Buccaneers offseason checklist: Retaining Pro Bowl WR should be first priority

With the new league year kicking off on March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason.

Here are five moves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should make in the coming months.

1.

Re-sign wide receiver Chris Godwin Godwin was on the brink of a career year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 against the Ravens.

The 2019 Pro Bowler had 50 receptions, 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games, putting him on pace for career highs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Last offseason, the Bucs agreed to a two-year, $41 million extension with wideout Mike Evans.

Coming off a dislocated ankle, Godwin could be cheaper.

Per Over The Cap , the Bucs only have roughly $8.4 million in available cap space.

However, they could generate savings by restructuring the contracts of some of their highest-paid stars, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs.

Both have 2025 cap numbers north of $30 million, and Tampa Bay could save $41.4 million by converting some of their salary into bonus payments.

2.

Get younger at linebacker The ageless Lavonte David continued to be Tampa's best linebacker at 34 in 2024.

He had 122 tackles last season, giving him 11 100-tackle seasons since entering the league in 2012.

Per Stathead , only future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner (13) has more during that span.

While David could continue playing at a high level in 2025, he's considering retirement.

Thus, the linebacker position is arguably the team's No.

1 need in the 2025 NFL Draft.

3.

Add an edge-rusher in free agency The Buccaneers have a burgeoning star at edge-rusher in Yaya Diaby but lack depth behind him.

Per PFF data , Diaby led Tampa Bay with 70 total quarterback pressures (including postseason) in 2024.

He had 37 more pressures than Anthony Nelson, who ranked second on the team among edge-defenders with 33 total pressures.

Nelson is an unrestricted free agent, as is fellow edge-rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.

The Bucs could elect to bring either (or both) back, but veterans on the open market look more enticing.

Khalil Mack, Josh Sweat, Chase Young, Demarcus Lawerence and Haason Reddick are among this year's class of free-agent edge-rushers.

Tampa could form a formidable duo by hiring one of them to pair alongside Diaby.

4.

Reunite with cornerback Carlton Davis Tampa Bay's secondary struggled in 2024, ranking 29th in pass defense (243.9 yards per game).

Last offseason, Davis was traded from the Bucs to the Lions, where he played on a one-year contract.

Considering his familiarity with Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles' scheme, he could seamlessly reintegrate into the Bucs' defense.

In his lone season with the Lions, Davis allowed 43 receptions on 72 targets (59.7 percent) for 583 yards and three touchdowns while nabbing two interceptions and 11 passes defended in 13 games.

5.

Sign a backup QB Here's a riddle: Name Tampa Bay's backup quarterback last season.

If you guessed correctly and said Kyle Trask, then hello, Kyle Trask.

Thanks for reading.

After four seasons backing up Tom Brady (2021-22) and Baker Mayfield (2023-24), the four-year veteran is a pending free agent.

Tampa Bay could bring him back, fitting its recent trend of re-signing its free agents.

It could also branch out and land an experienced quarterback.

In recent seasons, Tampa's starters have carried the weight, but a backup is always one snap away from playing.

It's an unfortunate reality of the game.

While Tampa Bay's second-string quarterback decision might seem like an afterthought, it's not a decision the front office should make lightly.

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports.

He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, mens and womens college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf.

He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans.

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