Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign Cameron Brate to big extension

Jason Licht has locked up one of the biggest red zone targets in recent memory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

First it was Mike Evans. Now, it’s stand out Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate who gets the big extension. Jason Licht has signed the feared red zone target to a six year extension according to Jason LaCanfora;

According to Buccaneers insider Jenna Laine of ESPN, it’s a big time team friendly deal;

We had the debate last month where I personally didn’t believe the Buccaneers could lock Brate up long term because of the money he could command on the open market. Somehow, Licht worked his magic and got Brate to take only $18 million in guarantees over the course of this six year deal.

Brate led the NFL in touchdowns by a tight end in 2016 with eight, followed up by six more last season. Bringing him back as a long term tandem with O.J. Howard is going to give opposing defenses fits in the red zone as the two tight ends as well as Mike Evans all provide match-up problems for opposing cornerbacks and safeties across the league.

Teammate Kwon Alexander was excited by the move;

This was an A+ move for Jason Licht to kick things off during the open negotiating period. There will of course be interest in other players, but it was vital that the Buccaneers begin to lock up their own guys long term.

Specifics of the deal aren’t yet available, but if history tells us anything, it’s that the deal will be front loaded and the Bucs could likely move on from Brate with no dead cap money being accrued.

Next: 2018 Free Agency Primer

More details on the deal will follow as soon as they’re available. Keep it locked here for the latest in free agent updates, agreements, and signings.