Adam Slivon’s 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 workers members would reshape the staff this offseason – not essentially what we predict Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there may very well be some overlap with sure gamers the staff could also be focusing on.

Adam Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason

The Bucs’ regular-season document has improved by one win over the previous three seasons, however it has turn into evident that there’s a hump the staff must recover from to get again to contending for a Tremendous Bowl. The principle level of emphasis over the previous couple of offseasons has been so as to add younger expertise throughout the roster, which has helped the staff construct one other younger core for future seasons.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

With quarterback Baker Mayfield enjoying one of the best soccer of his profession main a top-five offense, now could be the time to improve the protection. Head coach Todd Bowles has needed to make modifications throughout his teaching workers, however the defensive playcaller will nonetheless be tasked with getting probably the most out of a disappointing unit final season.

Participant personnel deficiencies didn’t assist, as by the tip of the yr the within linebacker, cornerback, and security positions had been a rotating forged of follow squad gamers. That, paired with the skin linebacker’s points bringing down the passer, signifies loads of modifications are wanted.

Fortunately, Tampa Bay remains to be in full management of the NFC South coming off 5 straight playoff appearances and a four-peat of the division. The Falcons are hitting a reset button of kinds with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and whereas they’re formidable, they’ve their very own points to work out because it appears to be a transition yr. The Panthers appear to have quarterback Bryce Younger locked in as their man, however additionally they might want to add important expertise to turn into a risk. After the Saints’ future of success, they may sit within the cellar for some time as they lastly eat all of the useless cash they’ve postpone.

All because of this the Bucs have a first-rate alternative to benefit from this Tremendous Bowl window and add supplementary mercenaries to a staff that’s locked and loaded with firepower.

My offseason priorities are including a mix of confirmed defensive expertise in free company and high-potential rookies within the 2025 NFL Draft. After addressing every stage with that focus, including depth to every defensive place room will assist preserve the ship afloat ought to accidents come up. I may also have the offense on my thoughts, as even after a historic season it can’t go with out including expertise at key positions. Lastly, whereas contract restructures will create ample cap house, I stay fixated on discovering worth in free company with short-term, high-upside offers.

Bucs Restructures

QB Baker Mayfield – $21,558,750 cap savedLT Tristan Wirfs – $19,864,000 cap savedS Antoine Winfield Jr. – $14,872,500 cap saved

Bucs Extensions

Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

RT Luke Goedeke – 5 years, $107.5 million – After locking up left deal with Tristan Wirfs on a five-year, $140.6 million deal final yr, the Bucs to lock up their different offensive deal with for the remainder of the 2020s. Whereas it as soon as didn’t seem that Goedeke would get a second contract in Tampa Bay after a disappointing rookie yr at left guard, he has settled in as an above-average proper deal with over the previous two seasons. What saved him from a good higher 2024 marketing campaign was a concussion that pressured him to overlook 4 video games.

Nonetheless, he has graded because the Twenty seventh-best offensive deal with every of the final two seasons, placing him within the league’s prime half. He performs a vital half in defending Baker Mayfield and in an offensive line room that prides itself on its nice chemistry. This contract displays the worth he gives at an vital place and is the deal that needs to be carried out first amongst 2022 draft picks.

Bucs Cuts

S Jordan Whitehead – Whitehead’s launch has already been reported as prone to occur. It doesn’t make sense to maintain him on the roster at his non-guaranteed wage of $4.5 million, particularly contemplating he won’t have a powerful market. The veteran security was final offseason’s thrilling addition, however a pectoral harm down the stretch together with being concerned in a late-season automotive accident restricted the impression he had in a disappointing second stint with the staff.

Bucs Trades

Raiders GM John Spytek and HC Pete Carroll – Picture by: USA At this time

CB Jamel Dean, 2026 Sixth-Spherical Choose To The Raiders For 2025 Fourth-Spherical Choose – Admittedly, this was the best telephone name I needed to make of the offseason. New Raiders basic supervisor John Spytek is acquainted with the Bucs roster, and by making this transfer, he acquires one of many gamers he as soon as helped draft. For Dean, a brand new change of surroundings advantages all events concerned right here.

Transferring him to amass decide No. 107 gives Tampa Bay the power so as to add his alternative with one of many prime picks on Day 3 of the NFL Draft whereas saving $8,284,941 in cap house. Las Vegas desperately wants expertise, they usually get a cornerback who when wholesome is stable in protection and tasks to be their prime defensive again. By taking over his contract, Spytek negotiated for a later Day 3 decide subsequent yr, which appeared like an acceptable compromise to make this a carried out deal.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed

WR Chris Godwin – 2 years, $38 million

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

Godwin wouldn’t look proper in something aside from crimson and pewter. He was on tempo for a profession yr in 2024 earlier than struggling a season-ending dislocated ankle harm. Re-signing the 29-year-old is making one other guess on him, however it already paid off as soon as for the group after signing him to a three-year, $60 million deal coming off a torn ACL in 2021.

This contract just isn’t as excessive because it as soon as appeared, however it grants him a chance to money in and keep residence in Tampa Bay. I agreed with Godwin’s camp earlier than the March twelfth void date on his deal which permits me to push again $11,318,000 of his would-be useless cap from his earlier deal into future years which helps the Bucs’ 2025 cap image.

LB Lavonte David – 1 yr, $6 million

David comes again for one ultimate experience. The 35-year-old just isn’t the identical caliber of participant that he was, however “LVD” nonetheless finds methods to be productive. Leaving the sphere within the ultimate minutes of the Bucs’ playoff loss to the Commanders just isn’t the best way he needs to exit, and his return permits him to reunite with inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell as soon as extra. At this level, David shouldn’t be a full-time starter, and extra strikes are made to minimize his workload and provides him the prospect to be extra of a veteran mentor.

OLB Anthony Nelson – 2 years, $10 million

Todd Bowles has lengthy been a fan of Nelson, generally known as the staff’s “steady Eddie.” Whereas not the flashiest participant, he finds methods to make performs. A fourth-round decide in 2019, he receives one other deal to maintain him round as a succesful backup who’s at all times good for a number of sacks a yr.

LG Ben Bredeson – 1 yr, $4.5 million

Bredeson was not a world-beater at left guard, however he was a cut price free-agent signing final yr. If he’s the weakest hyperlink of a top-five offensive line, you may reside with that. This contract is a year-over-year pay bump that retains him round to battle for his beginning spot with two youthful offensive guards. If Bredeson had been to lose his job earlier than the common season, he’d be one of many higher backup offensive guards within the league.

QB Kyle Trask – 1 yr, $4 million

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Trask can’t appear to catch a break to see the sphere. Drafted to be Tom Brady’s understudy coming off the Bucs’ Tremendous Bowl win, he misplaced the prospect to assert the beginning job with Baker Mayfield coming into city. Trask’s lack of enjoying expertise limits his worth sufficient to maintain him round, and he’s somebody who is aware of the system and the gamers round him ought to he ever must fill in.

OT Justin Skule – 2 years, $5 million

After making simply over one million this previous season, Skule deserves a considerable pay increase for his work final season. He rapidly settled in whereas Luke Goedeke missed 4 video games with a concussion and when Tristan Wirfs went down and needed to miss a recreation. With the best way the place is valued, having one of many higher swing tackles round who gels in effectively is price maintaining for an additional couple of years.

DL Greg Gaines – 1 yr, $2.25 million

Gaines gives worth as a run-stuffer who performs sparingly behind Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Vea’s outdated faculty teammate at Washington, he saved his greatest recreation for the postseason and returns so as to add depth alongside the defensive position. With different strikes made through the offseason, he’s decrease down the totem pole however raises the ground of the place.

CB Tavierre Thomas – 1 yr, $1.5 million

Thomas is phenomenal on particular groups, enjoying 81% of the unit’s snaps final season. As soon as a beginning defensive again, he has settled in as top-of-the-line particular teamers within the league.

Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed

OLB Joe Tryon ShoyinkaILB Ok.J. BrittWR Sterling ShepardDL Will GholstonS Mike EdwardsOLB Shaq BarrettRB Chase EdmondsOG Sua OpetaOG Royce NewmanC Robert HainseyDL Adam GostsisDL Eric BanksCB Bryce HallCB Troy HillS Ryan Neal

Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-Signed

ILB J.J. Russell – 1 yr, $1.1 million

It doesn’t value an excessive amount of to maintain one other physique round at inside linebacker. Somebody with a number of seasons underneath his belt in Todd Bowles’ protection, Russell is a bubble participant who has made 4 begins previously two seasons whereas additionally being a key particular teamer.

S Kaevon Merriweather – 1 yr, $960,000

After a short November cup of espresso on the Lions’ follow squad, Merriweather returned to the Bucs and began the final 5 video games. He impressed down the stretch, recording a sack and recovering a fumble in consecutive video games. The undrafted security gives high quality depth.

DL C.J. Brewer – 1 yr, $960,000

Brewer performed in 12 video games final season, ending with 12 complete tackles and two sacks. He has some promise as a pass-rushing defensive lineman, and whereas he doesn’t make my 53-man roster, he has a house on the follow squad.

New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed

OLB Khalil Mack – 1 yr, $22.75 million

Chargers OLB Khalil Mack – Picture by: USA At this time

The Bucs make their largest splash-signing in free company in years, including Khalil Mack to steer the skin linebacker room. Mack brings on the spot title recognition as a nine-time Professional Bowler, three-time first-team All-Professional, and the 2016 AP Defensive Participant of the Yr.

Though he not too long ago turned 34 years outdated and his greatest days are behind him, he stays an issue for opposing offensive tackles, having produced 52 pressures and 6 sacks final yr in Los Angeles with the Chargers. As not too long ago as 2023, he had 17 sacks and has 107.5 sacks in his profession.

Even nearing the tip of his enjoying days, Mack’s signing takes some strain off Yaya Diaby and can assist him and the remainder of what shall be a younger and inexperienced place group subsequent season. Per Professional Soccer Focus, he was the NFL’s fifth-best edge rusher in 2024.

Apart from being a pass-rushing menace, PFF’s grade additionally accounts for his elite run-defense means. Signing him for a yr permits the youthful gamers behind him to be taught from one among this era’s greatest move rushers who ought to have sufficient gasoline within the tank for yet another above-average season.

CB Charvarius Ward – 2 years, $30 million

Buying and selling Jamel Dean opens up a beginning spot and sufficient wage cap house so as to add Charvarius Ward. Ward is understandably coming off a down yr coping with the demise of his younger daughter, however he’s not far faraway from being a shutdown cornerback. In 2023, he had 72 complete tackles, a league-leading 23 passes defensed, and 5 interceptions.

The 12 video games he performed in 2024 had been a career-low, as earlier than that he proved to be a extremely sturdy participant, the alternative of what Dean was in Tampa Bay. Ward is a first-rate candidate to bounce again and make this contract appear like a steal.

DT Poona Ford – 2 years, $14 million

With Vita Vea not too long ago turning 30 years outdated and Logan Corridor in a contract yr, the Bucs may use one other high quality defensive lineman to play important snaps and guard in opposition to harm or a possible Corridor departure subsequent yr. Poona Ford provides that and rather more at an reasonably priced charge. Constructed like a tank at five-foot-11, 310 kilos, Ford is a do-it-all, versatile nostril deal with. He teamed up with Khalil Mack on the Chargers’ top-scoring protection that allowed simply 17.7 factors per recreation final season. At 29 years outdated, Ford is coming off a profession yr and is the proper addition to make the Bucs’ defensive position one of many deepest and most proficient within the recreation.

ILB Dre Greenlaw – 1 yr, $6 million

It is a enjoyable signing that may be a low-risk, high-reward deal. With Lavonte David coming again and SirVocea Dennis returning wholesome, signing Dre Greenlaw is likely one of the methods I handle the within linebacker place this offseason. With a full offseason to additional recuperate from the torn Achilles he suffered through the 49ers-Chiefs Tremendous Bowl in 2023, Greenlaw is younger sufficient at 27 years outdated to bounce again and appear like the participant he did in 2022 and 2023.

Throughout these two years, he was the Robin to Fred Warner’s Batman, enjoying like a top-10 linebacker and amassing 247 complete tackles. This signing does include a more durable projection of what to anticipate, however he returned late final season and performed effectively in restricted motion. An incentive-laden one-year deal has the prospect to repay in an enormous method.

P Jamie Gillan – 2 years, $6.5 million

Giants P Jamie Gillan – Picture by: USA At this time

After going by way of three punters final season, the Bucs must solidify the place badly. Jamie Gillan, also called the “Scottish Hammer,” is likely one of the greatest choices. Gillan has been the Giants’ punter since 2022.

He overlapped with particular groups coordinator Thomas McGaughey, who’s now in Tampa Bay. There usually are not a ton of punter statistics to go over, however it’s price evaluating him to what the staff had in 2024. His means to pin groups stands out.

WR Elijah Moore – 1 yr, $4 million

Elijah Moore has not had it straightforward since being drafted by the Jets within the second spherical of the 2021 NFL Draft. Drafted to pair with Zach Wilson, Moore was a product of poor quarterback play in New York. He was dealt to the Browns after two seasons, and the circumstances didn’t enhance with Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco throwing him the soccer. Nonetheless, there’s the potential for him to succeed in his draft pedigree. The five-foot-10, 180-pound wideout had two massive video games down the stretch final season.

In a extra secure atmosphere surrounded by Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, Moore profiles as a high-floor large receiver No. 4 and has the wheels (4.35 40-yard time) to stretch the sphere.

C Nick Gates – 1 yr, $3 million

With Robert Hainsey leaving in free company for a beginning job elsewhere, Nick Gates turns into Graham Barton’s backup. Gates just isn’t probably the most glamorous signing, however he’s a succesful participant and has 40 profession begins. Ben Bredeson would additionally vouch for him within the locker room, as they had been teammates with the Giants for 2 seasons.

Slivon’s 2025 Bucs Draft Picks

To formulate which prospects can be accessible in every spherical, I used a plethora of mock drafts and draft boards to assist inform my draft. After weighing this and seeing many of those gamers on the Senior Bowl and NFL Mix, I made it as practical as attainable. Be mindful I acquired a further fourth-round decide, No. 107 general, from the Raiders as a part of the Jamel Dean commerce.

Spherical 1 – Boston Faculty EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku

Boston Faculty edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku – Picture by: USA At this time

Donovan Ezeiruaku made a reputation for himself with 16.5 sacks throughout his senior season and has solely elevated his draft inventory through the pre-draft course of. Ezeiruaku is athletic, pairing that with a excessive soccer intelligence and work ethic permitting him to take his recreation up a notch in 2024.

Whereas Ezeiruaku is third on the staff’s depth chart behind Khalil Mack and Yaya Diaby, Bowles and out of doors linebackers coach Larry Foote would discover methods to scheme him on the sphere lots earlier than he takes on a good greater position in 2026.

Click on HERE to view Ezeiruaku’s highlights.

Spherical 2 – Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison

The Bucs inject additional expertise on the place with Benjamin Morrison there for the taking at No. 51. Morrison missed time with a hip harm throughout his ultimate yr at Notre Dame, however had two productive seasons for the Combating Irish earlier than that, together with a six-interception season in 2022. The youthful Morrison is a proficient defensive again, along with his ball manufacturing and proficiency in zone protection being an ideal match for the secondary.

Click on HERE to view Morrison’s highlights.

Spherical 3 – Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa

Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa – Picture by: USA At this time

Inside linebacker was arguably the place of most concern coming into the offseason, with solely SirVocea Dennis underneath contract. Bringing again Lavonte David and J.J. Russell and including Dre Greenlaw lowers the panic stage, however one other younger linebacker also needs to be introduced into the combination. That’s addressed by deciding on Jeffrey Bassa within the third spherical.

A former defensive again, Bassa transformed to linebacker and introduced his above-average protection abilities with him. He has a excessive soccer I.Q., taking the time to completely break down a play with Pewter Report throughout his spectacular Senior Bowl week. Ought to David and Greenlaw depart after subsequent season, Bassa would have each likelihood to be a long-term starter. Click on HERE to view Bassa’s highlights.

Spherical 4 (From Las Vegas) – Kansas CB Cobee Bryant

What’s yet another cornerback? The Bucs have double-dipped on the place 3 times throughout basic supervisor Jason Licht’s tenure and so once more by taking Cobee Bryant. Bryant checks all of the bins for becoming on this protection, from being a bodily tackler and having nice ball instincts, to easily being a “dawg” on protection. He’d add a component of swagger and “Mamba Mentality” on the again finish.

Click on HERE to view Bryant’s highlights.

Spherical 4 – Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles

Standing 6-foot-1, 282 kilos, Aeneas Peebles is extra of the Calijah Kancey mould. Peebles does a bit of of all the pieces, however his largest energy comes from a excessive motor and extends to how he makes performs between the tackles. He performs with a whole lot of energy for his measurement and possesses sharp quickness off the snap to chop off gaps. He may start his profession as a developmental participant filling in for Kancey however has the potential and pass-rushing chops to carve out a long-term position.

Click on HERE to view Peebles’ highlights.

Spherical 5 – Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa

Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa – Picture by: USA At this time

Isaac TeSlaa is a enjoyable Day 3 flier decide right here. Standing at 6-foot-4 and with the velocity (4.43 40-yard time) of a “Tesla Roadster,” TeSlaa creates a whole lot of mismatches and was underutilized within the Razorbacks’ offense final season. He has a big catch radius and hauled in 28 of his 36 targets for 546 receiving yards (19.5 yards-per-catch common) and three touchdowns in 2024.

TeSlaa is extra uncooked and doesn’t have the high-end manufacturing of different large receivers, however his athletic traits leap off the web page and the movie backs up his positive arms and talent to create separation.

Click on HERE to view TeSlaa’s highlights.

Spherical 7 – Georgia G Dylan Fairchild

Rounding out my choices is Dylan Fairchild, who was a two-year starter at left guard with the Bulldogs. Whereas Elijah Klein was drafted within the sixth spherical final yr and profiles as a greater run blocker, Fairchild is called a greater pass-blocker with sufficient agility and energy to slot in a Bucs’ run scheme that may go zone or hole. Studying from a few of the greatest offensive linemen in Tampa Bay whereas growing and constructing his energy is his best-case situation, and he may compete with Ben Bredeson and Klein for a beginning job sooner quite than later.

Click on HERE to view Fairchild’s highlights.

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

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Baker MayfieldKyle TraskMichael Pratt

Evaluation: The quarterback room stays the identical as final yr and is led by Mayfield, who’s quietly turning into one of many higher quarterbacks within the NFL. Trask returns as his understudy, whereas Pratt will get promoted to the lively roster to keep away from being plucked by one other staff.

RUNNING BACKS – 3

Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean Tucker

Evaluation: This trio of operating backs is likely one of the greatest within the league. Led by Irving, the sky is the restrict for the Bucs’ floor recreation. White is an outstanding third-down receiving again, and one can’t rule out Tucker exploding for an enormous recreation if the chance presents itself.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 5

Browns WR Elijah Moore – Picture by: USA At this time

Mike EvansChris GodwinJalen McMillanElijah MooreIsaac TeSlaa

Evaluation: Evans and Godwin pair up for at the very least yet another season, instantly creating top-of-the-line receiver duos within the enterprise. McMillan may make it a deadly trio, whereas Moore is a greater choice than any of the staff’s backup receivers from final yr. TeSlaa may get some work as a returner and advantages from studying behind some proficient gamers. I’m stashing Kameron Johnson, Trey Palmer, and Rakim Jarrett on the follow squad, too.

TIGHT ENDS – 3

Cade OttonPayne DurhamDevin Culp

Evaluation: Exterior of reducing Ko Kieft and bumping him to the follow squad, the remainder of the depth chart stays untouched. Cade Otton is getting into a contract yr and can search for a constant position within the Bucs’ passing offense. Durham and Culp will battle to be his prime backup, however every has distinctive traits to have a job regardless.

OFFENSIVE LINE – 10

Eagles C Nick Gates – Picture by: USA At this time

LT Tristan WirfsLG Ben BredesonC Graham BartonRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOT Justin SkuleG-C Elijah KleinC Nick GatesG Dylan FairchildOT Luke Haggard

Evaluation: The offensive line is anchored by two $100 million males in Wirfs and the newly prolonged Goedeke. The beginning 5 stay the identical, and with continued enchancment, they might turn into one of the best group of huge guys within the recreation. Bredeson shall be pushed onerous by Klein and Fairchild at left guard.

DEFENSIVE LINE – 6

Vita VeaCalijah KanceyPoona FordLogan HallGreg GainesAeneas Peebles

Evaluation: The ground of this room improves drastically with the additions of Ford and Peebles. Corridor turning into the No. 4 defensive deal with speaks to the abundance of riches within the defensive trenches. From a pass-rushing and run-stuffing perspective, it doesn’t get higher than this.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Chargers OLB Khalil Mack and DT Poona Ford – Picture by: USA At this time

Khalil MackYaya DiabyDonovan EzeiruakuChris BraswellAnthony Nelson

Evaluation: Mack and Ezeiruaku are the massive additions to the room and are the proper mix of expertise and potential. Having Mack and Diaby as a one-two punch shall be a demise knell to opposing quarterbacks. Be careful for Braswell if he makes a second-year leap as effectively.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

Lavonte DavidDre GreenlawJeffrey BassaSirVocea DennisJ.J. Russell

Evaluation: David and Greenlaw are the veterans on this room, however ought to both falter Bassa and Dennis are high quality backups who may vie for important enjoying time this season and past. Russell sticks round for his particular groups’ worth.

CORNERBACKS – 6

Kansas CB Cobee Bryant – Picture by: USA At this time

Zyon McCollumCharvarius WardBenjamin MorrisonCobee BryantJosh HayesTavierre Thomas

Evaluation: For my part, this room is probably the most improved year-over-year. Ward is a possible No. 1 cornerback and his availability alone shall be an enormous boon for the secondary. Morrison and Bryant are thrilling additions and every has beginning potential down the road. Hayes and Thomas are greatest suited to particular groups.

SAFETIES – 4

Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithChristian IzienKaevon Merriweather

Evaluation: Now wholesome, Winfield ought to return extra to enjoying like he did in 2023 when he was a first-team All-Professional. Smith strikes again to security with Jordan Whitehead’s launch and getting him on the sphere extra solely helps. Izien and Merriweather are high-end backups who can fill in each time wanted.

SPECIALISTS – 3

Ok Chase McLaughlinP Jamie GillanLS Evan Deckers

Evaluation: “Money McLaughlin” is one kicker not talked about sufficient. Gillan provides stability to one of many shakiest positions final yr, and Deckers is securely entrenched because the long-snapper going ahead.

What Did You Suppose?

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

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