buccaneers news – Syndication Server

Jets CB Sauce Gardner gives pitch to Buccaneers’ Mike Evans

Gardner took to social media to try and recruit Evans ahead of free agency, and one Bucs offensive player wasn’t all too thrilled about it.

You know what we talked about @MikeEvans13_ LeSauce(GM)

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) February 20, 2024

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans is set to be a highly-sought name in free agency for 2024, and some NFL players are already doing their best to make their pitch to him.

One of those players in New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has been taking to social media as his general manager alter-ego he calls “LeSauce.” His recent target was Evans, tweeting that Evans purportedly knew “what we talked about” on social media. The Jets are one of many teams that could be interested in Evans, with teams like the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers also often mentioned.

Some aren’t particularly pleased with Gardner’s recruiting efforts, though. Gardner tweeted earlier a list of wideouts and asked Jets fans which ones he should try to get to New York, and Bucs running back Rachaad White didn’t take kindly to Evans being mentioned among them:

Mike who u ain’t getting Mike 1️⃣3️⃣ twin can’t even go like dat 💯 https://t.co/QdIkgSEROb

— Rachaad White 1️⃣ (@Chaad_1) February 20, 2024

Evans had previously made a public statement about his contract through his agent at the beginning of the year, setting an extension deadline the team did not meet. Spotrac has Evans projected at $23.8 million dollars per year in market value — as it stands, the Jets are 20th in cap space at $7,562,303, so they’d need to do some maneuvering to try and land someone like Evans. Free agency officially opens on March 11, so we’ll know soon just how much of Gardner’s pitch is just talk or if it actually has some legs.

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Buccaneers sign former Chargers OL Matt Feiler

Matt Feiler has found a new home with the Buccaneers.

The Chargers saw another player find a new team in free agency on Thursday when offensive lineman Matt Feiler agreed to terms on a new contract with the Buccaneers.

Feiler was cut by Los Angeles earlier in the offseason due to salary cap constraints, which allowed them to save a significant amount of money by parting ways.

Signed two offseasons ago, Feiler was solid in his first season as a Charger. However, he took a step back this past season. Feiler allowed six sacks, 40 quarterback pressures and 31 hurries.

Veteran Offensive Lineman Matt Feiler is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per sources. 1-year deal. @nflnetwork @gmfb

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 13, 2023

Though he may not be a household name at this point in his career, Feiler has proven that he has all the tools necessary to be a consistent presence on any offensive line. The Buccaneers will benefit from his ability to mentor younger linemen next season.

Why Tom Brady’s free-agent move to Tampa Bay mirrored LeBron James

Scott Spratt over at ESPN.com said Tom Brady’s free-agent move this offseason had a LeBron James-feel to it.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team with championship expectations in 2020 now that Tom Brady is the man under the center.

The 43-year-old quarterback is still looking to fight off Father Time as he takes over one of the league’s best offenses. The addition of tight end Rob Gronkowski only further adds to the excitement surrounding this team, with many people believing Brady has a legitimate shot at getting ring number seven.

Already the greatest quarterback ever, Brady has drawn comparisons to other sports greats, most notably NBA legend Michael Jordan, who, like Brady, won six titles. (If you haven’t watched The Last Dance yet go to Netflix and binge it now.)

But while Brady may be like Mike when it comes to championships won, Scott Spratt over at ESPN says the six-time Super Bowl champ made more of a LeBron James-type move this offseason.

Per Spratt:

“Ironically, Tom Brady’s free-agent move to Tampa Bay mirrors LeBron James’ departure from Florida and return home to Cleveland in 2014. The narratives were totally different, but both decisions made sports sense thanks to their new teams’ young, blue-chip players — something Brady was missing on his the Patriots (ranked 31st in under-25 talent) as much because of bad drafting and forfeited picks in recent seasons as Bill Belichick’s preference for veteran players.

“The direct, obvious draws are wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, the 12th overall pick this season. Godwin led his veteran teammate Mike Evans (18.0%) and every other heavily targeted receiver in the NFL with a 32.8% DVOA in 2019. And Wirfs should fill the only obvious hole on a Buccaneers’ offensive line whose 22nd-ranked adjusted sack rate (7.6%) likely suffered from former quarterback Jameis Winston’s poor decision-making. Their 29.0% allowed pressure rate was 13th best and should improve with Wirfs starting and with Brady’s tremendous pocket presence.”

*Quick note: Wirfs was the 13th pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

It’s nice to see that Spratt’s optimistic about the offensive line, which is still a question mark. While the addition of Wirfs is a huge win for Tampa Bay, the loss of preseason games doesn’t do them any favors. Asking a rookie, even one as talented as Wirfs, to be NFL-ready in Week 1 without any preseason experience is a big ask. Then again, having to protect Tom Brady certainly provides a sense of motivation and pride.

We’ll see what Week 1 brings.

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It’s fun in the sun for Ndamukong Suh

Bucs DT Ndamukong Suh headed out on a boat to enjoy that Florida sun.

Buccaneers defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh signaled his return to Tampa for training camp with a hilarious gif, but the man who spent most of his offseason back home in Oregon seems to be enjoying himself in the Sunshine State.

Not only is Suh getting along with his rookie teammate already, but he’s soaking up that summer sun by hitting the water and living the dream.

Here are some screenshots from his recent Instagram story.

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Mike Clay says this team’s wide receiver unit is better than the Bucs’

Find out why Mike Clay of ESPN has the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver unit ranked ahead of the Buccaneers’.

The bread and butter of the Buccaneers’ offense has been their passing attack, highlighted by the play of Pro Bowl receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both of whom eclipsed the 1,100-yard mark last season.

With Tom Brady now under center and the Bucs looking to make some noise in the NFC, you can be sure Tampa Bay will take to the air again this season, especially now that Rob Gronkowski will be roaming the field.

Despite the greatness of both Evans and Godwin, the Buccaneers are still in need of another receiver. That might be why Mike Clay of ESPN ranked the Bucs’ wide receiver unit as the second best in the NFL, behind only the Dallas Cowboys.

Per Clay:

“The Cowboys entered April’s draft with one of the league’s best, young WR duos in Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. They now have the league’s best trio after selecting arguably the best of this year’s loaded class, CeeDee Lamb, with the 17th overall pick. New head coach Mike McCarthy relied heavily on three-WR sets in Green Bay, so expect to see this trio on the field on nearly every play this season.”

I tend to agree with Clay’s assessment here and would give the Cowboys receivers the edge over Tampa Bay’s right now. Not only is Lamb one of the biggest steals of the draft, but he helps give Dallas three strong options at receiver. The Bucs have Evans and Godwin, but still need to find a sure-fire third option.

Scotty Miller looks to be in contention for that role, as does fifth-round pick Tyler Johnson out of Minnesota. Dallas receivers — minus Lamb — have also had the benefit of playing with quarterback Dak Prescott before, whereas the Bucs are learning with a new quarterback in Tom Brady.

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Gronk asks fans to caption a photo of him and LeSean McCoy and they deliver

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski took to Instagram to solicit help from fans to caption a photo of him and LeSean McCoy.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added another talented veteran to their roster this week by inking running back LeSean McCoy.

At 32, McCoy’s best days may be behind him, but according to him he still has gas in the tank and a desire to win.

Yesterday, the new Buccaneer hit the field with his teammates, including tight end Rob Gronkowski, who welcomed McCoy to the team by holding a caption contest on Instagram for the below picture.

And, as expected, fans came up with some hilarious responses.

Take a look.

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Tom Brady welcomes LeSean McCoy to the Bucs with a hug

It was nothing but love between Tom Brady and new Bucs running back LeSean McCoy

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially welcomed veteran running back LeSean McCoy to the team today. The Super Bowl champion signed his contract with the team and was out on the field later with his new Bucs teammates.

Take a look at some photos of McCoy hugging it out with Tom Brady and greeting Rob Gronkowski.

Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski & LeSean McCoy – all now part of the same offense.

2020 really is just wild. pic.twitter.com/Ht4UrsezBA

— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) August 4, 2020

McCoy seems energized to be a part of this team and to be able to play in Bruce Arians’ offense.

LeSean McCoy says he's been watching Bucs HC Bruce Arians' offense for a while.

"He's a hell of a coach. I'm excited to be here playing for him."

— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) August 4, 2020

LeSean McCoy on this Bucs team: "They're building something special here. I truly believe that."

— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) August 4, 2020

Welcome to the Buccaneers, McCoy!

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Just Tom Brady throwing to his new tight ends

Take a look at new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady throwing to his new tight ends, including Rob Gronkowski.

New Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady already looks good in his new Tampa Bay threads, but the quarterback is just getting his feet wet in his first training camp with a new team in his 20-year career.

The former New England Patriots star will have tons of talent to work with this season on offense, including a tight end group that features Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.

Take a look at the 43-year-young QB slinging it to his tight ends on the field.

O.J. ✖️ Gronk ✖️ Cam pic.twitter.com/FYhdFXXMav

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 4, 2020

So far, so good.

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