Buccaneers Re-Sign Chris Conte, Jacquizz Rodgers

The Buccaneers took care of some of their own free agents today, bringing back safety Chris Conte and running back Jacquizz Rodgers on two year deals.

Amidst the excitement of signing wide receiver DeSean Jackson to a three year deal and defensive tackle Chris Baker to a three year deal, the Buccaneers shelled out a few two year deals to their own in house free agents. Running back Jacquizz Rodgers – the Bucs’ leading rusher in 2016 – will be back on two year deal for $3.3-million while safety Chris Conte is back on a two year deal for up to $7-million with incentives.

Both deals officially announced by the Buccaneers.

The plan appears to be using Rodgers as a rotational back -k and with the Bucs’ lack of interest in the free agent running back market – drafting a back to go along with Rodgers. Rodgers was signed by the Bucs in 2016 after week one of the season for the league minimum. Rodgers played in ten games and filled in beautifully for an injured Doug Martin, rushing for 560 yards.

Chris Conte comes back for a third and fourth season after signing as a free agent in 2015. With Bradley McDougald still a free agent, Conte and Tandy are the two safeties the Bucs currently have. Conte had a few key plays against the Bears and Chiefs in 2016 and defensive coordinator saw enough flashes to want Conte to return for a few more seasons.

Conte was the brunt of many Bucs fans’ frustrations and he will certainly have the opportunity to start again in 2017. The Bucs are still in on safety J.J. Wilcox and will likely draft a safety in a deep defensive back class. Conte is a player that knows Mike Smith‘s system and – if nothing else – will provide reliable, solid depth should he not be the starter moving forward.

Next: How DeSean Jackson Affects The Bucs' Draft Plans

More moves will be made in the coming hours as the Bucs contibue to pursue free agents as well as try to retain their own. Stay tuned in here for the latest news and updates.