Tampa Bay Buccaneers Face Key Decisions Ahead of NFL Free Agency

TAMPA, Fla. — As NFL free agency approaches, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing crucial decisions regarding their roster. The legal tampering period begins Monday at noon ET, followed by the official start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Buccaneers have the 19th pick in this year’s NFL Draft and must evaluate which players they will retain from a list of unrestricted free agents.

This offseason, the Buccaneers have several key players whose futures remain uncertain, notably wide receiver Chris Godwin and linebacker Lavonte David. Godwin, coming off an ankle injury that truncated his 2024 season, is considered a top target for the Bucs, particularly following Tee Higgins’ franchise tag by the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving Godwin as one of the best receivers available.

“I think the Bucs want Godwin back in Tampa and I think Godwin feels the same way,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “His market could be robust, but he’s valuable to what the team aims to accomplish in the upcoming season.”

With Mike Evans entering the final year of his contract, securing Godwin for the long term is a priority for the Buccaneers, especially as they transition to a new phase in their franchise. Meanwhile, Lavonte David’s future is less certain; he is contemplating retirement after several seasons with the team, but could make a return for one last run.

“I think this is a coin flip with David. He’s certainly earned the right to make his decision,” the source added. “The Bucs would love to have their leader on defense back, but it ultimately depends on what Lavonte wants.”

In addition to Godwin and David, starting left guard Ben Bredeson is expected to return on a one-year deal after a solid performance last season, although the team may still look to bolster the offensive line during the draft.

The Buccaneers’ free agency decisions are compounded by their need to prepare for the upcoming draft on April 27, where they must find players to fill existing gaps in their roster.

As the clock ticks down to free agency, the Buccaneers will finalize their strategy, balancing immediate needs with future potential. The following is a brief overview of the pending free agents and their anticipated outcomes:

• Anthony Nelson – Stays
• Greg Gaines – Stays
• Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Goes
• Chase Edmonds – Goes
• Lavonte David – TBD (Retirement possible)

This offseason promises to be crucial for the Buccaneers as they aim to remain competitive in the NFC South while managing their roster effectively. As negotiations begin, all eyes will be on the forthcoming decisions that will shape the team’s future.