The veteran defensive lineman will further round the front seven depth.
The Bucs brought back a franchise stalwart Monday, inking William Gholston to a contract of undisclosed length, per Fox Sports’s Greg Auman.
Bucs have agreed to terms with defensive lineman Will Gholston to bring him back for an 11th season in Tampa. Big boost to defensive line depth for 2023.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 24, 2023
Gholston, who turns 32 on July 31, has spent his entire NFL career with the Bucs. He currently owns the second-longest tenure of anyone on the team behind only Lavonte David, who is entering his 12th season in red and pewter.
The Michigan State product bolsters a deep rotation on the defensive line ahead of training camp, as he will join a group that already includes first-rounder Calijah Kancey, free-agent add Greg Gaines, former top-pick Logan Hall, and special teams standout Pat O’Connor.
Gholston has produced some of his best seasons since fitting into Todd Bowles’s defensive scheme, recording 10 sacks since 2019 and providing valuable run defense. Throughout the course of his career, which began as a fourth-round selection in 2013, Gholston has recorded 401 total tackles, 19.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 12 passes defensed.
He started for the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning unit throughout that season and the game itself. Gholston recorded a QB hit and contributed to the overall effort in disrupting Pat Mahomes and a vicious Kansas City Chiefs offense.
While he’s past his prime, Gholston is a celebrated member of the Tampa Bay community and still looks to have some gas left in the tank as the Bucs look to turn a new chapter this season.
Veterans report for training camp at the team’s facility Tuesday, and practices will begin Wednesday.