Relating to the Bucs re-signing their very own gamers this offseason, it’s not as tumultuous because the yr earlier than once they wanted to deliver again quarterback Baker Mayfield and broad receiver Mike Evans whereas additionally signing security Antoine Winfield Jr. to an extension. Plus, left deal with Tristan Wirfs additionally received an extension however Tampa Bay had somewhat extra time to perform that.
This offseason, the primary precedence particularly for having their very own return begins and ends with broad receiver Chris Godwin. Second and third in no matter explicit order every Tampa Bay fan needs to place them in is Bucs’ legendary inside linebacker Lavonte David and beginning left guard Ben Bredeson. A lot additional down the checklist is outdoors linebacker Anthony Nelson. Although Nelson received’t be the most important impression signing that the Bucs make in free company if he had been to return, that doesn’t imply they need to be carried out with him, both.
Anthony Nelson Offers Vital Depth For Bucs
Anthony Nelson has been round for fairly some time for the Bucs. He was drafted in 2019 and received a Tremendous Bowl with the crew a yr later in 2020. All through his profession, Nelson has by no means been the full-time starter for the protection at outdoors linebacker, however does have 18 profession begins to his title in 92 profession video games with 18.5 sacks. Averaging one sack per begin isn’t such a nasty factor to have return.
Bucs OLB Anthony Nelson – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
The largest factor Nelson has delivered to the Bucs in his time in Tampa has been consistency. He hasn’t dropped off considerably in any means or did not reside as much as his billing the way in which Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has. Todd Bowles has referred to as him “Steady Eddie” all through his profession and that reveals in the truth that his sack numbers from 2021 on have been 5, 5.5 in 2022, three in 2023 and 4 in 2024.
Nelson’s profession excessive of 5.5 additionally led all Bucs’ outdoors linebackers that season. Nelson wouldn’t be described as a playmaker, however his compelled fumble on Panthers working again Chuba Hubbard final season in additional time in a means saved the Bucs’ season on the time. That may’t be neglected.
Let’s set the file straight.
Anthony Nelson needs to be again with the Bucs, however he shouldn’t return as a starter reverse of Yaya Diaby. Nelson is the fitting man to have with some spot begins as a consequence of harm and be within the rotation. He doesn’t want to start out 17 video games, nor he’s an answer to the Bucs’ outdoors linebacker points if he will get re-signed. However as a fourth or fifth-string edge rusher, he’s an incredible match.
Bucs Outdoors Linebacker Room
The Bucs have somewhat little bit of a useless cap hit from Nelson at $2.65 million. Cap projections have him getting a contract at $3.5 million, and he’s not going to have an enormous market. It in all probability advantages Nelson extra to come back again to the Bucs the place he is aware of how you can function within the protection. That’s no downside from a monetary standpoint for the crew.
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum and OLB Anthony Nelson and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Tampa Bay goes to maneuver on from Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Whereas Yaya Diaby is penciled in as a 2025 starter, the outlook of the group is murky after that. Chris Braswell has a whole lot of bettering to do in his second season. Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez appear extra like follow squad gamers at this level, so there’s loads left to fill. There’s the chance that Shaq Barrett returns, although how a lot he can present and if the crew needs it both stays unsure.
With many free brokers accessible to signal or commerce for at edge rusher, it will not shock anybody if the Bucs went after Josh Sweat or Khalil Mack or tried to commerce for Trey Hendrickson. There are additionally some appropriate choices within the draft. Tampa Bay ought to do each of these items to fill out the room and likewise preserve Nelson round.
That will put Diaby and no matter veteran the Bucs usher in as starters with Braswell and a rookie within the combine if mentioned rookie is a day-one or day-two draft choose. Any choose afterward makes it a contest with Nelson, and he supplies a backup plan if Braswell doesn’t present indicators of development.
Depth is far wanted for Tampa Bay this season. Anthony Nelson supplies quite a lot of it at an affordable value for the crew as he can present consistency whereas additionally they revamp the room.
