[autotag]Graham Barton[/autotag], finally and officially, is an NFL player.
Barton officially signed his first contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the four-year deal included close to $14 million in guaranteed money.
The 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Barton will play center for the Bucs moving forward. He played left tackle in each of his last three collegiate seasons, but he started as the anchor of Duke’s offensive line as a freshman.
The four-year Blue Devils starter becomes the third Duke player drafted in the first round since 1987.
Barton already made his debut in a Buccaneers jersey during rookie minicamps and training camp, and his new quarterback Baker Mayfield praised how well he’s learning the playbook already.
However, the NFL adjustment hasn’t all been smooth. Tampa Bay also shared a short video of Barton reacting to the Florida heat after playing in North Carolina for three straight seasons.
Our first-round pick is officially signed.
Keep putting in that work, @grahambarton53! đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/2djvZL7hCN
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 13, 2024
Barton makes his NFL debut against the Washington Commanders in September.