Grading every Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason move so far, including Carlton Davis trade
By Brad Smith
Chase Edmonds, RB
Contract: One-year deal
Grade: C
Due to the large surplus of quality running backs in free agency, the Buccaneers were expected to make a splash on one of the top available backs for Mayfield and the offense. Instead, Tampa Bay chose to resign Edmonds as the team's No. 2 back behind starter Rachaad White on a one-year deal with the terms of the contract undisclosed.
The deal with keep the 27-year-old Edmonds in Tampa Bay for a second straight season. In his first year as a Buccaneer, Edmonds totaled 257 yards from scrimmage on 63 touches, 49 carries and 14 catches. Since rushing for 592 yards and two touchdowns and catching 311 yards in 12 games in 2021, Edmonds has failed to eclipse 300 yards with Denver, Miami, or Tampa Bay.
Even so, Edmonds is still a decent backup option to White in the backfield in the run-and-pass game. On a one-year contract with an expected minimal price tag, the signing is an insignificant depth transaction, but still questions the Buccaneers' decision to not sign a better running back for slightly less money.
Lavonte David, LB
Contract: One-year, $9M
Grade: A
Besides locking down Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. to contract extensions, finding a way to retain David was among the Buccaneers' most important priorities in free agency. Just hours into the first day of free agency, Tampa Bay managed to do just that, coming to terms with David on a one-year, $9 million deal.
There were growing reports that David could potentially leave Tampa Bay -- including the man himself -- so locking down the 12-year veteran through 2024 is just as important as any other transaction the Buccaneers made this offseason. Coupled with the news of middle linebacker Devin White leaving for Philadelphia just days later, and keeping David is even more valuable for the Buccaneers.
At 33 years old, David still had a solid campaign for Tampa Bay in 2023, with 134 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and five passes defended in 15 games. Paying $9 million for a 33-year-old veteran may seem pricy, but David is one of the Buccaneers' true leaders on the field and in the locker room and getting him for one more season is a victory, no matter the cost.