Bucs after Dark: 3 AAF players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could sign
By Cory Kinnan
DeMarquis Gates
Undrafted a year ago, linebacker DeMarquis Gates signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, however failed to make the team. The 6’2 and 230 pound linebacker from Ole Miss is only 23 years old, and lit up the AAF for the Memphis Express.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Gates led the entire AAF in tackles from the second level of the Express defense with 52 tackles, eight of which came behind the line of scrimmage, and added one sack. Gates also forced five fumbles and hit the opposing quarterback an additional three times in eight games played.
In three years as a starter for the Ole Miss Rebels, Gates tallied a total of 282 tackles, 17.5 of which came behind the line of scrimmage, and six sacks. His final collegiate season, in 2017, he recorded 114 tackles, 10 for loss, and tacked on two sacks.
While he did not get much of a chance in the NFL last offseason, failing to make the Browns’ practice squad, Gates could see himself get another chance on an NFL roster in 2019 after proving that he can play well at the middle linebacker position. After the departure of Kwon Alexander, it would not hurt the Buccaneers to give him an opportunity to come to camp and a chance to make an NFL roster.