Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign Ryan Jensen to four-year deal

After visits to Tampa and Indianapolis, former Ravens center Ryan Jensen has signed a multi-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that makes him the highest-paid center in the league.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the early days of the new league year re-signing their own and making minor moves. They then made a bigger move on Friday, signing former Ravens center Ryan Jensen to a four-year, $42 million contract (with $22 million guaranteed). The deal makes the 26-year-old the highest paid center in the NFL.

Jensen visited with the Bucs on Thursday, but left without signing a deal. However, it was reportedly his plan all along to visit both Tampa and Indianapolis before making a decision. After his meeting with the Colts, the speculation started. Indianapolis showed interest in guard Justin Pugh, seemingly a sign that they didn’t like their chances to land Jensen. Then, the 6-foot-4, 319-pounder liked a tweet from Donovan Smith and followed a few Tampa Bay players on Friday afternoon/evening. Shortly after, the news broke that he was going to be a Buccaneer.

The move is a big one for Tampa Bay, as it solidifies the interior of the offensive line. Ali Marpet, who played the first two years of his career at guard before moving to center in 2017, can move back to guard. J.R. Sweezy presumably fits in at the other guard spot barring another move. Then, Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson should round out the line at the tackle spots.

The Bucs likely won’t be making any other major moves, unless there are cuts coming. The team still has some cap room to work with, but contract extensions are on the horizon for Marpet, Jameis Winston, Kwon Alexander and potentially Smith. The team still has needs on the defensive line, in the secondary and in the backfield.

Next: Are the Buccaneers as far away from contending as their 2017 record indicates?

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