of Fox Sports notes. As a result, the former Bear, Titan and Lion is set to earn $1.17MM in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $1.03MM. Vildor, 27, is a veteran of 68 games and 26 starts in his career, and he will be able to provide the Bucs with a rotational presence in the secondary or at least veteran special teams contributions.

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/12/25

March 12th, 2025 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are the minor moves from the first day of the 2025 league year:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Yes, a few of these players have graduated from our minor-moves sector, but today’s signing blitz being what it was, they land here. Ford highlights the batch contractually, agreeing (per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter) to a two-year, $4MM deal. Ford played on more than 70% of Cleveland’s special teams snaps over the past two seasons.

Trask will reprise his role as Baker Mayfield‘s backup, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicating the former second-round pick is staying on a one-year, $2.79MM contract. Trask and Mayfield competed for the job in 2023, but as was the case with the Drew Lock–Geno Smith battle a year prior, the winner never looked back. Trask will be in place for a fifth Bucs season, having moved from third-stringer during the Tom Brady era to QB2 in the Mayfield years.

Hawkins will stay with the Patriots on a two-year deal worth up to $2.2MM, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed. A 2022 full-time Falcons starter, Hawkins saw Jessie Bates replace him in 2023. The Falcons later waived Hawkins, who ended up on the Chargers in 2023. The Pats used him as a seven-game starter in 2024, when he made 48 tackles (three for loss).

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/12/25

March 12th, 2025 at 10:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the 2025 league year begins, here are the Wednesday tender decisions involving restricted and exclusive rights free agents:

RFAs

Tendered:

Nontendered:

ERFAs

Tendered:

Nontendered:

The Ravens have discussed an extension with Washington, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. For now, the safety is on Baltimore’s cap sheet at $3.26MM. A second-round tender would have cost the Ravens $5.35MM and brought back a second-round pick if the team did not match an offer sheet elsewhere. An unmatched Washington offer sheet now would not bring the Ravens any compensation. Washington started 10 games for the Ravens last season.

Bucs To Re-Sign DT Greg Gaines

March 12th, 2025 at 11:00am CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Buccaneers are re-signing defensive tackle Greg Gaines for another season, per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

2025 will be Gaines’ third year in Tampa Bay. He is expected to sign a one-year, $3.5MM contract, the same length and APY as his last two deals with the Buccaneers.

Gaines began his career as a fourth-round pick by the Rams in 2019. He carved out a rotational role in his first two years before moving into a starting job in 2021 and 2022. He started 25 games with more than 1,500 snaps in that span, which featured 9.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

The former Washington Husky was not retained by the Rams after his rookie contract expired and crisscrossed the country to sign with the Buccaneers in 2023. He played well enough in his debut season in Tampa Bay to earn another one-year deal for 2024. Across both seasons, he played in 32 games (five starts) with a snap share around 40%. He wasn’t as productive as he was in Los Angeles, though, totaling just four combined sacks and tackles for loss.

The 312-pound lineman will return to his rotational role in Tampa Bay in 2025 backing up Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Gaines will need to improve on his recent production to earn a significant raise in the NFL, but the Buccaneers were clearly satisfied with his value over the last two years.

Buccaneers To Sign P Riley Dixon

March 11th, 2025 at 3:48pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Buccaneers are signing former Broncos punter Riley Dixon to a two-year deal worth $6MM, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Dixon’s $3MM APY is tied for third-highest among all punters. After rotating between three punters in 2024, Tampa Bay was willing to pay up for some stability on special teams.

Originally a Broncos seventh-round pick in 2016, Dixon spent two years in Denver before being traded to the Giants for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2018. He signed an extension in New York to become one of the league’s highest-paid punters in 2019, but was released in 2022, a year before his contract expired. He then signed with the Rams for the 2022 season before returning to Denver for the last two seasons.

Dixon has never been one of the NFL’s best punters, but he’s never been one of the worst, either. He’s a consistent, reliable player who has hovered around the league average in yards per punt, touchback percentage, and percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Dixon will bring that consistency to Tampa Bay in 2025, leaving Denver to find another punter this offseason. A number of options are available in free agency, though most are well into their 30s. The Broncos may look for a younger, cheaper addition through the draft.

Buccaneers To Re-Sign OLB Anthony Nelson

March 11th, 2025 at 2:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Another offseason chock full of Buccaneers re-signings is upon us. Anthony Nelson will become the latest homegrown player to stick around.

The Bucs are giving the outside linebacker at two-year, $10MM deal, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The contract can max out at $12MM. Although these are modest terms in the grand scheme of NFL contracts, it is interesting since Nelson already played out a two-year, $10MM contract with the Bucs.

Considering where the cap has gone since Nelson re-signed with the Bucs in 2023, this can be deemed a pay cut. But Nelson will stay on a $5MM-per-year accord to help the Bucs as an auxiliary edge rusher. The former fourth-round pick has fared decently in that role before, having totaled 17.5 sacks over the past four years.

A 2019 fourth-round pick, Nelson won Super Bowl ring as a backup during the 2020 season and has helped the team transition after it moved on from Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett in recent years. The Bucs have since let Joe Tryon-Shoyinka walk, as the 2021 first-rounder committed to the Browns earlier Tuesday. Nelson could be in store for a bigger role as a result, but Tampa Bay is also bringing in Haason Reddick on a pricey one-year deal.

Reddick will be set to start opposite YaYa Diaby, but his addition should not tweak Nelson’s responsibilities too much. Nelson, 28, worked as a part-time starter in both 2022 and ’24, making 14 starts between those seasons, and was a 16-game contributor off the bench in 2023. Nelson is coming off a season in which he established a new career high with 13 QB hits. While he did not match his 2021-22 sack production (11.5) on his two-year deal (seven sacks from 2023-24), the Iowa alum upped his TFL count in that span. Nelson finished with 13 combined TFLs over the past two seasons, forcing a fumble in 2024.

A previous restructure on Nelson’s 2023 contract will lead to a Mike Evans-like arrangement, as Nelson will count as both an active contract and dead money on the Bucs’ 2025 payroll. Nelson’s deal voiding earlier this offseason will leave a $2.65MM dead money charge. But the Bucs will still keep their top rotational rusher in the fold behind Diaby and now Reddick.

The team had previously re-signed Lavonte David, Chris Godwin and Ben Bredeson. This comes after an offseason that featured David, Evans and Baker Mayfield re-ups and extensions for Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr.

Buccaneers, Haason Reddick Agree To Deal

March 10th, 2025 at 11:16am CST by Adam La Rose

Haason Reddick has not waited long to find a new home. Minutes after the start of the negotiating window, an agreement has been reached which will send him to Tampa Bay.

This will be a one-year deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. He adds that the pact has a value of $14MM and includes $12MM in guarantees. After the way in which 2024 played out for Reddick, that represents quite the financial commitment. It wasn’t long ago that Reddick was one of the top pass rushing commodities on the open market. Just three years ago, Reddick signed a three-year, $45MM deal to join the Eagles after totaling 23.5 combined sacks over his final year in Arizona and his only season with the Panthers.

He earned every penny in his first two years in Philadelphia while also earning his first two Pro Bowl selections. That first season with the Eagles saw him finish fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting as he finished with career highs in sacks (16.0), quarterback hits (26), and fumble recoveries (3) while logging 11 tackles for loss and leading the league with five forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded him as the 11th-best edge defender that season out of 119 graded players at the position. While his second year in Philadelphia wasn’t as impressive, it was still Pro Bowl-worthy, seeing him rack up 11.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits.

Drama quickly came to surround Reddick’s situation following that season, though, as the Eagles granted him permission to seek a trade, despite his lack of a request for one. In fact, Reddick claimed to want an extension with the team, but they ultimately traded him to the Jets. The trade didn’t quench Reddick’s thirst for an extension, though, resulting in a holdout from training camp as the Jets intended to let him play out his contract. As the holdout continued, Reddick even requested a trade from the team that had just traded for him.

His holdout continued into the season as he was dropped by his agency and had to sign new representation. It took until Week 8 of the season for Reddick and New York to come to terms on an agreement that would get him onto the field, at which point he faced heavy fines for his absences in the offseason. The lack of offseason prep time with the team seemed to affect the Pro Bowler. Only starting two games in 10 appearances, Reddick only logged one sack (really two half-sacks), two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Out of 119 players at the position, PFF graded Reddick at 102nd.

The Buccaneers didn’t really want for pass rushing in 2025. The team’s sack-total of 46 was tied for sixth in the league. Tampa Bay does see a number of outside linebackers hitting free agency this week, though, as the contracts of Shaquil Barrett, Joe Tryon, and Anthony Nelson are all set to expire. While those three players only combined for six sacks in 2024, the depleted depth is a concern. Signing Reddick will address that concern, and if he can rebound to anywhere near the success he had found in Philadelphia, the $14MM, single-year price tag won’t feel quite as heavy.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Buccaneers To Re-Sign Chris Godwin

March 10th, 2025 at 11:15am CST by Sam Robinson

The Buccaneers keep investing at receiver. A year after agreeing to terms with Mike Evans on a third contract, Tampa Bay will bring back Chris Godwin.

They have agreed to a three-year, $66MM deal to retain Godwin, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported during an NFL Network appearance. Godwin will see $44MM guaranteed on this accord.

Godwin is believed to have left some money on the table to stay in Tampa, and the Bucs will keep Baker Mayfield‘s receiving corps intact. The cap-rich Patriots were believed to be readying a pursuit, but Godwin rejoined the Bucs shortly after the legal tampering period began. The second-leading pass catcher in franchise history continues to follow Evans. Tampa Bay, however, has the younger of its two receiver staples potentially in place to succeed Evans as the No. 1 option — as Evans is back in a contract year.

Although Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle seven games into last season, he did not see a chilled market. A report last week indicated the eight-year veteran could have approached $25MM per year. Godwin’s new deal will check in just south of that number, but he once again betters Evans’ contract.

Godwin, 28, had previously done so when he inked a three-year, $60MM deal as Tampa Bay’s franchise player. The Bucs tagged Godwin twice earlier this decade, and despite drafting Jalen McMillan in Round 3 last year, their commitment to the Evans-Godwin partnership persists.

When Godwin went down last season, he ranked second in the NFL in receiving yardage (576 yards). Godwin had made it back from the ACL and MCL tears sustained in December 2021, but he did not quite look himself during the 2022 and ’23 campaigns. Still, Godwin surpassed 1,000 yards in each season, helping Mayfield rebound in 2023. The Bucs will give Godwin a chance to rebound and will pay plenty for this opportunity.

This takes the top wide receiver option, per PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent list, off the market. Godwin being three years younger than Davante Adams made him the top prize this offseason, with Tee Higgins again off the market. Tampa Bay again proves it can retain talent despite imminent free agency. Godwin’s deal follows the re-signings of Shaquil Barrett, Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean after each had entered a legal tampering period unattached.

Buccaneers To Re-Sign G Ben Bredeson

March 10th, 2025 at 10:01am CST by Adam La Rose

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.

Buccaneers To Re-Sign LB Lavonte David

March 7th, 2025 at 10:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Like Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David is coming back for a 14th season. The Buccaneers are re-signing their standout linebacker, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Tampa Bay and David are in agreement on another one-year deal; this one will be worth $10MM, per Fowler. The all-time Bucs great will see $9MM guaranteed on this deal. Unlike Wagner, David has been a one-team player. The Bucs will again ensure he stays in Tampa to lead their defensive second level.

Predating the Tom Brady era by nearly a decade, David began his Bucs career when Josh Freeman was still calling signals. David will match Derrick Brooks for Bucs career duration by playing a 14th season. While David does not have the Hall of Famer’s accolades (partially because of an antiquated Pro Bowl formula involving linebackers), he has been an anchor for the Bucs’ defense. The former second-round pick continues to play at a high level well into his 30s.

This will mark a raise for David, who played the 2024 season for $8.5MM after being at just $4.5MM in 2023. The Bucs have seen David outlast nearly all of his LB peers, and the team that separated from a much younger talent (Devin White) will continue to employ a 35-year-old at the position.

David, who turned 35 in January, has now agreed to six Bucs contracts. He had signed a five-year extension in 2015 and a two-year deal as part of the Bucs’ mass retention effort in 2021. The Nebraska alum is now in a year-to-year phase, having contemplated retirement before his 2024 deal. David was viewed as truly on the fence about playing in 2025, but he met with the Bucs last month and has found common ground. Outside interest was believed to exist for David, but it is certainly not surprising he will stay in Tampa.

David’s one career Pro Bowl is among the oft-changed all-star game’s biggest indictments. Since the Pro Bowl grouped 4-3 outside linebackers with their pass-rushing peers, little room existed for David honors during his 20s. Todd Bowles shifted the Bucs to a 3-4 scheme in 2019 and has been able to count on David, even as the Bucs have seen their other ILB spot change in that span. Last season, David started 17 games and registered 122 tackles to go with 5.5 sacks — his most since the 2013 season.

Tampa Bay’s linebacking great does have three All-Pro nods on his resume, the most recent coming during the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning season, and has run his career sack total — despite never being a true rush linebacker — to 39. The Bucs have K.J. Britt due for free agency, but David will remain as a linchpin of a defense still housing first- and third-level mainstays in Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. Moving into third place in Bucs history with 198 games played with the team, David trails only Ronde Barber and Brooks for games played by a Buccaneer.

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