Bailey Adams’ Bucs Battle Plan For 2025

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2025

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams and Adam Slivon have devised their very own Bucs Plans for the 2025 offseason. These come full with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster strikes and draft picks to hopefully assist Tampa Bay earn a playoff spot for the sixth straight yr.

Keep in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com employees members would reshape the workforce this offseason – not essentially what we predict Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there could possibly be some overlap with sure gamers the workforce could also be focusing on.

Bailey Adams’ Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Picture by: USA Immediately

For the Bucs, this offseason must be largely geared towards fixing an underperforming protection. And people fixes are wanted at each degree, with the cross rush needing enchancment, the within linebacker room needing a rebuild and the secondary needing extra ballhawks.

Past that, being opportunistic on the offensive aspect of the ball is one other aim I’d have for the offseason if I’m Tampa Bay. The offense, now below the path of Josh Grizzard, is essentially in place. However one other piece or two – particularly with a watch towards the long run – actually wouldn’t damage.

The aim with my battle plan, in fact, is to firmly open the Bucs’ Tremendous Bowl window. The suitable strikes can completely make a deep run in 2025 a robust chance for Todd Bowles’ workforce, because it stays essentially the most gifted within the NFC South and there’s sufficient cap maneuverability to enter the season as favorites to win a fifth straight division title and make a sixth consecutive playoff look.

Among the contract restructures in my battle plan will look acquainted, as I satisfaction myself on hypothetically being a common supervisor who is aware of his strengths and weaknesses. I’m not a cash man, so using the wage cap methods of Pewter Report’s resident cap guru Josh Queipo is solely the good factor to do.

Bucs Contract Restructures

LT Tristan Wirfs – $19,864,000 cap savedS Antoine Winfield Jr. – $14,872,500 cap saved

Bucs Extensions

Bucs WR Mike Evans in Tremendous Bowl 55 – Picture by: USA Immediately

WR Mike Evans – 1 yr, $23.5 million –  Evans solely signed a two-year deal previous to the 2024 season, which suggests 2025 is at the moment set to be one other contract yr for the perfect offensive participant in franchise historical past. I believe he confirmed greater than sufficient this previous season for me to really feel snug locking him in for one more yr in 2026. He reached the 1,000-yard mark once more and caught 11 touchdowns even whereas lacking 3.5 video games.

Not solely does this extension push one other negotiation with Evans’ camp additional into the long run, however it might probably present me with $15,766,668 in cap financial savings this yr.

RT Luke Goedeke – 4 years, $86 million – I’d like to get forward of issues right here with Goedeke, as his price ticket will solely go up after the 2025 season. The 2022 second-round choose has regarded proper at residence at proper deal with during the last two seasons and has turn out to be one of many extra underrated tackles on the market. By inking Goedeke to a long-term extension, it provides the offensive line two cornerstone tackles for the foreseeable future.

TE Cade Otton – 4 years, $52 million – A fourth-round choose in 2022, Otton has grown leaps and bounds as a pass-catcher and become a strong landing producer with 4 in every of his final two seasons. He additionally took a step up as a blocker this previous season. Might the Bucs discover a extra gifted tight finish within the draft this yr or subsequent? Probably, however Otton is a high-floor participant who’s a tough employee and offers a gradual presence on the tight finish place.

Bucs Cuts

S Jordan Whitehead – The Bucs have already made this choice, and I’d have too. Given the disappointing play of Whitehead in 2024 and the uncertainty about his future after he was sadly injured in a late-season automobile accident, I don’t suppose there’s a solution to depend on the veteran security going ahead. This transfer saves one other $4.5 million in wage cap area with no useless cash.

Bucs Trades

Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson – Picture by: USA Immediately

2025 first-round Decide (No. 19), 2025 third-round choose (No. 83) to the Cincinnati Bengals for star OLB Trey Hendrickson, 2025 second-round choose (No. 49) and 2025 sixth-round choose (No. 194) – I borrow this commerce from our Pewter Report Mock Draft 2.0, securing the alpha edge rusher the Bucs want whereas nonetheless getting some draft capital (together with a top-50 choose) in return.

Hendrickson has put up back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons, however as a result of Cincinnati has to pay Ja’Marr Chase and simply franchise tagged Tee Higgins once more, a sacrifice must be made someplace and the workforce has given him permission to hunt a commerce. Tampa Bay will get the 30-year-old right here, and I’ll ink him to the three-year, $82.5 million deal our personal Josh Queipo tasks for him.

CB Jamel Dean to the Buffalo Payments for a 2025 fourth-round choose (No. 131) – I’ve to offer love and respect to Dean for the play he has dropped at the desk over time, in addition to the function he performed within the Tremendous Bowl LV workforce. However at this level, I’m over the concept of ready round and seeing if he’ll lastly have the ability to make it by means of a season wholesome. And even when he does, his lack of ball abilities appear to be they’ll be an issue eternally.

So, I ship Dean off to Buffalo, a workforce that wants assist at cornerback. Does the veteran nook have a fourth-round valuation? I’m undecided, however Professional Soccer Focus’ draft simulator gave me a excessive share of this commerce being accepted, so I went with it. Dean is certainly a high-caliber nook when obtainable, and contemplating Carlton Davis III was in the same state of affairs final offseason and fetched a third-rounder from Detroit, I’m content material with bringing in No. 131 on this deal.

The transfer creates the necessity for a beginning cornerback, however that’s one thing I deal with by way of the draft.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

WR Chris Godwin – 3 years, $60 million

I’ve no qualms about re-signing Godwin to a three-year contract price $20 million per yr. Sure, he suffered the second season-ending harm of his profession final fall and continues to be on the highway again to 100%. However to echo what Jason Licht stated on the NFL Mix: I’m betting on Chris Godwin. This deal paired with the extension for Mike Evans provides me extra time with the 2 greatest receivers in franchise historical past driving the offense.

LB Lavonte David – 1 yr, $5.75 million

David’s protection and tackling grades fell off a cliff final season, however assuming he nonetheless needs to play in 2025, I couldn’t dwell with myself as a common supervisor if I let him swimsuit up for one more workforce. David can nonetheless cease the run and rush the passer, plus he confirmed a resurgence as a playmaker final yr. He could command greater than the projected $5.75 million right here, particularly contemplating Bobby Wagner’s new deal in Washington. However bringing again the captain of the protection is a no brainer.

OLB Anthony Nelson – 2 years, $12 million

Search for the definition of “steady depth” within the dictionary and also you’ll discover Nelson’s image. The 2019 fourth-round choose has developed into a favourite of Todd Bowles’, and for good purpose. He’s somebody I’d belief as a spot starter within the occasion of an harm. He’ll chip in some sacks and play the run effectively, and he may save the season with a late compelled fumble for those who want him to.

LG Ben Bredeson – 1 yr, $5 million

Bredeson was fifth out of 5 when it comes to play alongside the Buccaneer offensive line final yr, however that’s much less a knock on him and extra a mirrored image of how good the remainder of the group was. The veteran was an enormous addition for the run recreation and so far as “weak links” of an O-line go, he’s fairly rattling good. I believe there’s room to let Elijah Klein problem him for the job in camp, however I’d count on Bredeson to roll into Week 1 because the beginning left guard.

QB Kyle Trask – 1 yr $4 million

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Picture by: USA Immediately

Trask thrived with a variety of expertise round him at Florida, and I believe it’s secure to imagine a core of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Cade Otton (together with a top-five offensive line) would give him greater than sufficient to work with if he ever needed to begin in Mayfield’s place.

DT Greg Gaines – 1 yr, $2 million

I like Gaines as a backup to Vita Vea. He’s good towards the run and confirmed a bit extra cross rush upside final yr. He’s low cost depth and a very good man to have within the room.

OT Justin Skule – 1 yr, $1.5 million

After that efficiency towards the Lions in Week 2 final yr, Skule was distinctive when known as upon. He’s one of many higher swing deal with choices on the market proper now, and bringing him again on one other reasonably priced deal is solely good enterprise.

G Royce Newman – 1 yr, $1.17 million

Newman wasn’t wanted final yr given how sturdy Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson have been on the guard positions. However I’d prefer to have him again for one more yr, as skilled depth is rarely a foul factor to have on a roster, particularly alongside an offensive line tasked with defending a $100 million quarterback.

CB Tavierre Thomas – 1 yr, $1.5 million

Thomas is an excellent presence on particular groups, and given his low price ticket, I’d convey him again. He’s a bottom-of-the-depth-chart cornerback, however there’s worth in having him as a frontrunner on particular groups.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed

DL Adam GostsisDL Will GholstonRB Chase EdmondsWR Sterling ShepardC Robert HainseyOLB Joe Tryon ShoyinkaOLB Shaq BarrettCB Troy HillILB Okay.J. BrittS Mike EdwardsS Ryan NealCB Bryce HallOL Sua OpetaDL Eric Banks

Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-Signed

ILB J.J. Russell

Russell has been a observe squad success story in his time with Tampa Bay. The Bucs have needed to depend on him greater than they’d in all probability want to, however he’s all the time stuffed in with some strong play and even labored his manner into the beginning lineup late final season. Bringing him again to compete for a job within the inside linebacker room looks like a straightforward choice.

S Kaevon Merriweather

Todd Bowles loves Merriweather’s recreation, and I believe he’s a very good depth piece at security. He’s not somebody I’d like to depend on to begin week after week, however as a spot starter and a rotational participant, there’s loads to love.

New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed

LB Dre Greenlaw – 1 yr, $7 million

49ers LB Dre Greenlaw – Picture by: USA Immediately

Greenlaw tore his Achilles throughout final yr’s Tremendous Bowl, so the 2024 season was finally a wash as he returned late earlier than ultimately being shut down on the finish of what was a misplaced season for San Francisco. However the soon-to-be 28-year-old isn’t far faraway from a number of seasons of high-level play, and on condition that he could must reestablish his worth subsequent season coming off an harm, it is a nice alternative for either side.

CB Mike Hughes – 1 yr, $5.75 million

The Bucs want higher depth at cornerback, and the previous first-round select of UCF will be simply that. Hughes is coming off one among his higher seasons, grading out with a 71.9 total grade from PFF, which included a 71.4 protection grade and a 68.2 mark towards the run. He would increase the ground of Tampa Bay’s cornerback room, offering extra expertise than the workforce had within the likes of Josh Hayes and Tyrek Funderburk.

CB Nate Hobbs – 2 years, $8 million

Hobbs can do the soiled work from the slot place very well, and he’d be a welcome addition to the Tampa Bay secondary. By including him and sliding him into the nickel function that he has performed for Vegas over the primary 4 years of his profession, it could enable the Bucs to maneuver Tykee Smith, a extra pure playmaker, again to the security place subsequent to Antoine Winfield Jr.

WR Demarcus Robinson – 1 yr, $2.15 million

Robinson has expertise enjoying behind a number of stud receivers, having completed so with the Rams during the last two years. Enjoying behind and in harm reduction of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, he has 57 catches for 876 yards and 11 touchdowns during the last two years. He’d be filling the same function on this Bucs offense, enjoying behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and probably a rookie huge receiver. I like him as an improve over Sterling Shepard.

Adams’ 2025 Bucs Draft Picks

Heading into the draft, I not have my first- or third-round picks after dealing them to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson. However that commerce did return a second-rounder (No. 49) and a sixth-round choice (No. 194). I additionally dealt Jamel Dean to Buffalo for one of many workforce’s fourth-round picks (No. 131).

Spherical 2 – East Carolina CB Shavon Revel 

East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. – Picture courtesy of ECU

After buying and selling Jamel Dean to the Payments, I’ve a necessity for a beginning cornerback. I deal with that right here, taking Revel out of ECU. The 6-foot-2 cornerback has the best dimension to play in Todd Bowles’ protection, and although he was solely restricted to 3 video games in 2024 for the Pirates, he had two interceptions. He has good velocity and robust instincts in zone protection.

You possibly can watch Revel’s highlights right here.

Spherical 2 (From Cincinnati) – Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

As early as this may appear so as to add one other huge receiver over addressing different wants on protection, I needed to take Higgins with the way in which the board fell. The 6-foot-4, 214-pound receiver out of Iowa State is coming off a 1,183-yard, nine-touchdown season that adopted a 983-yard, six-touchdown season.

He’s a big-bodied receiver with a very good catch radius and can be an important inheritor obvious to Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ receiver room lacks some dimension, and Higgins would add it. He wouldn’t be requested to be a high man instantly, which I believe might assist him in the long term, as would studying from Evans and Chris Godwin.

You possibly can watch Higgins’ highlights right here.

Spherical 4 – Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa

Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa – Picture by: USA Immediately

Bassa is an ideal match for what the Bucs want at linebacker. He can cowl effectively and rush the passer, has a extremely sturdy soccer I.Q. and with Lavonte David and Dre Greenlaw to be taught from in Yr 1, he’d be effectively suited to step firmly right into a beginning function in Yr 2. And not using a third spherical choose, I’ve to attend and hope the previous Oregon stud shall be there at Decide No. 120, however the Consensus Board has him at 131, so I felt secure sufficient right here to make this choose.

You possibly can watch Bassa’s highlights right here.

Spherical 4 (From Buffalo) – UCLA Edge Rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo

I like the concept of including Oladejo right here with the additional choose I added within the fourth spherical. Seeing him on the Senior Bowl, I used to be struck by what a presence he’s at 6-foot-3, 259 kilos. He’s a linebacker-turned-edge-rusher, so there’s nonetheless some growing to do, however there’s loads of upside to work with as he learns behind Trey Hendrickson, Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson.

You possibly can watch Oladejo’s highlights right here.

Spherical 5 – Penn State LB Kobe King

Penn State LB Kobe King Picture by: USA Immediately

I double dip at inside linebacker right here with the collection of King, who has beginning potential down the highway. He’s an enormous ‘backer at 6-foot-1, 236 kilos, and he has good instincts and approach, which can assist him overcome different limitations. The previous Penn Stater may play on all 4 particular groups models, giving him some added worth early in his profession.

You possibly can watch King’s highlights right here.

Spherical 6 – Sacramento State IOL Jackson Slater

Hand up. Honesty time. Whereas I do like Slater’s recreation and his versatility and small-school background make him a really Bucs-type offensive lineman, what first drew me to him was the truth that he instructed Pewter Report’s Matt Matera on the NFL Mix that he’s a little bit of a baseball fan and that it could be cool to come back to Tampa Bay and see the Rays play. That’s simply good judgement from the Sac State product, and there’s loads extra to like about his recreation and match within the Bucs’ offensive line room.

You possibly can watch Slater’s highlights right here.

Spherical 7 – Nebraska DL Ty Robinson

Tampa Bay might use some extra depth alongside the defensive position, particularly with Logan Corridor in a contract yr. With different, extra urgent defensive wants addressed in free company and earlier within the draft, I take a flyer on Robinson within the seventh spherical. The 6-foot-5, 288-pounder is bodily and nasty with a excessive motor. He had a seven-sack season for Nebraska in 2024, and that sort of manufacturing is difficult to disregard, particularly on the subject of a seventh-rounder.

You possibly can watch Robinson’s highlights right here.

UDFA – UCF CB Mac McWilliams

McWilliams could possibly be drafted within the seventh spherical and even earlier on Day 3, however I’d love to have the ability to add him as an undrafted free agent. UCF requested him to step exterior his consolation zone and play exterior cornerback in 2024 after he transferred in from UAB, and he did a strong job. However he stated himself on the NFL Mix that he’s extra snug and at residence within the slot. I believe there’s a variety of potential within the former workforce captain for the Blazers, and given the possibility so as to add a flexible defensive again as an undrafted free agent, I’d leap at it.

You possibly can watch McWilliams’ highlights right here.

Adams’ “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: USA Immediately

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Baker MayfieldKyle TraskMichael Pratt

Evaluation: Mayfield, now a two-time Professional Bowler, is the man. I really feel snug in Trask’s means to step in if he’s ever wanted, and I like the concept of Pratt growing within the background because the workforce’s No. 3/emergency quarterback.

RUNNING BACKS – 3

Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean Tucker

Evaluation: This is among the greatest working again rooms within the NFL, and I don’t actually suppose there’s any purpose to the touch it this offseason until there’s simply an absolute can’t-miss alternative so as to add one other stud to the room.

Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins – Picture by: USA Immediately

WIDE RECEIVERS – 6

Mike EvansChris GodwinJalen McMillanJayden HigginsDemarcus RobinsonKameron Johnson

Evaluation: Evans and Godwin proceed to cleared the path with McMillan behind them, however the remainder of the room is shaken up an enormous. Higgins is a big-bodied receiver with some big-time manufacturing within the Massive 12, and Robinson is a confirmed commodity as a veteran depth piece. Right here’s to hoping Johnson can keep wholesome this yr, but when not, having the likes of Ryan Miller and probably Trey Palmer on the observe squad is a assist.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade OttonPayne DurhamDevin Culp

Evaluation: That is one other room I left alone, exterior of the contract extension for Otton. I believe the fourth-year tight finish has one other strong yr, and I’d prefer to see some extra involvement from Durham and particularly Culp within the offense this season.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 10 

LT Tristan WirfsLG Ben BredesonC Graham BartonRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOL Elijah KleinOL Luke HaggardG Royce NewmanG/C Jackson SlaterOT Justin Skule

Evaluation: The beginning offensive line stays intact, with a very good mixture of expertise and youth as depth behind these 5. Klein and Slater are potential items for the long run, whereas Skule and Newman have been there and completed that on the NFL degree and can be dependable if ever wanted.

Bucs DTs Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

DEFENSIVE LINE – 5 

Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallGreg GainesTy Robinson

Evaluation: Ideally, I’d’ve favored so as to add extra right here. However rolling into the season with an important beginning trio of Vea, Kancey and Corridor is an efficient place to begin, and you already know what you’re getting from Gaines whereas Robinson probably has some juice to convey as a late-round choose.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Trey HendricksonYaya DiabyChris BraswellAnthony NelsonOluwafemi Oladejo

Evaluation: The massive transfer is clearly the addition of Hendrickson, who has produced 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons. He provides the Bucs an alpha edge rusher to pair with one other potential alpha in Diaby. Nelson is your confirmed depth piece, whereas the hope is that Braswell and Oladejo ultimately blossom into dependable rotational items, if not future starters. With the ability to preserve Markees Watts and/or Jose Ramirez on the observe squad can be a plus.

Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa – Picture by: USA Immediately

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Lavonte DavidSirVocea DennisDre GreenlawJeffrey BassaKobe King

Evaluation: I like the combination of expertise on this room. At this stage of his profession, David could also be greatest utilized in a platoon if he’s agreeable to it. Having him play on early downs with Dennis rotating in on passing downs might make for a very good stability, whereas Greenlaw is in place for a bounce-back season. Bassa is a future starter, whereas King must beat out J.J. Russell for that remaining spot. Having the loser of that battle on the observe squad would imply being six-deep at a place that was very skinny simply final yr.

CORNERBACKS – 6

Zyon McCollumShavon RevelMike HughesNate HobbsTavierre ThomasMac McWilliams

Evaluation: I like Hobbs within the slot, with McCollum and Revel (taking the place of Jamel Dean) beginning on the skin. Hughes is the primary cornerback off the bench, whereas Thomas has some positional versatility and might fill a spot in a pinch. McWilliams cracks the ultimate 53 on account of his means to play within the slot along with his versatility to play exterior.

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. and NCB Tykee Smith – Picture by: USA Immediately

SAFETIES – 4

Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithChristian IzienKaevon Merriweather

Evaluation: With the addition of Hobbs, Smith strikes to security to play alongside Winfield. Izien stays in his greatest function, which is a do-it-all spot starter at both security or nickel, and Merriweather is again because the fourth security.

SPECIALISTS – 3 

Okay Chase McLaughlinP Jake JulienLS Evan Deckers

Evaluation: Cash McLaughlin continues to be cash, and Deckers is a mainstay. After popping out of the CFL, Julien assumes punting duties and tries to carry on to that function for quite a lot of weeks, in contrast to the revolving door of punters final season.

What Did You Assume?

  Did you want my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2025 offseason? Does it adequately deal with Tampa Bay’s wants? Which additions did you want greatest? Let me know what you suppose within the article feedback part beneath.

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