3 former Tampa Bay Buccaneers players we’re glad are back, 3 we're glad are gone
Free agency has gone well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were able to keep their quarterback, star wide receiver, and fan favorite linebacker. While they have lost some players, none of the players who have left are considered to be a massive loss for the Bucs as they look to win their fourth straight NFC South title in 2024.
Let's look at three Bucs players who we're happy to see return to the team in 2024 and three players who we're glad are leaving.
Glad to have back: Baker Mayfield
When the Bucs signed former number one overall pick Baker Mayfield last offseason, fans weren't necessarily jumping for joy. Mayfield had played for two teams during the 2022 season and was coming to his fourth team in just three years. That led to a lot of people assuming that Tampa was going to be bad but that didn't end up happening.
Mayfield went on to put up the best numbers of his career, throwing for over 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 picks. Mayfield has proven throughout his career that he's a tough son of a gun and proved that once again in Tampa, starting every game despite getting banged up throughout the year.
Fortunately, Mayfield is back for the foreseeable future after signing a three-year deal worth $100 million with $50 million guaranteed. With Mayfield back in 2024, the Bucs should be able to compete for the NFC South title once again.
Glad are gone: Devin White
This one hurts a bit since Devin White was great early in his career and played lights out in Super Bowl LV. That being said, his performances early on in his career definitely helped White coast a bit during his tougher stretches and it was time for the two sides to part ways.
White struggled immensely in 2023 and PFF gave him an overall grade of 46.0, which is rough. He also finished the season with a run defense grade of 30.8, which is awful. The Bucs ended up benching White down the stretch and now he'll be joining the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2024 season.
Bucs fans can appreciate what White did for the organization while also being glad to see him and the team go their separate ways.