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 12 months.
Keep in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com employees members would reshape the crew this offseason – not essentially what we predict Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there might be some overlap with sure gamers the crew could also be concentrating on.
Matt Matera’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2025 Offseason
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht – Photograph courtesy of the Buccaneers
When wanting on the Bucs’ finest option to make a Tremendous Bowl run, it begins with successful the NFC South once more, which they’ve carried out the previous 4 seasons. Tampa Bay continues to be the definitive chief in its division and there’s nonetheless an excellent hole between the others. The Saints are a large number, the Panthers are nonetheless one other season away from competing, and the Bucs’ greatest menace, the Falcons, have Michael Penix Jr. beginning at quarterback and that comes with some uncertainty.
It’s not going to be a cakewalk, however something in addition to one other division title for the Bucs could be a shock. That’s why Tampa Bay wants to ensure they’ll run with the Eagles, Lions and others for a deep playoff push.
My plan for that is to right away assist the Bucs whereas additionally maintaining a tally of the longer term for Tampa Bay. I love how Jason Licht can proceed to replenish this crew by nice draft picks and clever free company strikes. Sooner or later, they should make impression upgrades and I consider I achieve this with out mortgaging the crew’s future. Fixing the protection is a giant precedence, and that is available in by loading up that facet by free company and drafting gamers. The draft could have taken some liberties, however the thought behind was to make this crew higher.
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
WR Mike Evans – This transfer comes after Evans nonetheless managed to succeed in the 1,000-yard receiving mark and scored 11 touchdowns regardless of lacking 3.5 video games. He confirmed no indicators of slowing down on the age of 31, and this extension each saves some cash, giving the Bucs $15 million extra in cap room and secures his providers for 2026, ensuring that 2025 received’t be one other contract 12 months.
Bucs Cuts
S Jordan Whitehead – This transfer saves the Bucs $4.5 million in wage cap area with no lifeless cash. It was already reported that Tampa Bay made this resolution as properly. The harm issues surrounding Whitehead and his beck stemming from his late season automotive accident are the most important situation of all of it.
CB Jamel Dean – The mixture of lacking too many video games and never taking the ball away sufficient ultimately does Dean in. He’s an excellent nook, however not a playmaker. Todd Bowles desires ballhawks, however that doesn’t simply apply to gamers they need to draft. Whereas the Bucs do take a lifeless cap hit of $6.852 million, additionally they save $8,284,941 in cap area.
Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed
WR Chris Godwin – 3 years, $57 million
Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photograph by: USA At present
The Bucs and Godwin have been down this highway earlier than, and so they’ll do it once more. Coming back from a dislocated ankle is totally different than Godwin’s torn ACL from a number of seasons in the past. The understanding is that when Godwin is in kind, he’s nonetheless the most effective receivers within the league. His 576 receiving yards in seven video games speaks to that. Godwin continues to be the mainstay of this offense and I’ve no doubts that he’ll get well simply advantageous. The Bucs pay him good cash, but in addition don’t overpay for it.
ILB Lavonte David – 1 12 months, $5.75 million (**Battle Plan was devised earlier than David re-signed on a one-year deal price $10 million)
That is the final hurrah for David, who decides to maintain enjoying understanding that the Bucs nonetheless have an opportunity to win one other Tremendous Bowl. David can nonetheless dial it up when he must. The go protection isn’t there as a lot, however he can blitz properly and skim a play higher that the majority. It’ll be essential to platoon David as a substitute of overusing him.
QB Kyle Trask – 1 12 months, $4 million
It’s type of loopy that after 4 seasons, we nonetheless don’t know what Tampa Bay has in Trask. I’d nonetheless guess that he’s a greater choice at backup quarterback than what different groups have. He is aware of the offense and has labored with many of those gamers that he’ll be throwing to if he comes right into a state of affairs.
DT Greg Gaines – 1 12 months, $2 million
Bucs DT Greg Gaines – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Gaines is reasonable, dependable depth. He performs the run properly and confirmed slightly extra go rush skill in 2024. He’s a stable backup to Vita Vea, in addition to an excellent man for the line of defense room.
OT Justin Skule – 1 12 months, $1.5 million
Skule proved he has a ton of worth to the crew as the highest backup sort out after filling in for Luke Goedeke. The Bucs can win video games he begins in and he’s good associates with Tristan Wirfs and the opposite lineman. He’s good for locker room morale and stable in his position.
CB Tavierre Thomas -1 12 months, $1.5 million
A savvy particular teamer that blocked a kick final season. Thomas can be essential for that position on the Bucs this season and can be utilized in a number of areas within the secondary in the event that they want him to.
OG Royce Newman – 1 12 months, $1 million
This signing comes as a result of Ben Bredeson isn’t re-signed, however his substitute is stuffed by the draft. Newman is aware of the offense after being right here for a season and has some expertise beginning video games.
Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed
OLB Joe Tryon ShoyinkaILB Ok.J. BrittC Robert HainseyOG Ben BredesonOLB Shaq BarrettOLB Anthony NelsonDL Will GholstonDL Adam GostsisS Mike EdwardsRB Chase EdmondsCB Troy HillS Ryan NealCB Bryce HallOL Sua OpetaDL Eric Banks
Restricted/Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-SignedILB J.J. Russell
Russell is all coronary heart and hustle when he performs the sport. That type of effort is price permitting him to compete for a roster spot in coaching camp. He has some beginning expertise and is aware of the protection greater than others who’re introduced in.
S Kaevon Merriweather
The Bucs re-signed Merriweather on Friday morning. He’s dependable on particular groups and common enjoying at security when changing others. He’s a participant that you just don’t thoughts having round.
New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed
OLB Khalil Mack – 1 12 months, $20 million
Chargers OLB Khalil Mack – Photograph by: USA At present
Khalil Mack has carried out every part in his NFL profession aside from win a Tremendous Bowl. Enjoying in his dwelling state of Florida with a playoff contending crew attracts his curiosity to the Bucs. Mack is getting old at 34, however two seasons in the past, he recorded 17 sacks and has proven that it doesn’t matter what crew he goes to, he produces. It’s true he had simply six sacks final season. What I’m searching for is someplace in between these 17 and 6 sacks. If groups need to double crew Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, Mack will get one-on-one matchups. The one-year deal doesn’t tie the Bucs down, both.
CB – Rasual Douglas – 2 years, $22 million
Why would I substitute an oft-injured Jamel Dean with an older participant who missed a variety of time final season? Merely put, Rasul Douglas takes the ball away. Previous to final season, Douglas had 5 interceptions in 2023 and one other 4 in 2022. I’m banking on that manufacturing to return with the Bucs’ protection that’ll even have a greater go rush. Douglas’ age prevents him from getting greater than a two-year deal. Plus there’ll be different plans accessible if he can’t play for some video games.
ILB Jamien Sherwood – 3 years, $32 million
Jets ILB Jamien Sherwood – Photograph by: USA At present
If the Bucs can land Sherwood, it is likely to be their most underrated signing. Sherwood doesn’t have a lot put on and tear on him after primarily being a backup, however was capable of begin loads final season. Sherwood was a tackling machine with 158 and two sacks. He used to play security, so he can even cowl.
CB Brandin Echols -1 12 months, $2 million
A reasonable depth piece, Echols is sweet on particular groups and has expertise beginning at nook in 4 video games final season. He had two picks regardless of the Jets ravenous for interceptions just like the Bucs. He has two defensive touchdowns in his profession, including to this 12 months’s narrative of the protection making huge performs.
P Riley Dixon – 1 12 months, 1.75 million
Dixon was sixth within the league in touchdown punts contained in the 20 with solely 5 touchbacks. He averaged 46.7 yards per try, which isn’t that top in comparison with the remainder of the league. However as Todd Bowles stated on the Mix, they simply desire a man that doesn’t shank it. His management of the ball and pinning groups again is helpful to Tampa Bay.
Matera’s 2025 Bucs Draft Picks
For transparency of this mock draft, I used the Professional Soccer Focus mock draft simulator and took what gamers have been accessible on the board. Any trades used needed to be accepted by the mock draft CPU. Try the photograph alongside this draft that reveals every transfer.
Draft Trades
Earlier than making the Bucs first-round decide at 19, I made a few trades to maneuver again within the first spherical to accumulate extra draft picks and ultimately used them to get one other participant who would assist the crew.
First, I traded again from the 19 spot with the Vikings, giving them the nineteenth decide for Minnesota’s twenty fourth general decide, a 3rd rounder (97th general) and a 3rd rounder in subsequent 12 months’s draft. On the clock at 24, I moved again even additional to twenty-eight, buying and selling with the Lions, giving them the twenty fourth decide in alternate for decide 28, a 3rd (101), fourth (133) and sixth spherical decide (196).
Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton – Photograph by: USA At present
Spherical 1 (28) – Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
At age 20, there’s loads of time to develop Scourton whereas additionally studying from a veteran like Mack. He already has extra go speeding strikes than Yaya Diaby, together with a spin transfer that he likes to make use of, which supplies the Bucs a distinct type of go rusher.
*After making that first-round decide, I then rapidly put collectively one other commerce to get again into the primary spherical. I traded away the Bucs’ second spherical decide (51), the Lions fourth spherical decide (133) and a 3rd spherical decide in subsequent 12 months’s draft to the Payments for the thirtieth general decide. Giving up future third rounder was no hurt because of it coming from the Vikings’ commerce, retaining the picks for subsequent season collectively.
Spherical 1 (30) – North Dakota State OL Gray Zabel
That is proper within the wheelhouse of what Jason Licht likes to do. He will get to construct by the trenches with a smaller college participant, though this one has a variety of hype round him. When requested on the Mix what place he’s going to play, he stated “offensive line.” Zabel has wonderful method, the appropriate measurement and is as violent and bodily of a soccer participant as they arrive. He reunites along with his former teammate Cody Mauch in Tampa.
Spherical 3 – Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa
The Bucs deal with inside linebacker with Bassa, who excels in protection and can even rush the passer. Bassa had a formidable Senior Bowl efficiency and has good management qualities and a excessive soccer I.Q. He’ll compete with SirVocea Dennis for the appropriate to begin as a rookie.
Matt Matera’s Bucs Mock Draft
Spherical 3 – Oregon WR Tez Johnson
Johnson was arguably the very best broad receiver on the Senior Bowl. He has an unimaginable skill to get broad open and use his pace to create area from defenders. That’s precisely what Tampa Bay desires.
Spherical 3 – Kansas CB Cobee Bryant
Bryant has nice zone instincts and ballhawking skill. He’s a troublesome and keen tackler, and has 13 interceptions in 4 years at KU, together with a pair of pick-sixes, together with 22 go breakups, three compelled fumbles and two fumble recoveries, together with one for a landing. He additionally likes to trash speak, which this protection would possibly want.
Spherical 4 – Kansas CB Mello Dotson
Many have mentioned Bryant and Dotson collectively, so why not put them on the identical crew if it’s attainable? Dotson is one other ballhawking kind of participant that does properly in zone. With the quantity that Todd Bowles blitzes, they want a participant like that. His athleticism can be a giant asset for the Bucs.
Spherical 5 – Penn State ILB Kobe King
King has an excellent trait that many gamers don’t have anymore within the NFL. He truly wraps up when he tackles. He’s a bodily linebacker that’s nice at making open discipline tackles. King is a tackling machine.
Spherical 6 – Syracuse S Alijah Clark
Clark is aware of easy methods to break on routes properly and canopy floor along with his pace. Getting off of blockers is a little bit of a problem, however he additionally performed his entire profession on particular groups, so he can play in that position on the NFL stage.
Spherical 7 – Alabama S Malachi Moore
Understanding easy methods to monitor the soccer when in protection is a trait that Moore does properly. He has a excessive soccer IQ and good footwork as properly on the place. Moore additionally has expertise enjoying particular groups. He had a ton of accidents that lowered his draft worth and isn’t the most important security both. Enjoying at Alabama although, there’s a motive why others are interested by his skills.
Matera’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection
QUARTERBACKS – 3
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA At present
Baker MayfieldKyle TraskMichael Pratt
Evaluation: Mayfield is coming off of the very best 12 months of his profession and comes again to primarily the identical precise solid with some even higher additions. Josh Grizzard as OC received’t detract him from being a high 10 quarterback once more. Trask is a stable backup with some thriller nonetheless behind him. Pratt can hold creating.
RUNNING BACKS – 3
Bucky IrvingRachaad WhiteSean Tucker
Evaluation: If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it. Irving was a sensational working again for the Bucs final 12 months, going over 1,000 yards and this time will get a full 12 months ranging from day one. White has loads to show in a contract 12 months and continues to be the very best go blocking and receiving again. Possibly Tucker will get extra reps to maintain Irving contemporary, however he has to indicate he can deal with the passing sport duties, too.
WIDE RECEIVERS – 5
Mike EvansChris GodwinJalen McMillanTez JohnsonKameron Johnson
Evaluation: Will the offense run by Evans or Godwin? That’s a luxurious that the Bucs as soon as once more have. Whereas Evans received the headlines, Godwin was the principle producer up till his harm. We’ll see if McMillan can construct on his landing streak to finish the season. Tez Johnson gives Tampa Bay with higher depth, a future shot at beginning and an awesome skill to get open. Johnson takes over punt return duties with Palmer on the observe squad.
TIGHT ENDS – 3
Cade OttonPayne DurhamDevin Culp
Evaluation: We noticed glimpses of how good this group might be down the stretch. Otton suits in wherever on the offense. He may be the principle goal or fill within the gaps when essential. Durham is carving out a purple zone presence and reveals physicality. Culp has the very best pace of the group.
OFFENSIVE LINE – 10
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and RT Luke Goedeke – Photograph by: Cliff Welch P/R
LT Tristan WirfsLG Gray ZabelC Graham BartonRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOT Justin SkuleOL Elijah KleinOL Royce NewmanOL Luke HaggardOT Raiqwon O’Neal
Evaluation: A high 5 unit within the league from final 12 months solidifies itself for years to come back with Zabel coming in at beginning left guard. He’ll technically be the weak hyperlink beginning out, however that’s solely as a result of everybody else is so good at what they do. Each starter is below contract for at the very least two extra years, which is unimaginable They get good depth with Klein and Skule.
DEFENSIVE LINE – 5
Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallGreg GainesMike Greene
Evaluation: If Kancey can start the season enjoying and Vea continues to play at his excessive stage, this group will do a variety of harm. My query is about what Corridor brings in a contract season. Was final 12 months an anomaly or has he actually discovered his kind? Gaines is a dependable backup who can play extra time if essential. Todd Bowles loves Mike Greene, so he will get an opportunity.
EDGE RUSHERS – 5
Chargers OLB Khalil Mack – Photograph by: USA At present
Khalil MackYaya DiabyNic ScourtonChris BraswellMarkees Watts
Evaluation: Upgrades come throughout at this place. Mack is as threatening as they arrive within the league. Diaby has an opportunity to bounce again with much less consideration on him, plus he turned it up on the finish of the season. Scourton brings an arsenal of go speeding strikes and will get some third down alternatives. Braswell’s progress can be examined intently whereas Watts has yet one more probability to show why he ought to be on the energetic roster.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5
Lavonte DavidJamien SherwoodSirVocea DennisJeffrey BassaKobe King
Evaluation: The Bucs have a really younger group surrounding David. Sherwood will play the entire time whereas Dennis and Bassa sub in with David and deal with most go protection state of affairs. King begins out on particular groups however has a spot down the highway as a possible starter.
CORNERBACKS – 6
Zyon McCollumRasul DouglasCobee BryantBrandin EcholsMello DotsonTavierre Thomas
Evaluation: The secret is taking the ball away. McCollum must show he can do it constantly. Douglas has carried out that all through all of his profession. Echols and Thomas can be huge for particular groups with Echols additionally proving he may be invovled at nook. The younger pups in Bryant and Dotson are a double whammy of creating as gamers whereas Bryant sees some enjoying time in several packages.
SAFETIES – 5
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photograph by: USA At present
Antoine Winfield Jr.Tykee SmithChristian IzienKaevon MerriweatherAlijah Clark
Evaluation: A wholesome Winfield groups up with Tykee Smith to make an thrilling security duo whereas Izien goes again to his outdated position within the slot for the season. Merriweather is there to again up in any spot. Tampa Bay finds out what Clark can do whereas Moore is on the observe squad.
SPECIALISTS – 3
Ok Chase McLaughlinP Riley DixonLS Evan Deckers
Evaluation: Tampa Bay has the most effective kickers within the league with Chase McLaughlin. They only want to determine the punting state of affairs.
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 finest? Let me know what you assume within the article feedback part beneath.
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