Here are the major moves for the Bucs – and around the NFL – as the new league year begins
The Tampa Bay Bucs have made some major moves – and agreed to others – during the open negotiating window.
It all got kickstarted on Sunday with the return of quarterback Tom Brady, followed quickly by the re-signing of Ryan Jensen Sunday night. After that, the Bucs were able to re-sign Carlton Davis, Aaron Stinnie, and Breshad Perriman. Now, they lost guard Alex Cappa to the Cincinnati Bengals and safety Jordan Whitehead to the New York Jets.
As an answer for the retirement of Ali Marpet, the Bucs traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for guard Shaq Mason then agreed to terms with wide receiver – and former division rival – Russell Gage. Gage, who had offers from other teams, received a call from Brady to recruit him to the Bucs;
Here’s a great nugget from this week. WR Russell Gage was debating where to sign; had a few choices. Got a call from Tom Brady, 1 day after returning to the team.
Brady told Gage that they’re building something special and he’s been a fan of his game. Get aboard. @gmfb
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 16, 2022
The new league year kicks off at 4:00 p.m. ET when we’ll see all these agreed upon moves become official – like Russell Wilson to the Broncos, Yannick Ngakoue to the Colts, Carson Wentz to the Commanders, and potentially some movement on the DeShaun Watson front.
Check out the thread below with up-to-date and pertinent free agency news about the Tampa Bay Bucs, the NFC South, and other major moves around the league (most recent news will appear at the top);
Bucs have void years added onto Chris Godwin’s three-year, $60 million deal, so his initial cap number for 2022 is just $5 million.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 17, 2022
Bucs’ franchise player Chris Godwin reached agreement on a 3-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million fully guaranteed at signing, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
The #Bills aren’t done. Source said they are signing former #Bucs TE OJ Howard.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2022
Official announcement on Bucs’ trading for Patriots guard Shaq Mason won’t be for a while. He needs to pass a physical first and is off on a cruise. So that won’t happen until he gets back next week.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 16, 2022
WR Jarvis Landry will visit the Atlanta Falcons, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 16, 2022
CB Richard Sherman, Pierre Desir, S Andrew Adams, LS Zach Triner.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 16, 2022
The Titans are planning on releasing WR Julio Jones, sources tell @AdamSchefter and me
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 16, 2022
Bucs have gotten themselves cap compliant, though that’s based on not all their current contracts being submitted officially with the league yet. Still need to clear space for other free-agent signings to come, then down the road, things like draft picks signing.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 16, 2022
It’s official ✍️#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/OzZCV5LyB4
— Tampa Bay Bucs (@Bucs) March 16, 2022
Carlton Davis has gone up against Russell Gage since they were at Auburn and LSU, said the new Bucs receiver is “a tough guy and a hell of a route runner … I think he’ll be a great piece for us.”
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 16, 2022
I’m told the Bucs did not extend an offer to safety Jordan Whitehead at all. He was a 2018 fourth-round pick looking for his second contract with the team.
Instead, Whitehead will sign a 2yr/$14.5 million deal that makes him a New York Jet today, per prior reports.
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 16, 2022